How are Ivy League colleges ranked?

Heya, I'm a junior and starting to think really seriously about college apps. Obvious question, but how exactly are the Ivies ranked? I.e., what criteria are used and how much does this ranking really matter for one's career prospects? I'd really appreciate some insight!

Hi there! Ivy League colleges, like other institutions, are ranked according to several factors. These factors may differ based on the source of the rankings, but they usually revolve around a few key aspects. Here's a general breakdown:

1. Student Outcomes: This usually includes graduation rates, retention rates, and job placement rates after graduation. Institutions with higher rates tend to be ranked higher because it suggests that they are successful in preparing their students for life after college.

2. Academics: This focuses on the academic quality of the university. It can take into consideration faculty qualifications, research output, course variety, and the number of students who are part of honors programs or who pursue advanced degrees.

3. Financial Resources: This can include the percentage of financial need the school meets for students, the average financial aid package, the endowment size, and other resources on campus.

4. Student Satisfaction: This typically involves surveys that capture student satisfaction with the school, including faculty interactions, campus resources, and extracurricular opportunities.

5. Peer Reputation: This aspect takes into account the opinions of high school counselors and college administrators at other universities to measure the perceived quality or reputation of the college.

As for how these rankings affect your career prospects, it's worth mentioning that while Ivy League schools are prestigious and well-recognized, they don't automatically guarantee career success. There are successful people from a wide range of colleges and universities.

Moreover, it's important to not base your college decision solely on rankings. Consider other factors such as campus culture, location, course offerings, and extracurricular opportunities. What's truly important is finding a school that aligns with your career goals, personal interests, and learning style.