What is the most prestigious university in the US?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior trying to figure out where I might want to apply for college. Does anyone know what the most prestigious university in the US is? I'm curious about the ones with really strong reputations.

When it comes to prestige in US universities, the Ivy League institutions often come to mind first. These consist of eight universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. You often hear about Harvard and Yale being the most prestigious among all universities because they have control over vast resources, attract top-notch faculty and students, and have a rich academic history.

Stanford University and MIT are also highly prestigious, and they have a particularly strong reputation in the field of STEM. Stanford is renowned for its close ties with Silicon Valley, making it a prime choice for students interested in tech and entrepreneurship.

The University of Chicago and Northwestern University, both in Illinois, are often lauded for their commitment to rigorous academic standards and research and are considered leaders in economics, social sciences, and journalism respectively.

Schools like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania are also prestigious, particularly in specialized areas. Johns Hopkins holds a strong position in the fields of public health and medical research, while UPenn's Wharton School is known for its business program.

Keep in mind that different universities may be known for excellence in different fields, so what is considered "most prestigious" can also depend on your intended path of study. It's always a good idea to research the strengths of different universities in your specific field of interest. Lastly, don't forget about 'fit': even if a university is highly prestigious, it may not be the best environment for you to thrive in.