Ivy League University Overview
The Ivy League universities are renowned for their exceptional academic standing, and their historical legacy significantly contributes to this prestige. With a long and distinguished history, these institutions have consistently drawn the brightest minds. Notably, more than one-third of U.S. presidents received their education from an Ivy League school, and together, these universities have produced a substantial number of Nobel laureates.
This article will give a closer view of the concept of the Ivy League, the qualifications required for admission to Ivy League universities, intriguing insights, and key considerations before submitting your application.
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What is Ivy League?
The Ivy League represents a group of eight private universities situated in the north-eastern region of the United States. These universities were initially part of the NCAA Division 1 athletic league, which came into existence during the 1950s.
These eight esteemed American institutions earned recognition for their exceptionally competitive sports programs. Their consistent athletic excellence led to increased financial support, grants, and the recruitment of distinguished educators from various parts of the world. Consequently, these establishments swiftly established a notable standing for academic excellence in conjunction with their sporting achievements. Today, they are not just prestigious universities in the United States but also around the world.
Why is it called Ivy League Universities?
The eight Ivy League universities all have a rich historical presence, boasting ancient buildings and captivating tales that have endured through time. Some folks say the term "Ivy League" started in 1937 when a sports writer named Caswell Adams was writing about a football game between Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. He called these schools "ivy-covered," and that's how they got the name "Ivy League."
The Ivy League universities are renowned not only for their academic excellence but also for their distinguished participation in athletics. This tradition dates back to the late 19th century, with these institutions actively engaging in athletic conferences and competitive sports.
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Top Ivy League Universities
The most sought-after colleges and universities in the United States and around the world are Ivy League universities. The 2020 QS World University Ranking lists about eight Ivy League universities. Ivy League colleges have a global reputation that no other university can match.
The Ivy League members in the United States are primarily located in the country's north-eastern part and include the following eight universities:
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth University
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
Read More About the Top Ivy League Schools
Why are Ivy League Universities Famous?
Ivy League schools are famous for several reasons:
- Academic Excellence: Ivy League institutions consistently rank among the top universities globally. They are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and world-class faculty.
- Prestigious History: These schools have a long history of academic excellence, with some dating back to the 17th century. Their traditions and legacies contribute to their prestige.
- Highly Selective: Ivy League schools have extremely competitive admission processes. They admit a small percentage of applicants, leading to a perception of exclusivity and excellence.
- Notable Alumni: Many Ivy League alumni have achieved great success, including U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and influential leaders in various fields.
- Research and Innovation: Ivy League universities are at the forefront of research and innovation. They often contribute significantly to advancements in various disciplines.
- Global Reputation: These universities are recognized worldwide, attracting students and faculty from across the globe.
- Extensive Resources: Ivy League institutions have substantial endowments, allowing them to offer generous financial aid, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse extracurricular opportunities.
- Network and Connections: Graduates of Ivy League schools often benefit from extensive alumni networks, which can help in career advancement and opportunities.
- Cultural Impact: Ivy League schools have made notable contributions to art, literature, and culture, further enhancing their reputation.
- Leadership in Various Fields: Ivy League graduates are well-represented in leadership positions in government, business, and academia, reinforcing the perception of excellence.
How Big Are Ivy League Universities?
Ivy League colleges are extremely selective, yet thousands of students still apply every year to some of America's finest universities, and these are among the biggest.
Across the eight colleges, there are about 150,000 enrolled students. With little more than 30,000 students, Harvard is the biggest college. Interestingly, though, given their emphasis on graduate school and variety of graduate programs, several Ivy League universities have significantly greater graduate enrolment than undergraduates. In certain instances, nearly twice as many graduate students attend Harvard and Columbia as undergraduates—roughly 8,000 at each school. Approximately sixty percent of students’ at all Ivy League schools are alumni.
It's also important to remember that, because of their size and reputation, their student body is usually varied. The Ivy League is a worldwide university, even though, like many universities, it attracts a large number of students from nearby regions. Every university has a larger percentage of foreign students than the national average, and Harvard is once again at the top of the list, with five percent of its student body consisting of international students.
All of this suggests that, even with the intense competition for Ivy League spots, the chances of success can be significantly raised by doing a little research to select the best subject at the best university before submitting an application.
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What are the Eligibility Requirements For Ivy League Universities?
Ivy League universities in the United States consistently rank as top-tier institutions worldwide. Whether you aspire to pursue a bachelor's, masters, or even a doctorate, American universities are often at the forefront of academic excellence. As admissions season approaches, students embark on the comprehensive application process. To aid your preparations, here is a checklist of essential documents you must gather before commencing your application to American universities.
- A Valid Passport: Ideally, your passport should remain valid for approximately six months after your intended course completion date. For instance, if you plan to start a two-year course in August 2022, concluding by August 2024, ensure your passport remains valid at least until February 2024.
- Academic Transcripts: You will need official transcripts of your academic performance from the 9th grade onward. If you are currently in the 12th grade, transcripts from classes 9, 10, and 11 are necessary. For postgraduate applications, include your bachelor's degree transcripts, covering all-year scores and cumulative scores. Converting your grades to the American Credit System GPA is generally not required.
- Standardized Test Scores: While some universities accept applications even if you plan to take the SATs/ACTs for undergraduate studies or GMAT/GRE for graduate studies later, it's advisable to have your scores ready before starting the application. You may need to provide your scorecard reference number to the university.
- Proof of Funds: This aspect holds significant weight in your application. While precise financial documents are not required at this stage, you must provide detailed financial information about your family. Universities use this information to assess your eligibility for scholarships and your ability to cover educational expenses. Have relevant information, like tax returns, readily available and a clear understanding of the funding you anticipate.
How to Apply in Ivy League Universities?
Getting into an Ivy League university is a highly competitive endeavour. While the specific enrolment process can vary from one university to another, there are common requirements that most of them share:
- Strong GPA: Applicants are expected to have a high-grade point average (GPA). The typical GPA requirement falls between 3.85 and 4.18.
- High SAT Scores: Achieving high scores on the SAT, a standardized test, is crucial for Ivy League admission.
- Extracurricular Involvement: Demonstrating a genuine interest in extracurricular activities, such as clubs or sports, is important.
- Volunteer Experience: Admissions officers appreciate candidates who have actively engaged in volunteering and community service.
- Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors can significantly enhance an applicant's chances.
- Candidate Interviews: Doing well in interviews with the university is another aspect to consider.
It's important to note that Ivy League institutions don't evaluate applicants based solely on academic performance. They also value involvement in societies, diverse interests, and active participation in the community. Although these universities receive a high volume of applications each year, each has its own admission capacity and acceptance rate. On average, the acceptance rate across all eight Ivy League institutions is lower than 11 percent.
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Differences between the Ivy League and other universities
What sets Ivy League universities apart from others is their exceptional reputation. These institutions have nurtured the academic journeys of numerous prominent figures, including US Presidents, actors, authors, politicians, and business leaders. Notable alumni such as Barack Obama, Emma Watson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Meryl Streep, and Toni Morrison exemplify the caliber of individuals associated with these universities.
The robust alumni networks affiliated with Ivy League schools serve as invaluable resources for students. These networks offer students opportunities to cultivate their professional connections and seek recommendations within their chosen fields.
Many graduates have experienced that holding a degree from an Ivy League institution can be a significant advantage, particularly when pursuing competitive careers like medicine and law. Such degrees can serve as a gateway to exclusive professional pathways.
Some Unknown Facts about Ivy League Universities
Here are some intriguing and lesser-known facts about Ivy League universities:
Origins of ‘Ivy’:
The term "Ivy League" wasn't initially a mark of distinction. It began as a way to describe the sporting rivalry among the eight universities. Interestingly, a sports journalist who coined the term had graduated from Fordham, a university with a strong football reputation. Frustrated while covering a Columbia-Pennsylvania match, he used "Ivy League" in a somewhat disparaging manner, implying that these institutions were better known for their ivy-covered walls than their football prowess.
Not as Ancient as You Think:
Despite the name, the Ivy League colleges are not as ancient as you might assume. They are around 500 years away from being among the eight oldest universities globally, and they don't even rank as the eight oldest in the United States. For example, Harvard, America's oldest university, predates Cornell by 96 years. Other American universities, such as the College of William and Mary (founded in 1693), predate some Ivy League members.
Colonial Roots:
Seven of the eight Ivy League universities (all except Cornell) were colonial colleges, established prior to the Declaration of Independence. The University of Pennsylvania, in fact, has Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding fathers, as its founder. Columbia University, originally known as King's College, received its start through a Royal Charter and later changed its name after the American War of Independence.
Brown's Unique Approach:
Brown University takes an innovative approach to education. It encourages individuality and creativity by allowing students to design their own courses. Students are only required to complete a minimum of 30 courses and choose one concentration (or major). During each semester, students can sample courses during a "shopping period." Many courses have no prerequisites, and even some master's courses are open to undergraduates. This flexibility allows students to craft unique academic paths.
Harvard's 'Primal Scream':
In the 1960s, Harvard students had a unique pre-exam stress-relief ritual known as the "primal scream." They would open their windows and shout for ten minutes before exams. Over time, this practice transitioned to streaking, but it remains a part of Harvard's historical traditions. Cornell also has its pre-exam tradition, where the university band takes over the library for an hour before exams, making last-minute revision challenging. Each Ivy League school has its peculiar customs; for instance, at Penn, they throw bread and baked goods onto the sports field to "toast" their team.