What Are The Ivy League Schools?

Wish to study in the USA? Well, we all do at some point because the USA is home to some of the best universities in the world! The best universities in the USA have formed a group of universities called the Ivy League Schools, with universities like Harvard and Yale, adding to its prestige and name. If you want to learn more about Ivy League Universities, continue reading this article. 

What are Ivy League Schools?

Ivy League schools comprise 8 private universities in the Northeast of America that comprise the Ivy League Athletic Conference. These universities have the lowest acceptance rates in the US, making it really hard for students to get into. These amazing 8 universities are all-rounders in providing students with exceptional quality education, extracurriculars, and student housing solutions, ensuring students have access to comprehensive support during their academic journey.

It’s a known fact that getting admission to Ivy League universities is a tough battle among students. Still, hundreds and thousands of students apply to these prestigious institutions, and the ones that did get accepted have a future as bright as the sun. In this article further, you will learn everything about Ivy League schools. 

Why are they called the Ivy League?

In 1937, when sports writer Caswell Adams was writing about Columbia University’s and the University of Pennsylvania’s football game, he titled his article “ivy-covered” universities, and ever since that day, these universities have been known as the Ivy League schools. Not to mention these universities are a part of the Ivy League Athletic Conference. 

8 Ivy League Schools

It's difficult to contest that Ivy League universities are among the top in the world regarding education. They occupy five of the top 10 spots in the US, according to the QS University rankings, and all five of those spots are in the top 25 worldwide. An impressive academic record for a team that is merely a sports league! The following are the 8 prestigious Ivy League Universities. 

1. Brown University

Since its founding in 1764, Brown University has been a preeminent research institution among the Ivy League Schools with faculty of international acclaim. It also provides a cutting-edge learning environment where students' intellectual curiosity, creativity, and joy drive academic excellence. Every aspect of the university is infused with the open curriculum philosophy for undergraduates. Brown University is renowned for its demanding and adaptable open curriculum, which enables students to select a specialised area of study. The school is extremely exclusive, with an acceptance rate of only 8%, and the typical applicant has an SAT score between 1440 and 1520 or an ACT score between 32 and 35.

1. Acceptance rate: 8%
2. SAT Score: 1440 and 1520
3. ACT Score:  32 and 35

2. Columbia University

With its distinctive Core Curriculum, first-rate research facilities, comprehensive global programming, small class sizes, and cosy learning environments, This Ivy League University offers many opportunities for intellectual and personal development. Columbia University is located in New York City. According to Niche's 2020 Best Colleges, Columbia University is placed first among American universities for philosophy and second among English and performing arts. The university has more than 200 research centres and institutions and provides hundreds of study fields. With a 6% acceptance rate, Columbia University is even more selective than Brown University. The average SAT or ACT score for admitted students is in Columbia's 1450–1560 range.

1. Acceptance rate: 6%
2. SAT Score: 1450–1560 
3. ACT Score: 1450–1560 

3. Cornell University

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University boasts a sizable undergraduate student body of more than 15,000 students. More than 4,000 different course options are available at this Ivy League School. The eight universities provide more than 120 different minor options in addition to approximately 80 separate majors. The annual undergraduate enrollment at Cornell University is above 15,000, and there are nine students for every faculty member. Business, computer science, and biology are some of its well-liked majors. According to Niche’s 2020 Best Colleges, it ranked #1 in Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America and #3 in Best Colleges for Architecture in America. Cornell University has an 11% acceptance rate, with the average student ranging in SAT scores between 1390-1540 and 32-34 in ACT scores.

1. Acceptance rate: 11%
2. SAT Score: 1390-1540
3. ACT Score: 32-34

4. Harvard University

Ivy League school Harvard University is arguably the most well-known. It is a medium-sized university with about 7,000 undergrad students and is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard's acceptance rate is under 5%, making it a relatively selective institution. The SAT scores and ACT scores of accepted students typically range from 1460 to 1580 and 33 to 35, respectively. According to Niche's 2020 Best Colleges, Harvard is recognised as the best university for studying biology and political science. The Collaborating Colleges programme of Harvard Business School Online (HBS Online) includes the University of the People (UoPeople). Through an innovative online platform that brings the Harvard Business School classroom to you, Harvard Business School Online provides a singular and incredibly engaging approach to mastering important business topics. Through this partnership, UoPeople undergraduate students will have access to need-based scholarships for the Credential of Readiness (CORe), a three-course primer in business fundamentals that is the flagship curriculum of HBS Online. 

1. Acceptance rate: 5%,
2. SAT Score: 1460 to 1580
3. ACT Score: 33 to 35

5. Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey, is the home of Princeton University. This Ivy League university was established in 1746, making it the fourth-oldest in the country. Like Harvard, it is a medium-sized college with about 5,000 undergraduate students and a low acceptance rate of just 5%. Its most sought-after degrees include economics, public policy analysis, and computer engineering. It is ranked the second-best college in the nation for studying political science and public policy. The SAT ranges from 1440 to 1570, and the ACT ranges from 32 to 35.

1. Acceptance rate: 5%.
2. SAT Score: 1440 to 1570
3. ACT Score: 32 to 35

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home to the University of Pennsylvania, which is usually referred to as "Penn." With 10,000 undergraduate students on average, it is a sizable institution with a low acceptance rate of 8%. Nursing, economics, and finance are popular majors at Penn; this Ivy League University is ranked as the top business institution in the country. The typical ACT score range is 32–35, while the SAT score range is 1420–1550.

1. Acceptance rate:  8%.
2. SAT Score: 32–35
3. ACT Score: 1420–1550

7. Yale University

In New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is a research and liberal arts university. This Ivy League School is ranked first among American universities with the best teachers and first among those where history is offered as a major. Only 6% of applicants are accepted, and those that are accepted often have average SAT scores in the 1460–1570 range and ACT scores in the 33–35 range.

1. Acceptance rate:  6%
2. SAT Score: 1460–1570
3. ACT Score:  33–35

8. Dartmouth College

A top-ranked institution in New Hampshire is Dartmouth College, which is situated in Hanover. With just over 4,000 undergraduate students, this Ivy League University is a relatively modest school compared to other Ivy League schools. Dartmouth has a 9% acceptance rate and only accepts candidates with SAT scores between 1420 and 1560 and ACT scores between 31 and 35.

1. Acceptance rate: 9%
2. SAT Score: 1420 and 1560
3. ACT Score: 31 and 35

Misunderstood Ivy League Schools to Consider

There is often confusion among students regarding the number of Ivy League schools, with some believing there are 8 while others think there are 12. It is important to clarify that there are indeed 8 Ivy League schools. Despite this, these universities hold great value and are definitely worth considering. Let us understand why they are highly regarded institutions.

1. Stanford University

Many people often confuse Stanford with one of the Ivy League schools. The U.S. News National Rankings ranks it in the same position as Penn, which is #6. However, it is important to note that Stanford is not officially considered an Ivy League institution. One reason for Stanford's overall recognition and reputation is its highly competitive acceptance rate. With an acceptance rate of only 4%, getting admission to Stanford University is extremely challenging. This level of selectivity contributes to its charm for students as a top-tier institution.

2. MIT

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is a highly esteemed and competitive institution. It is known for its rigorous academic programs and has an acceptance rate of 7%. In the U.S. News National Rankings, MIT is ranked in the same position as Yale and Columbia, holding the impressive #3 spot.

3. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is often confused with an Ivy League school because of its impressive rankings and selective admission process. Despite not being part of the Ivy League, Northwestern holds a notable position in the U.S. News National Rankings, currently ranked at #9.

4. The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is highly regarded in academia and is ranked #6 in the U.S. News National Rankings, along with prestigious schools like Stanford and Penn. While it is not officially part of the Ivy League, the University of Chicago is just as competitive. The university has a selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of only 7%. This puts it on par with many Ivy League schools that are known for their high standards.

How to apply to Ivy League Schools?

An Ivy League university's application procedure is extremely competitive. While the procedures at each university vary slightly, they generally include the same requirements:

1. A high GPA of 3.85 to 4.18
2. Superior SAT scores and ACT scores. 
3. A desire to participate in extracurricular activities
4. A prior volunteering experience
5. Recommendation letters
6. Positive candidate evaluations

Candidates aren't solely evaluated based on their grades, though. University admissions officers also value membership indicators in societies, interests, and community activity. Most Ivy League schools receive many applications each year, but each school has its own capacity and acceptance rate. Throughout the eight universities, the average acceptance rate is under 11%.

Things to know before applying to Ivy League Universities

Ivy League universities entail much more than just obtaining a degree. They stand for not only top-notch education but also the opportunity to attend colleges with distinctive personalities and histories that frequently contribute to the narrative of America as a whole. Universities also allow many people to begin a lifetime of accomplishment.

The Ivy League schools consist of top-notch universities that would be difficult to beat, no matter what you study at them. These universities are steeped in history, intellectual quality, and sporting rivalry. Just remember the following crucial information before applying to Ivy League Universities:

1. You'll need to meet criteria that are substantially higher than those at any typical public institution because admission to these premium colleges is extremely hard. The overall acceptance rates were less than 10% in 2020.
2. Remember to thoroughly review the entrance standards, including SAT, GRE, LSAT, and GPA scores. Recommendations, extracurricular activities, and other academic accomplishments matter a lot. For those who want to prepare for the GRE, read our detailed blog on the ultimate guide to preparing the GRE. and for the SAT dreamers read our blog ultimate guide to preparing for SATS.
3. And lastly, you should keep in mind that there are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, many of which charge lower tuition. This is why you should look for the ideal fit that meets your individual demands when looking for universities.

Ivy League schools are renowned for their rigorous academics, diverse student body, and strong athletic programs. With their prestige and history, these institutions offer a unique and enriching experience for their students. However, the competitiveness and high cost of attendance make it challenging for many to attend. These universities remain among the most sought-after and respected globally, and employers highly value their graduates. Whether one attends an Ivy League school or not, a strong work ethic, dedication to learning, and passion for one's chosen field are the keys to success.