Most desired 'dream' colleges?

So I'm compiling a 'dream schools' list and thought it'd be fun to get your insights as well! What are some of the colleges that are considered 'dream' schools by most high school students and why?

Sure, happy to share! It's important to note that each person's dream school can vary based on personal interests, career goals, and academic aspirations. However, some schools pop up commonly on both national and international students' dream college lists. Let's put them into three categories:

Ivy League Schools: These prestigious institutions often come up in conversation due to their high academic standing, historic prestige, and robust alumni networks. They include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. People are drawn to these universities because they offer a rigorous academic environment, diverse course offerings, and plenty of research opportunities.

Other Highly Selective Elite Institutions: Outside the Ivy League, there are still many highly regarded colleges, like Stanford, MIT, Caltech, University of Chicago, and Duke. Similarly, these schools are known for their rigorous academics, innovation, emphasis on research, and a broad array of program offerings. Also, their alumni networks and job placements are highly rated.

Liberal Arts Colleges like Amherst, Bowdoin, Swarthmore, and Williams should also be included in the list as they are known for their small class sizes, close-knit communities, faculty accessibility, and focus on undergraduate education.

There are other 'dream' schools depending on specific areas of interest. For example, Julliard is a dream school for many performers, while RISD is highly desired for aspiring artists and designers.

Remember though that the most important part of college selection should be finding a school that aligns with your own personal and academic goals rather than selecting a school based on its popular 'dream' status. Always consider fit, your intended area of study, and other personal preferences. Make sure to explore different types of institutions rather than focusing solely on popular dream colleges.