Many international students consider the US as a destination for its top-ranking universities. Knowing what the Ivy League is and what those universities can offer will help students better understand which institution is right for them.
Here, we explain the origins of the Ivy League, which universities it includes and how international students can apply to them.
What is the Ivy League?
The Ivy League is a collection of eight private universities located in the northeast of America. These universities were originally members of the NCAA Division 1 athletics league, which was established in the 1950s.
These eight American universities were known for their highly competitive sports programmes, and as they continued to perform well in the athletic world, they began to attract further funding, grants and top lecturers from around the globe. As a result, the institutions soon gained a reputation for academic achievement alongside sporting success.
Today they are considered some of the most prestigious universities, not just in the US, but globally.
Why is it called the Ivy League?
All eight universities in the Ivy League have beautiful, historical campuses. Many believe that the term “Ivy League” was coined in 1937 when sports writer Caswell Adams was writing about the football game between Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. He referred to them as old “ivy-covered” universities, which led to them being referred to as the “Ivy League”.
People know the Ivy League schools for academic excellence, but they're also famous for playing taking part in athletics. These schools have been competing at athletic conferences and in sports since the late 19th century.
Which universities are part of the Ivy League and where are they located?
There are eight universities in the Ivy League:
At Brown in Rhode Island, students are encouraged to shape their own education by choosing the courses they want to study. As a university they encourage research and involvement in the community.
In New York City, Columbia covers everything from arts to sciences, and have an impressive list of famous alumni. Within the university is Columbia College, the oldest college at the university.
Further upstate in New York, you will find Cornell. This Ivy League member is a mix of classic education and hands-on subjects like agriculture and engineering.
Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire encourages close connections between students and teachers and is a popular location for liberal arts studies.
Over in Massachusetts, is the oldest university in the Ivy League. Harvard is known for research, diversity, and involvement in global industry as well as excellence in subjects like law, computer science, economics, medicine and science.
Princeton in New Jersey is specifically known for its undergraduate programmes. Students are encouraged to work on critical thinking and research during their time there.
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia is known for blending different subjects and getting students ready for the real world. Famously, Benjamin Franklin attended UPenn.
Lastly, Yale in New Haven, Connecticut is known for its tough programmes covering arts, sciences, and humanities.
How do you apply to an Ivy League university?
The enrolment process for an Ivy League university is incredibly competitive. Each university’s process differs slightly but most share similar requirements:
· High SAT scores
· An interest in extracurricular activities
· Volunteering experience
· Letters of recommendation
· Strong candidate interviews
The average GPA requirement of applicants is between 3.85 and 4.18.
However, candidates are not only judged on their grades. University admissions officers also like to see evidence of societies, interests and community involvement. Most universities in the Ivy League have a high volume of applications per year but each institution has its own capacity and acceptance rate. The average acceptance rate across all eight institutions is lower than 11 per cent.
How much does it cost to study at an Ivy League university?
Because these are private universities, tuition fees for both domestic and international students are high. Fees at some of these institutions currently average $56,000 (£47,000) a year.
The cost of living at some of these schools can also be quite high, with New York and Boston being particularly expensive cities.
What financial aid can I receive for Ivy League schools?
The Ivy League receives a lot of funding in the form of donations, alumni support and grants. This means that students who are accepted but may not be able to afford to attend can receive financial aid.
All Ivy League universities are “needs-blind” for US residents, meaning that all students are judged on merit alone and can be offered a place regardless of financial background. The good news is that Harvard, Yale and Princeton extend that to international students too.
Financial aid comes in several forms; a grant (that does not need to be paid back), work-study schemes (where students are helped to find part-time jobs) and federal student loans. Harvard and Princeton offer assistance that allows students to graduate debt-free.
To apply for need-based financial assistance you first need to complete the FAFSA application. Some universities may require students to complete a CSS profile too.
It’s always worth talking to your chosen university to explore what kind of financial options are available to you.
What is the acceptance rate at Ivy League schools?
The Ivy League schools are famous for their low acceptance rates, with all of them admitting approximately 11 per cent or less. These universities are highly competitive and attract students with outstanding academic and extracurricular records.
The acceptance rates for the Class of 2024 are as follows:
· Brown University: 6.9 per cent
· Columbia University: 5.3 per cent
· Cornell University: 10.9 per cent
· Dartmouth College: 8.8 per cent
· Harvard University: 4.9 per cent
· Princeton University: 5.6 per cent
· University of Pennsylvania: 8.1 per cent
· Yale University: 6.6 per cent
There are a few factors that contribute to the Ivy League's low acceptance rates. The use of the Common Application makes applying to multiple schools easier, but each Ivy League school typically asks for multiple supplemental essays, making the process challenging. Additionally, the increase in international applicants and the financial aid offered to international students contribute to the competitiveness.
While Cornell University often has a higher acceptance rate compared to other Ivies, it admits students of similar academic calibre. It's important to consider the overall selectivity of each school, not just its acceptance rate. The Ivy League schools tend to release their acceptance rate data in April each year, but these figures might change as they work through their waitlists.
What reputation do Ivy League schools have?
Ivy League schools are often featured in the world and US news as they are known for their prestigious reputation and academic excellence for several reasons.
Ivy League schools are known for their strong academic programmes and world-class faculty members. They offer a wide range of subjects and are often ranked among the top universities worldwide.
They also have highly competitive admissions processes, admitting only a small percentage of applicants each year. This selectivity contributes to their reputation as prestigious institutions.
The Ivies have a strong network of alumni who have become leaders in various fields, including business, politics, academia, and the arts. This network can provide valuable connections and opportunities for students and graduates like internships, work experience and professional connections.
Each is a strong research university and due to their contributions in various fields, they often receive significant funding for research projects and have state-of-the-art facilities.
Many Ivy League schools have a long history dating back to the colonial era, which adds to their sense of tradition and prestige.
These universities often have significant financial endowments, which enable them to provide extensive resources, libraries, laboratories, and other facilities that contribute to a high-quality educational experience.
Ivy League schools are internationally recognised and respected. Their names are associated with excellence in education and can open doors for graduates around the world.
Finally, many Ivy League alumni are known for their generous contributions to their alma maters, which helps to maintain and enhance the institutions' resources and programmes.
It's important to remember that the reputation of a school is just one factor to consider when choosing an institution that aligns with your academic and personal goals.
Do Ivy League universities include graduate schools?
All of the Ivy League universities have graduate schools offering a wide range of advanced degree programmes. These graduate schools cover various fields of study and provide opportunities for undergraduate students to continue their studies and pursue master's, doctoral, and professional degrees.
- Harvard University: Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, etc.
- Yale University: Yale School of Management, Yale Law School, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, etc.
- Princeton University: Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton Graduate School, etc.
- University of Pennsylvania: Wharton School of Business, Penn Law, Perelman School of Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Science, etc.
- Columbia University: Columbia Business School, Columbia Law School, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, etc.
- Cornell University: Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell Law School, Weill Cornell Medicine, Graduate School, etc.
- Dartmouth College: Tuck School of Business, Geisel School of Medicine, Graduate Studies Program, etc.
- Brown University: Brown School of Public Health, Brown University Graduate School, etc.
These graduate schools offer a wide variety of specialized programs, and students interested in pursuing advanced degrees can explore the specific offerings at each Ivy League institution.
What is the difference between the Ivy League and other universities?
The main difference between the Ivy league and other universities is their reputation. They are the alma maters of US presidents, actors, authors, politicians and businesspeople, including Barack Obama, Emma Watson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Meryl Streep and Toni Morrison.
Their strong alumni groups are a great resource for students to build their professional networks and look for opportunities and recommendations within their chosen sector.
Many graduates find that a degree from an Ivy League school helps them get their foot through the door for selective careers such as medicine and law.
However, it is important to remember that many other universities in the US provide an excellent education. Institutions such as Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, California Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many others rank highly in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
There are more than 4,000 universities in the US, so it is always worth expanding your search and looking at the other universities to find the right one for you.
FAQs
Q. What is the Ivy League?
A. The Ivy League is made up of eight private universities located in the northeast United States.
Q. Why is it called the Ivy League?
A. The term "Ivy League" was coined in 1937, referring to the universities' ivy-covered campuses.
Q. Which universities are part of the Ivy League and where are they located?
A. The Ivy League universities are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.
Q. How do you apply to an Ivy League university?
A. Applying to an Ivy League university involves a highly competitive process with common requirements, including a strong GPA, high SAT scores, involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteering experience, letters of recommendation, and candidate interviews.
Q. How much does it cost to study at an Ivy League university?
A. Tuition fees for Ivy League universities can be high, averaging around $56,000 (£47,000) per year for both domestic and international students due to their private status.
Q. What financial aid can I receive for Ivy League schools?
A. Ivy League universities offer financial aid through donations, alumni support, and grants, making attending possible for accepted students regardless of their financial background. They are "needs-blind" for both US and certain international students, like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Q. What is the acceptance rate at Ivy League schools?
A. Ivy League schools are known for their low acceptance rates, typically admitting around 11 percent or less of applicants.
Q. Are English language proficiency requirements necessary for admission to Ivy League schools?
A. Yes, most Ivy League schools require international applicants to demonstrate their English language proficiency through standardised tests like TOEFL or IELTS to ensure successful academic participation.
Q. What reputation do Ivy League schools have?
A. Ivy League schools are known for their prestigious reputation and commitment to academic excellence.
Q. What is the difference between the Ivy League and other universities?
A. The Ivy League stands out for its reputation as alma maters of prominent figures, such as US presidents, actors, authors, politicians, and businesspeople, setting them apart from other institutions.
Q. Is Northeastern in the Ivy League?
A. No, Northeastern University is not part of the Ivy League.
Q. Is Princeton in the Ivy League?
A. Yes, Princeton University is one of the eight Ivy League schools.
Q. Is Columbia in the Ivy League?
A. Yes, Columbia University is one of the eight Ivy League schools.
Q. Is MIT an Ivy League?
A. No, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is not an Ivy League institution.
Q. What Ivy League Schools are in New York?
A. Columbia University and Cornell University are Ivy League schools located in New York.
Q. Is Yale Ivy League?
A. Yes, Yale University is one of the eight Ivy League schools.
Q. Are there Ivy League Schools in Massachusetts?
A. Yes, Harvard University
Q. Are there Ivy League Schools in New Hampshire?
A. Yes, Dartmouth College
Q. Is Pepperdine Ivy League?
A. No, Pepperdine University is not part of the Ivy League.
Q. Is Syracuse Ivy League?
A. No, Syracuse University is not part of the Ivy League.
Q. Is Villanova an Ivy League School?
A. No, Villanova University is not part of the Ivy League.
Q. What is Ivy League called in the UK?
A. The term "Ivy League" is specific to the US. In the UK, there isn't an equivalent term, but universities like Oxford and Cambridge are highly prestigious.
Q. Is Oxford an Ivy League school?
A. No, the University of Oxford is not part of the Ivy League, it is a highly prestigious institution in the UK.
Q. Why is Stanford not Ivy League?
A. Stanford University is not in the Ivy League because it is located on the West Coast of the US, whereas the Ivy League universities are primarily in the Northeast.
Q. Which Ivy League college has the biggest campus
A. Cornell University, with its main campus in Ithaca, New York, has the largest physical campus among the Ivy League schools.
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