Across the world and generations, Ivy League universities have been at the center of every discussion about world-class education. You will find that nearly all study abroad applicants are vying for a spot at an Ivy League school. But what is the Ivy League, and how is it synonymous with academic excellence and social prestige? Knee-deep in tradition and renowned for academic rigor, the Ivy League schools offer a rich research environment and strong programs across disciplines, as well as vibrant extracurricular activities. Let’s find out more about them.
What is the Ivy League?
At the pinnacle of American higher education, the Ivy League is a group of top 8 US colleges known for academic excellence and social prestige. They are known to educate the world’s best students. Talk about Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, Ban-ki-moon, or celebrities such as Natalie Portman or Matt Damon, all of these prodigies come from one of the Ivy League colleges.
The Ivy League institutions include Brown University, Dartmouth University, Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Columbia University.
Going all the way back to the origin, the term “Ivy” comes from the ivy-planting tradition that began in the 1800s in the member colleges of Yale, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania. Originally founded in the 1950s, these universities were a part of the NCAA Division 1 athletics league. Consequently, they have gained widespread traction for their competitive athletic programs, helping them secure additional funding to hire talented professors from across the world. Today, the world’s greatest innovators, thinkers, creative leaders, and businessmen are recognized as having come from the Ivies.
The Ivy League institutions are known for their stringent acceptance criteria and low acceptance rates; therefore, one’s application needs to be eye-catching for it to stand out in the pool of applications. Grants and financial aid heavily back these institutions and bring well-respected professors to the table.
Although the term “Ivy League” originally applied only to sports conferences, its significance soon grew beyond sports. It became a global benchmark for social prestige, intellectual rigor, and academic excellence.
Together, these institutions have come to represent several traits, such as highly qualified faculty engaged in cutting-edge research, a selective admissions process, world-class faculty, and an abundance of extracurricular activities. They have produced some of the most influential alumni who have extensively contributed to politics, business, literature, and the arts.
The following are their defining characteristics:
- Academic excellence: Going back to the 1700s and 1800s, these institutions have upheld a long-standing tradition of academic excellence involving ground-breaking research and studies. For example, Harvard has broken records for publishing the highest number of research studies in Nature and Science and has spearheaded the revolutionary discovery of the smallpox vaccine, anesthesia, and oral contraception.
- Extensive educational programs: Ivy League institutions also set the bar very high for having the most rigorous academic programs in their curricula, setting their students up for a range of challenges and pushing them way beyond their boundaries to reach their potential. Whether it’s former US president Barack Obama in the field of politics, the Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, who has left her indelible print in the field of art, or Nobel laureate and economist Paul Krugman, Ivy League is universally known for producing award-winning prodigies in a plethora of fields.
- Selective admission process: The Ivy League schools are known to trigger fierce competition among aspiring candidates. It has stringent criteria that are based on certain metrics to ensure that it only chooses students who don’t just excel academically but also possess the relevant leadership qualities, are talented, and have an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Based on statistical data, all eight Ivy League universities have comprehensive requirements for applicants worldwide. Only 8% to 16% of seats are available for international students at these universities, which are known to favor students who rank in the top 1% of their respective classes.
- A wealth of research opportunities: As of October 2023, Brown University’s scientists’ breakthrough discoveries have made the cure for COVID-19 possible with the coming of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, making them the Nobel Prize winners in Physiology and Medicine. Stanford University’s medical community has brought a range of innovations, such as the first linear accelerator for lung cancer treatment. These are only a few of the many pioneering works done in the research community of Ivy League institutions. They are known to provide cutting-edge infrastructure, expert-backed research initiatives, and a worldwide library of resources.
- Exceptional networking opportunities: As already established, all Ivy-League entrants automatically get access to a large network of talented alumni who can invariably contribute to their academic success. These connections are instrumental in bringing them mentorship, job opportunities, and other career advancements.
- Diversity in growth: As beautifully remarked by a student at Yale University:
“Yale University is the best thing that has happened to me. In the most non-cliche way possible, I have learned more during my first year and a half here than I could have ever imagined. Thanks to the political, economic, and ethnic diversity, I have been places, met people, and learned things I never could have imagined.”
All Ivy League institutions provide an opportunity to excel not just in academics but in various other domains of life, including sports, the arts, theater, and so on – allowing students to become active members of diverse communities.
Students from Ivy League institutions thrive on intellectual curiosities and stand strong in the face of challenge- making them strive for excellence in academics. Ivy League education is not about passive learning; students inherently satisfy their curiosities and actualize their potential. They are trained to be leaders who are passionate about creating a change in the society at large. Such institutions contribute to their overall development, making them embrace sports, the arts, community service, volunteering, and entrepreneurship with the same vigor.
This review by a student at Cornell University sums it all:
“It is incredible being surrounded by like-minded and driven students that inspire me so much. The professors are brilliant, and I feel that I am receiving the best education possible. It is difficult, but I love how it challenges me. I have been forced to change myself in the best ways possible, becoming inclined to work with others and push others as they have pushed me. It is a competitive yet friendly environment that constitutes the best academic opportunity.”
LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THESE TOP COLLEGES
Princeton University
Princeton University is a top-tier research and leading educational institution with a strong focus on undergraduate education and outreach. Princeton follows a strong principle of accepting the brightest students from a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, contributing to the most diverse student body. Students are extensively trained for leadership, service, and lifetime learning through their experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Because of Princeton’s small student-to-faculty ratio, students can collaborate closely with professors.
Rank: National University Ranking is #1 (source: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/ivy-league-schools)
Acceptance rate: As for the class of 2027, the acceptance rate is 5.8%.
How does Princeton University stand out?
- Junior paper and Senior thesis: The junior paper allows students to practice independent research and skills and familiarize themselves with the process before they complete their Senior thesis. Senior theses allow for individual attention from their faculty advisors, providing a space to expand their academic interests and hone skills of creativity, research discipline, and independent thought.
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs: Princeton is considered to be the best school for studying International Affairs and Public policy
- Princeton Plan: Princeton’s curriculum, popularly known as the ‘Princeton Plan,” strives to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded educational plan that focuses on critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of various disciplines.
- Vibrant Research Culture: Students at Princeton get access to outstanding research opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research under the guidance of the faculty members.
Fun fact: A Beautiful Mind- the movie based on Mathematician John Nash was a Princeton Mathematician.
Notable alumni: Jeff Bezos, F.Scott Fitzgerald, Brooke Shields
Harvard University
Since its founding in 1636, Harvard University has been the country’s oldest university and is recognized as one of the top universities in the world for its academic standing, influence, and reputation. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard’s 209-acre campus is home to the largest academic library system in the world. It employs a strict selection procedure to choose students who carry the potential to become future leaders.
Rank: National University Ranking is #3
Acceptance rate: As for the class of 2027, the acceptance rate is 3.7%.
How does Harvard University stand out?
- World-class faculty and education: Harvard University follows the culture of having Nobel laureates and Pulitzer winners lead introductory courses and lectures, ensuring that the students receive the best in education.
- Groundbreaking repository of resources: Known to have the world’s largest academic library, Harvard University provides an all-rounded development to its students powered by research-backed resources in its private library.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: With an unwavering focus on academic excellence, Harvard has a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that each student has the individual space to learn from the best.
- Financial aid program: Harvard University offers a very robust and generous financial aid program for its students, making the student body more diverse.
Fun fact: Harvard University inaugurated the world’s first printing press in 1638.
Notable alumni: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John Adams
Yale University
Situated in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is a private research university founded by English Puritans in 1701, making it one of the oldest higher education institutions in the United States. Yale University houses a total of 14 schools, including the original undergraduate college, the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and 12 other professional schools.
Rank: National University Ranking is #5.
Acceptance rate: As for the class of 2027, the acceptance rate is 3.7%.
How does Yale University stand out?
- Residential college system: Upon selection, every undergraduate student is affiliated with one of Yale’s 14 residential colleges which provide a tight-knit, supportive, and community-like environment for the students to familiarize themselves with and engage in different activities.
- Numerous research centers: From the Yale Center for Genome Analysis, the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy to the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, Yale has established a range of research hubs to foster excellence.
- Extracurricular offerings: Yale University has over 400 student organizations that include a wide range of clubs, performing art groups, publications, athletic teams, community service projects, debate teams, and so on!
Fun fact: Inspired by Hogwart’s feast, Yale hosts a holiday banquet for freshmen.
Notable alumni: Meryl Streep, Jeffrey Lawrence Bewkes, Paul Krugman, George W Bush
University of Pennsylvania
Popularly known as the UPenn or just Penn, the University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia and is built on its founder Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy of translating knowledge into social action. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, UPenn offers a range of clubs and organizations for its students, including performance groups such as Latin and Ballroom Dance Club and publications such as the Penn Political Review.
Rank: National University Ranking is #6.
Acceptance rate: As for the class of 2027, the acceptance rate is 6.5%.
How does the University of Pennsylvania stand out?
- Flexible curriculum: Following an interdisciplinary approach, the University of Pennsylvania allows students to combine studies in different disciplines.
- Wharton’s School of Business: UPenn’s Wharton School of Business is one of the most prestigious and world’s premier business schools.
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS): SEAS is renowned for offering a creative and innovative approach to engineering with an extensive focus on learning and cutting-edge research and technology.
- Global Impact: Upenn strives to make a global impact through its study abroad opportunities, international partnerships, global collaborations for cross-cultural understanding, and collaborative research projects that tackle global challenges.
Fun fact: The World’s first computer, ENIAC, was constructed at Moore School of Electrical Engineering (now Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science)
Notable alumni: Naom Chomsky, Donald Trump
Brown University
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University boasts a world-class teaching staff and distinctive educational models designed to enhance creativity and vigor for learning among their students. Considered the most liberal of all Ivy League colleges, Brown University is globally known for its open curriculum that allows students to figure out their own plan of study. Brown University focuses more on undergraduate courses than other universities, which prefer to focus on Graduate studies. It offers more than 80 majors across various disciplines. Brown University’s 6:1 student-faculty ratio allows you to take a broad course load before settling into a more specialized area of study.
Rank: National University Ranking is #9
Acceptance rate: As for the school of 2027, the acceptance rate is 5%.
How does Brown University stand out?
- Open Curriculum: This university’s open curriculum provides an innovative approach to education where students are empowered to design their own academic path
- Interdisciplinary approach: Brown University encourages interdisciplinary research and critical inquiry, enabling students to investigate difficult societal issues, question preconceived notions, and produce fresh perspectives. Brown’s researchers study a wide range of subjects with significant social and intellectual implications, from public policy and sociology to cultural studies and history.
- Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity: Principles of inclusivity and diversity lies at the heart of Brown University’s educational culture and philosophy. It is committed to seeking students, faculty, and staff from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
- Community engagement: Brown University prioritizes community engagement as one of its ethos, fostering a culture of civic responsibility and social awareness in students.
Fun fact: It is the first Ivy League college to accept applicants from all religious and racial backgrounds.
Notable Alumni: John Krasinski, Thomas O. Paine, Emma Watson
Columbia University
One of the most prestigious centers of research in the world, Columbia University offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in a wide range of academic and professional fields, curating a unique learning environment. As a leading research center, Columbia University has facilitated groundbreaking research in the fields of atomic nuclei, nuclear fission, and business concepts such as Value at Risk and innovations such as the first microprocessor and the first FM Radio to the world.
Rank: National University Ranking is #12.
Acceptance rate: As for the school of 2028, the acceptance rate is 3.85%.
How does Columbia University stand out?
- Leading Research Hub: Columbia University is universally known for fostering research in a wide range of disciplines. The Columbian Clinical Innovation Lab brings innovative solutions to the field of healthcare.
- Core Curriculum: Students are exposed to a wide range of concepts and viewpoints in the areas of science, philosophy, music, literature, history, and art.
- Extracurricular activities: In addition to a student-run radio station, Columbia is home to over 500 clubs and organizations that foster extra-curricular excellence, innovation, and creativity in all its students.
- New York: Located right at the center of New York, students from Columbia get access to job and career opportunities in the fields of art, culture, technology and entertainment.
Fun fact: Columbia University annually administers the Pulitzer Prize.
Notable Alumni: Ed Harris, Milton Friedman, Allen Ginsberg
Cornell University
A partner institution of the State University of New York, Cornell is a privately endowed research university. In addition to challenging dual-degree courses and a range of unique majors like agricultural sciences, astronomy, and environment and sustainability, it offers more than 80 formal majors. Cornell is widely known for its programs in hospitality and agriculture. It also provides more than 122 minor programs.
Rank: National University Ranking is #12.
Acceptance rate: As for the school of 2027, the acceptance rate is 5.7%.
How does Cornell University stand out?
- Specialization in STEM: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Cornell’s academic strengths lie in the STEM field, in which it outperforms other Ivy League colleges.
- Land-grant university: Despite being a private university, Cornell receives state funding to run its institutions, setting it apart from other Ivy League colleges.
- Progressive founding: With its liberal and progressive mission of making education accessible to students from varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds, Cornell is also one of the first to dedicate itself to the field of agricultural sciences and has been committed to introducing programs in different disciplines.
- Beautiful campus: Cornell boasts of an aesthetic campus, with its location in the tourist center of Ithaca. It captures the natural beauty of the waterfall and is also bordered by the beautiful Cayuga Lake. Additionally, it is also a cultural culmination of great food, cultural amenities, and student diversity.
Fun fact: Cornell University is the world’s first university to introduce a degree in Journalism.
Notable Alumni: Toni Mirroson, Christopher Reeve, Pearl S. Buck
Dartmouth College
Focusing primarily on undergraduate education, Dartmouth College is an excellent choice to begin your career trajectory in the field of your choice. Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College adopts a distinct identity by virtue of its location.
Rank: National University Ranking is #18.
Acceptance rate: The average acceptance rate is 6%.
How does Dartmouth College stand out?
- D-Plan system: It follows a quarter-based academic calendar comprising of 4 10 week-sessions, allowing the students flexibility to plan their academic schedules w.r.t. internship opportunities, studying abroad, and research.
- Emphasis on Outdoor Activities: Dartmouth’s beautiful rural setting lends itself to various kinds of outdoor activities, which is also made evident by its extensive Outing Club and First-year Trips.
- Fosters a Community Feeling: Dartmouth, being a small-size college, located in a relatively remote setting, offers a highly tight-knit community environment for its students to connect with a large focus on quality education.
- Athletics culture: Given its emphasis on outdoor activities, Dartmouth College is known to encourage a strong athletics and sports culture for its students.
Fun fact: Dartmouth College was founded before the American Revolution!
Notable alumni: Connie Britton, Brian Goldner, Robert Frost
Takeaway
Given the super selective admission process adopted in all these Ivy League schools, aspirants are left with one question – Is the Ivy League the best way to succeed academically and professionally?
All Ivy League universities are great; But not all great universities belong to the Ivy League.
Excellence is found in abundance in several colleges across the US as well as parts of the world. More important than the label or ranking is knowing your priorities and setting realistic goals.
At Oneiro Education, we advise conducting in-depth research on the universities around the globe that best suit your interests and aspirations. While the Ivy League has an unparalleled brand value and recognition tag attached to it, it is not the only criteria you look for in your dream university.. Think about where you want to go and why you want to go there.
Talk to a counselor today at Oneiro Education to ease this process and decide what’s best for your academic and professional success.
