Summary:
The Ivy League is a group of eight highly prestigious universities in the northeastern United States. Known for academic excellence, selective admissions, and long histories, Ivy League schools are among the most famous and competitive in the world.
What Is the Ivy League?
Originally formed as an athletic conference, the Ivy League now refers to eight elite universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. These schools are private, research-focused, and located in the northeastern U.S. Although not officially ranked above all others, they are widely considered top-tier institutions because of their strong academics, influential alumni, and global reputations.
Admissions and Academics
Admission to Ivy League schools is extremely competitive, with acceptance rates often below 5–10%. These universities look for students with exceptional grades, test scores, leadership, and unique talents. They offer rigorous academics, strong faculty, and vast resources, including research opportunities and financial aid.
Ivy+ Schools
While the Ivy League is well-known, it does not contain all the most prestigious schools. Many non-Ivy schools—such as Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago—are considered equally or more prestigious. These extra schools, are referred to as “Ivy+” schools. Unlike the Ivy League, “Ivy+” does not have a consistent definition.