What are the most prestigious universities in the US?

I'm curious about applying to some of the top schools, but I'm not sure which are considered the most prestigious in the US. Any advice on which universities have the highest reputation?

Typically, the Ivy League schools are considered to be among the most prestigious universities in the U.S. This includes Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. All these schools have long histories, rigorous academic programs, and influential alumni networks.

But prestige is not confined to the Ivy League. Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins University are highly respected. Likewise, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Northwestern University are often included in the nation's list of top-tier schools.

The University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Los Angeles are also often considered among the most prestigious public universities.

Keep in mind that prestige is subjective and depends on the field of study as well. For example, Juilliard is one of the most prestigious institutions for performing arts, while Georgetown is particularly revered for its programs in international relations and political science.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that the perceived prestige of a school doesn't necessarily correlate with the quality of the education you'll receive or your future success. It's necessary to consider other factors such as the school's culture, location, and the specific program you're interested in when choosing a university.