Interested in the oldest colleges in the US

I'm fascinated by the history of colleges in the US and considering applying to some of the oldest ones. Does anyone know which schools hold this distinction and what unique traditions they might have?

Sure, it's quite interesting to delve into the history behind educational institutions. Some of the oldest colleges in the United States include Harvard University, The College of William & Mary, and Yale University, established in 1636, 1693, and 1701 respectively.

Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is known for its Housing Day, a tradition where sophomores, juniors, and seniors storm the freshman dorms early in the morning to notify the younger students about their housing assignments for the next three years. One other longstanding tradition at Harvard is Primal Scream, a midnight run around the Yard in the nude, held on the last night of reading period each semester.

The College of William & Mary, situated in the historic city of Williamsburg, Virginia, boasts the tradition of the Yule Log Ceremony. At the end of the fall semester, students gather for holiday carols, special readings, and the chance to take a sprig of holly and cast it into the Yule log fire for good luck.

Yale, located in New Haven, Connecticut, has an interesting tradition of the "Bladderball" game. This game involves an oversized leather ball that is moved by any and all means from the central campus to any of four different goal markers.

All these universities have rich historical narratives and traditions shaped by centuries of academic and cultural experiences, which make them fascinating places to study. If you're applying to these institutions, knowing about these traditions can potentially help you tailor your application to highlight an appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of the school.