I keep hearing the term 'Mini Ivies' tossed around and I'm unsure of what that means. Can someone break it down for me? What colleges does this term refer to?
The term 'Mini Ivies' is often used to refer to a set of smaller, prestigious, academically rigorous liberal arts colleges. While the designation isn't defined strictly and might vary slightly depending on who you ask, a commonly accepted list includes Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Middlebury College, Swarthmore College, and Williams College, among several others.
Like their Ivy League counterparts (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Brown, etc.), these colleges are known for their academic rigor, selective admissions processes, and commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience. Yet, they offer the close-knit community and personalized educational experience that small liberal arts colleges are known for. Just like with the term 'Ivy League', it's essential not to let the term 'Mini Ivies' overshadow the individual strengths, resources, and qualities of each college classified under this term. The most important element while choosing a college should be how well it aligns with your own academic, personal, and career goals.
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