How to categorize Ivy League colleges?

Hey everyone! I've been thinking about applying to some Ivy League schools, but I'm not sure how they differ from one another. Can someone help me understand the various distinctions and categories among Ivy League colleges? I want to make sure I'm applying to schools that align with my preferences and goals. Thanks!

Sure! It's great that you want to find the right Ivy League fit for you. While all eight Ivy League colleges (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania) are considered highly prestigious and highly selective, they each have their unique characteristics. I'll try to simplify the distinctions by breaking them down into a few categories.

1. Academic focus:

- Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are often considered to have a strong focus on the traditional liberal arts and humanities, as well as strong programs in the sciences.

- Columbia is known for its Core Curriculum, which focuses on Western civilization and the humanities. It also has strong programs in a wide range of subjects, including journalism and engineering.

- Brown is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study without any specific distribution requirements. This encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study.

- Dartmouth has a strong focus on undergraduate teaching and a liberal arts education. It also emphasizes research opportunities, especially in the sciences.

- Cornell has a diverse range of programs, from its top-tier engineering school to strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. It's notably the most academically diverse Ivy League school.

- The University of Pennsylvania is well known for its business program, the Wharton School, as well as strong programs in nursing, engineering, and other professional fields.

2. Campus setting:

- Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have more traditional college campuses, located in smaller cities or towns.

- Columbia is located in New York City, providing a distinctly urban experience.

- Brown and Dartmouth are situated in charming New England cities (Providence and Hanover, respectively) and have more of a "college town" vibe.

- Cornell is in Ithaca, New York, which is a beautiful, nature-rich college town in Central New York.

- The University of Pennsylvania is based in Philadelphia and is part of a thriving urban environment.

3. Size and student experience:

- Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have medium-sized undergraduate populations, creating a balance between a tight-knit community and a diverse set of opportunities.

- Columbia, Brown, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania all have larger undergraduate populations, which may offer a broader range of student organizations and experiences.

- Dartmouth is the smallest of the Ivies in terms of undergraduate enrollment, fostering a tight-knit community and strong student-faculty collaboration.

Ultimately, it's crucial to research each school and think about what type of experience you're looking for in a college. Consider factors like campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, location, and academic programs when making your decision. Be sure to attend virtual or in-person information sessions and speak with current students to get a sense of what life is like at each school. Good luck with your college search!