The Truth about the Ivy League

If you always dreamed about attending one of the eight prestigious colleges that make up the Ivy League, you probably already know that admission to these colleges and universities is ultra-competitive. So here are a few simple truths to help keep things in perspective.

Truth No. 1: Not Many People Attend Ivy League Schools

The fact is, most people who apply to Ivy League colleges are rejected. Acceptance rates for these eight colleges range from 6-15%. This means that more than 85% of candidates get a rejection letter in the mail. Now, consider that rejected Ivy League applicants include some of the most successful, intelligent students in their respective classes. Most students find a good fit at other colleges, big and small, throughout the country. The lesson here is that there are many opportunities to get an excellent education and have a great college experience outside the Ivy League.

Truth No. 2: Other Campuses Offer the Same Benefits as Ivy League Schools

Ivy League colleges don’t have a monopoly on beautiful campuses, high teaching standards, strong alumni networks or any other factors that make an Ivy League college appealing. So think about what really attracted you to Yale. Chances are good that you can find it at another college.

Truth No. 3: An Ivy League School Isn’t the Best Choice for Every Major

Sure, Ivy League colleges have more than their share of top-rated academic programs. But that doesn’t mean they are the best at everything. Depending on what major you want to pursue, you might just be surprised to find that the program at an in-state, public university is more highly acclaimed than the one at Harvard.

Truth No. 4: An Ivy League Degree Doesn’t Spell Automatic Success

College is what you make of it. Just because you attend an Ivy League school doesn’t mean you’ll graduate with honors or even graduate at all. Likewise, an Ivy League college name on your diploma and resume doesn’t guarantee you’ll find your dream job straight out of college. You make your own success through the hard work you do in school, whether it’s Princeton or the local community college.

Truth No. 5: When It’s All Said and Done, You Could Get In

Finding the right college fit means going after all of the colleges on your wish list, including the ones at the very top. There’s never a guarantee you’ll get into an Ivy League college. But if you have the grades, the test scores and the rest of the package that makes you a great candidate, go ahead and apply. You never know until you try, after all.

The Ivy League