Every IVY league explained in 10 minutes

Summary

This video explores the Ivy League, breaking down the unique characteristics of each of the eight schools, from Harvard's prestigious legacy to Brown's free-spirited curriculum. It delves into what kind of students each Ivy seeks—from the intellectually restless at Columbia to the hands-on builders at Cornell. The video provides insight into the diverse academic cultures, extracurricular offerings, and key features of each institution, while encouraging prospective applicants to be authentic in their approach. The video ends by highlighting Inspirate Consulting, which helps students craft intentional and strategic applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ivy League is not a single 'dream school' but a group of 8 schools that originally agreed to play football together a century ago.
• 😀 Harvard is the oldest Ivy, founded in 1636, and is known for its prestige and academic excellence, boasting the largest academic library in the world.
• 😀 Yale is renowned for its humanities, producing leaders like U.S. presidents and Supreme Court justices. The school values insightful, thoughtful students with a deep intellectual curiosity.
• 😀 Princeton emphasizes academic curiosity and research, requiring all students (except CS majors) to write a senior thesis. It's ideal for students who love writing and independent academic work.
• 😀 Columbia, located in New York City, is known for its intense academic environment and core curriculum, where all students study classics like Plato and Aristotle.
• 😀 Brown stands out for its open curriculum, allowing students to design their own academic path. It's great for students who are self-driven and crave authenticity in their work.
• 😀 Dartmouth is the smallest Ivy, offering a tight-knit community and a flexible academic schedule. It rewards students who are collaborative, adventurous, and enjoy intellectual discussions.
• 😀 Cornell, the youngest Ivy, is known for its diverse range of majors and hands-on learning opportunities. It's ideal for builders and tinkerers who excel at doing, not just planning.
• 😀 The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) attracts students who move fast, think big, and execute their ideas—especially those with a track record of leadership and initiative.
• 😀 All Ivy League schools have distinct cultures and values, and students are expected to align with these unique characteristics to stand out during the admissions process.

Q & A

What is the Ivy League, and why is it often seen as a prestigious group of schools?

The Ivy League is a group of eight schools in the northeastern United States that originally came together for competitive football. Over time, these schools became synonymous with academic excellence and elite education due to their long histories and traditions.

What makes Harvard University stand out among the Ivy League schools?

Harvard is the oldest college in the U.S., founded in 1636, and is known for its immense prestige. It’s famous for producing presidents, billionaires, and Nobel Prize winners. Harvard also boasts the world’s largest academic library.

What type of students does Harvard look for in their applicants?

Harvard looks for students who are doing something significant and personal, not just for the sake of checking off accomplishments. They want applicants whose work shows undeniable impact and authenticity.

How is Yale different from Harvard in terms of student selection?

Yale values insight, maturity, and thoughtfulness, rather than just raw achievements. It’s not about having a Nobel Prize but about how students think and reflect on their experiences. Yale is particularly interested in essays that demonstrate personal depth.

What makes Princeton University unique within the Ivy League?

Princeton stands out with its strong focus on undergraduate education and a strong balance between STEM and humanities programs. It also has a unique academic requirement for a senior thesis, emphasizing independent research and writing.

What type of student does Princeton University seek?

Princeton looks for students who are curious and academically driven, especially those who are passionate about independent research. They value students who enjoy writing long papers and engaging in debates.

How does Columbia University’s location in New York City influence its academic environment?

Columbia’s location in the heart of New York City provides a fast-paced, intellectually intense environment. It’s known for its Core Curriculum, which ensures that every student, regardless of their major, engages with classic texts and dense ideas.

What kind of student does Columbia University attract?

Columbia attracts intellectually restless students who thrive under academic pressure, enjoy tackling complex ideas, and can handle the fast pace of university life in New York City.

What is Brown University’s open curriculum, and why is it special?

Brown’s open curriculum allows students to design their own academic path with no general education requirements, no mandatory classes, and the option not to have a GPA. It fosters a flexible, curiosity-driven approach to education.

Who would thrive in the academic environment at Brown University?

Students who are self-driven, curious, and enjoy creating their own educational path. Those who value authenticity and have a genuine passion for niche interests or projects would excel at Brown.