Yes, poor Buffy. She did so well on her SATs, and got into good colleges, but they just weren't options she could pursue - no wonder she resented Faith so much after she took away her chance to escape.

Giles going back to Oxford does seem to be the most sensible option - he must have at least an undergraduate degree, surely, and I bet the Council have strings to pull. (I want to rewatch it too! I haven't seen it for ages. Season 2 is one of my very favourites.)