Advice on applying to top universities in the Midwest?

Thinking about Midwestern schools and their prestige—how important is this when choosing a university? I'm wondering about the most prestigious options and how they compare to others in terms of reputation and opportunities.

The Midwest has several highly respected universities, many of which offer strong academics, plentiful resources, and advantageous opportunities for their students. If prestige is an important factor for you, some top universities include University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Notre Dame—all of which consistently rank highly and are known for academic rigor and robust alumni networks.

Remember that prestige can play a role in certain industries and job markets, particularly in finance, consulting, or academia. Alumni networks can be powerful and helpful in finding jobs and internships. Furthermore, well-known colleges and universities often have access to more resources, research opportunities, and renowned faculty.

That said, it's crucial also to consider other factors when choosing a university. Class sizes, campus culture, affordability, major offerings, location, availability of resources, student-to-faculty ratio, and your overall fit can be just as important as prestige. For example, smaller liberal arts colleges like Carleton College or Oberlin College, despite not having the same "brand name" as the top universities, still offer remarkable education and opportunities to their students.

Comparable to schools in the Ivy league or other elite institutions on the coasts, institutions like University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Michigan, though in the Midwest, offer the same level of academic rigor and attract world-class faculty. Performances on rankings usually underscore the excellence of these institutions in terms of their academic strength, faculty resources, and research output.

Doing additional research and even visiting the colleges can help you get a better feel for what you are looking for. Use each school’s net price calculator to get a sense of the financial aid you might receive and whether you'll be able to afford your top-choice schools.

Applying to these top universities will require a strong academic record, well-written essays, solid letters of recommendation, and robust involvement in extracurricular activities. Tailoring each application to the specific school is a good strategy—show them why you are a good fit for their programs and what unique traits you would bring to their student body.

Even though the Midwest could be overlooked due to it not featuring the famous Ivy League, the quality education, resources and numerous opportunities they offer certainly place them amongst the best in the country.