Understanding College Prestige

Hey guys, I've been hearing a lot about the 'most prestigious college groups'. Can someone give me a breakdown about what this means and why they're considered prestigious? Thanks!

Absolutely, happy to shed some light on this topic! Often, when people refer to "prestigious colleges," they're referring to higher education institutions known for their rigorous academics, selective admissions, accomplished faculty, strong graduate and professional school placements, extensive research opportunities, and/or successful alumni.

Here are some of the most well-known prestigious college groups:

1. Ivy League: Comprising 8 northeast US institutions (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania), these highly selective schools are known for their storied histories, academic rigor, considerable resources, and diverse extracurricular opportunities.

2. Public Ivies: This term refers to public universities that are believed to provide an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price. Examples include UCLA, the University of Virginia, the University of Michigan, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

3. Little Ivies: These are small, highly selective liberal arts colleges primarily located in the northeastern US. They offer rigorous academics similar to the Ivy League but in a smaller, more intimate environment. Amherst College, Wesleyan University, and Swarthmore College are a few examples.

4. Hidden Ivies: This term refers to colleges that offer a comparable education to Ivy League schools but may not be as widely recognized. Examples include Vanderbilt University, Northwestern University, and Carnegie Mellon University.

5. New Ivies: These are schools that have become increasingly selective and prestigious in recent decades, such as Boston College, Rice University, and Amherst College.

Remember, while these groups carry prestige, it's essential to choose a college based on fit and alignment with your personal goals and preferences rather than solely on reputation. Factors like academic programs, campus culture, location, size, and financial feasibility are all important when making your college decision.