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How to Choose the Right Ivy League

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Wondering how to choose the right Ivy League? This guide is for you.

How to Choose the Right Ivy League

The Ivy League is often viewed as a monolith. So, how do you choose the right Ivy League school(s) to apply to?

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If you’re interested in applying to an Ivy League school, you’re certainly in good company. These prestigious institutions are some of the most competitive and highly sought-after colleges in the country. With eight Ivies from which to choose —Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale—, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you. Here are some tips for selecting which Ivy League is the right fit for you:

Consider your primary academic interests

Just like each applicant, each Ivy League school has its own unique strengths. When choosing the right Ivy League schools to apply to, it’s important that you think about which schools aligns best with your academic interests and career aspirations. 

What do I mean by that?

  • If you’re interested in engineering, you may want to consider applying to Cornell or Princeton, which are ranked the highest of the Ivy Leagues, #10 and #12 respectively, on the US News’ Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs Rankings.
  • If you’re interested in business or economics, you’ll likely want to set your sights on the University of Pennsylvania—yes, Wharton does have an undergrad program!—or Harvard.
  • If you’re looking for a program in Agriculture, you should heavily consider Cornell, which boasts the Ivy League’s only ag school.
  • Alternatively, if you’re more interested in a flexible liberal arts-style program, you might consider applying to Brown or Yale, whose undergraduate colleges are known for their liberal arts-approach. (As a Yale alum, I can’t tell you how often I heard that Yale was a liberal arts school dressed up like a research university!)

Consider the location and campus culture

When blinded by the idea of attending a prestigious college like an Ivy League, students often forget to ask themselves vital questions related their own living preferences. And, yes, your preferences matter, because—let’s face it—there’s a lot more to life than the name of your school.

To choose the right Ivy League for your ideal college experience, ask yourself the following:

There are dozens of similar considerations to take into mind—check out our article “Four Questions to Kick-Start Your College Planning” to read more!

Consider the size of the student body—and your major program

The size of the student body—and of your major!—is another essential factor to consider when choosing which Ivies to apply to. Some schools, like Brown and Columbia, have larger student bodies, while others, like Dartmouth and Princeton, have smaller student bodies. Think about what size of school you prefer and which school aligns best with your goals and interests. It’s all about balance!

Similarly, consider the size of your intended major program at each school. Some Ivy League schools have a greater focus on the liberal arts than on STEM subjects (and, others, vice versa). At such schools, you may find some majors are impacted, while others have an abundance of available resources!

These subject preferences may also change your social experience on campus. Stanford, while not an Ivy League, is particularly known for this. Students call it the fuzzy–techie divide!

Consider Open & Closed Curricula

College curricula are often discussed as being “Open” or “Closed.” Here’s what that means: in a closed curriculum, students must take a specific set of courses in order to graduate and have less flexibility in choosing which classes they take; an open curriculum allows students to choose their own courses and create their own academic paths, giving students more flexibility to explore their interests and customize their educational experience. Some colleges, such as Brown University, have fully open curriculums, while others, like Columbia University, have more structured requirements. It’s important for you to consider your learning style and academic goals when deciding which type of curriculum is best for you, and, ultimately, when you choose which schools to apply to.

Consider Admissions Requirements

Another critical factor to consider when you choose the right Ivy League schools to apply to is the admissions requirements and acceptance rates. Each Ivy League school has its own set of admissions requirements, including GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Be sure to research the requirements for each school you’re considering—some are more stringent than others! While all Ivy League schools are competitive, some, like Cornell and Brown, have marginally higher acceptance rates than the others. 

Consider Other Schools

While the Ivy League schools are some of the most prestigious and competitive colleges in the country, there are also other top schools to consider, such as MIT and Stanford. If you’re not sure which Ivies to apply to or if an Ivy League school is the best fit for you, it is worth considering these other top schools. You can read more about MIT and Stanford and compare them to the Ivies by checking out articles in publications like the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the BBC, the Yale Daily News, and the Harvard Crimson.

Good Luck!

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are other considerations to keep in mind when deciding which Ivy League schools to apply to. For example, you may want to consider the research opportunities available at each school, the availability of internships and job placement services, the quality of the faculty, and the extracurricular activities and clubs available on campus.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the Ivy League schools, while prestigious, are not the only path to success. There are many other excellent colleges and universities out there that can provide you with a top-notch education and help you achieve your goals. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a school that is the right fit for you, academically, socially, and financially.

If you’re serious about applying to Ivy League schools, it’s important to start early and be strategic in your approach. Work hard to achieve excellent grades and test scores; get involved in extracurricular activities that you’re passionate about; and start researching the schools and their admissions requirements as early as possible. For some students, working with an admissions coach or college consultant can be helpful from as young as 13!

Applying to Ivy League schools is a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to pursue your academic dreams. By considering your academic interests, goals and preferences, as well as other factors like research opportunities and campus culture, you can make an informed decision and choose the right Ivy League school to attend. 

Good luck!

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