What Makes Ivy League Schools Special? The Fixation Around Ivy League

When people hear “Ivy League schools,” it feels like it comes with a glaring light and a montage of the American dream. Ivy League schools are the most prestigious aspect of American academia. Many Ivy League schools have existed before the American Revolution, so you can only imagine the long-running alumni rooted in legacy and tradition. The Ivies are known for their academic excellence, impressive professors, prestigious athletic departments, and, of course, the high tuitions reflect their elite identities. But let’s dive deeper because there is much more to unravel about what makes the Ivy League schools so special. In this article, we will further look at the appeal of the Ivy League and how it continues to be the superior symbol of excellence.

What Schools are a part of the Ivy League?

The Ivy League schools, or the Ivies, are comprised of eight schools located in the East Coast of the United States. The eight Ivy League schools are Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown. Harvard is one of the oldest high-level institutes as it was founded in 1636, known as the epicenter of varsity sports and a strong network of alumni, including American presidents to scientists, and philosophers. Dartmouth is known for helping students excel in the arts and sciences, whereas Cornell is known for STEM research and sports like hockey and lacrosse. Along with Harvard is the Big Three, which also includes Yale and Princeton; these schools got the label from being the top three schools dominating college football in the 1888s. 

What makes Ivy League schools different from other universities?

Ivy League schools are different from other schools due to their low admission rates (which we will expand on below), strong network of alumni, being rooted in tradition, prestige, and history, and their dedication to educating America’s elite. The schools retain centuries-old academic traditions, ceremonies, and mottos, making sure all students from generations ago to present times have the same shared experience. They walk in the same hallways, attend the same assemblies and ceremonies, and study in exquisite dark academia libraries. That is the essence that makes Ivy League schools so special, that even though some of the schools are hundreds of years old, alumni across generations share the same traditions, experiences, and make the same memories. 

Ivy League schools also cultivate a community of intellectual students usually well-versed in all subjects, from politics, literature, history, and philosophy. Ivy League schools further instill the American values and American dream aura surrounding education, college, and preparatory culture. Let’s not forget that a big part of the American dream is preppy style, one that the Ivies birthed. The fraternity/sorority culture, along with the emphasis on being academic and athletic at the same time, birthed the preppy fashion and aesthetic. Think collegiate varsity sweaters and polos, a mixture of athleisure and professional. The image of the “collegiate athlete-scholar” was born here. Overall, the Ivy League schools embody an elite way of living, and many students across the country wish they can too be a part of it too.

What are the admission rates of Ivy League schools?

What famous people went to Ivy League schools?

A lot of famous people known in Hollywood, as well as authors, scientists, doctors, presidents, and CEO’s started at Ivy League schools before embarking on their professional careers. For example, Dr. Seuss went to Dartmouth, and so did the actress Mindy Kaling. When it comes to the University of Pennsylvania, there are a lot of famous people who went to Penn, from Donald Trump to Elon Musk, Elizabeth Banks, and Tory Burch. Famous people who attended Columbia include a long list as well: Timothée Chalamet, Barack Obama, Alicia Keys, Theodore Roosevelt, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Finally, the famous people who went to Harvard are a lengthy list as well, including Conan O’Brien, Natalie Portman, John F. Kennedy, Michelle Obama, and John Adams.