Getting to know 'The Little Ivies'

I've heard a few times about a group of schools referred to as 'The Little Ivies'. Can anyone fill me in on what exactly this term means and which colleges it includes? And what distinguishes these schools from, say, the actual Ivy League? Really appreciate it!

The term "Little Ivies" is an unofficial title given to a group of small, academically competitive private liberal arts colleges in the Northeast United States. The term was coined to highlight these colleges' similarities to the Ivy League institutions, emphasizing their reputation for high academic standards and selectivity in admissions.

The schools included in the "Little Ivies" are often debated, but they typically include: Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Middlebury College, Swarthmore College, Wesleyan University, and Williams College. Other schools that are sometimes included are Bates College, Colby College, Connecticut College, Hamilton College, and Trinity College.

What distinguishes these schools from the Ivy League colleges, primarily, is their size— 'Little Ivies' are significantly smaller, often enrolling fewer than 3000 students. Their emphasis on undergraduate education is another point of departure. These colleges generally focus on providing an intensive, high-quality undergraduate experience with small class sizes and close interactions with faculty. Unlike some Ivy League institutions, they may not have a large array of graduate or professional schools.

One more notable difference is that all the 'Little Ivies' are liberal arts colleges, offering a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. They generally provide a less specialized, more holistic education than universities (like the Ivies), which typically offer a wider range of disciplines and professional programs.

The 'Little Ivies', like the Ivy League, are also prestigious and well-regarded, often ranking among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. However, they are not part of any official conference like the Ivy League schools, which combine athletics and academics in their association.

Overall, 'Little Ivies' are great options for students who want an academically rigorous environment that is more focused on the undergraduate experience and has a tight-knit community, as is common in smaller college settings.