Getting to Know the Ivy League Colleges

A quick look Ivy League colleges with links to how you might engage their coursework while still in high school!

 

Before applying, first get acquainted with the Ivy League!

While “Ivy League” has become synonymous with considerable academic clout, these eight private institutions of higher learning were originally organized as an athletic conference called the Ivy League. 

Now, they represent some of the oldest higher education institutions in the U.S. and some of the most widely recognized and prestigious institutions in the world. They have produced world leaders, experts in academia, future Presidents, future Senators, and Nobel Prize winners. 

For many students and families, Ivy League colleges offer unmatched opportunities for excellence in education, research, and networking.

Here’s a quick look at each school and how you might engage with their coursework even while in high school! 

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Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

1. Harvard University

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

• Website: www.harvard.edu

• Notable Programs: Law, Business, Medicine, Government, Engineering

• Notable Graduates: Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John F. Kennedy

• Reason to Apply: Harvard is world-renowned for its academic rigor, access to vast resources, and global network of alumni. It's a place where students are prepared to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on society.

• Online Courses: Harvard Online Learning offers courses in various fields such as computer science, data science, business, and humanities.

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Yale University - New Haven, Connecticut

2. Yale University

• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

• Website: www.yale.edu

• Notable Programs: Law, Drama, Architecture, History, Political Science

• Notable Graduates: Hillary Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Meryl Streep, Ta-Nehisi Coates

• Reason to Apply: Yale offers an intellectually stimulating environment with its commitment to interdisciplinary studies, vibrant campus culture, and deep historical roots in arts and social sciences.

• Online Courses: Yale Online Learning includes offerings in the sciences, social sciences, and the humanities, featuring popular courses like The Science of Well-Being.

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Princeton University - Princeton, New Jersey

3. Princeton University

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey

• Website: www.princeton.edu

• Notable Programs: Physics, Mathematics, Economics, Public Affairs, Philosophy

• Notable Graduates: Jeff Bezos, Michelle Obama, John Nash, Jimmy Stewart

• Reason to Apply: With a focus on undergraduate education, Princeton provides students with unparalleled faculty access, research opportunities, and a supportive community of scholars.

• Online Courses: Princeton Online Learning features a selection of free courses in areas like philosophy, science, and literature.

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Columbia University - New York, New York

4. Columbia University

• Location: New York City, New York

• Website: www.columbia.edu

• Notable Programs: Journalism, Business, Law, Arts and Sciences, Medicine

• Notable Graduates: Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Langston Hughes, Alexander Hamilton

• Reason to Apply: Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers unmatched access to cultural, political, and business opportunities, making it ideal for students who thrive in dynamic environments.

• Online Courses: Columbia Online Learning provides courses in data science, business, and the arts.

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University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA

5. University of Pennsylvania

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Website: www.upenn.edu

• Notable Programs: Business (Wharton), Medicine, Engineering, Social Sciences

• Notable Graduates: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Joan Rivers

• Reason to Apply: Penn offers an innovative interdisciplinary approach to education and is home to the prestigious Wharton School of Business, providing students with unique opportunities in business, health, and technology.

• Online Courses: Penn Online Learning features courses in business, health, and data science through platforms like Coursera, as well as free courses available through EdX.

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Dartmouth College - Hanover, New Hampshire

6. Dartmouth College

• Location: Hanover, New Hampshire

• Website: www.dartmouth.edu

• Notable Programs: Business, Government, Environmental Studies, Medicine

• Notable Graduates: Dr. Seuss, Nelson Rockefeller, Mindy Kaling, Thomas Friedman

• Reason to Apply: Dartmouth’s tight-knit community fosters deep relationships with faculty and peers, making it perfect for students looking for a personalized, collaborative environment.

• Online Courses: Dartmouth Online Courses offers options through platforms like EdX, with courses in environmental studies, business, and the humanities.

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Brown University - Providence, RI

7. Brown University

• Location: Providence, Rhode Island

• Website: www.brown.edu

• Notable Programs: International Relations, Computer Science, Literary Arts, Public Health

• Notable Graduates: John F. Kennedy Jr., Emma Watson, Ted Turner, Natalie Portman

• Reason to Apply: Brown's open curriculum gives students the flexibility to design their academic path and explore their intellectual interests, leading to a highly individualized college experience.

• Online Courses: Brown Online Learning offers a range of online courses through platforms like Coursera and EdX, covering topics from data science to ethics and literature.

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Cornell University - Ithaca, New York

8. Cornell University

• Location: Ithaca, New York

• Website: www.cornell.edu

• Notable Programs: Agriculture, Engineering, Business, Law, Hotel Management

• Notable Graduates: Bill Nye, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Toni Morrison, Arthur Levitt

• Reason to Apply: Cornell offers a broad range of programs, including strong offerings in the sciences, business, and agriculture, making it a versatile choice for students with diverse interests.

• Online Courses: Cornell Online Learning includes courses in agriculture, computer science, and business management, available on Coursera, EdX, and other platforms.