Many high school students aspire to enter an Ivy League college; however, very few are fortunate to pass the rigorous testing and application process to do so. Due to the large number of student applications each of the eight Ivy League schools receives, administrators not only look for test scores, but also applications that stand out above the rest. Remember that a successful academic career in the Ivy League starts with getting the application correct. For instance, all students should remember to highlight actual experiences, as opposed to status accomplishments and titles. Taking the time to understand the mission and requirements of each school will improve a student’s chances of making it through the selection process.

Brown University

As one of the oldest colleges still standing in the United States, Brown University is well known for its active campus culture. When combined, the available graduate and undergraduate programs total well over one hundred concentrations. The diverse offering that Brown University offers attracts scholars from all over the world to the college every year. The location of the college is one of its most notable characteristics; many students enjoy studying on campus grounds because of the beautiful historic setting.

• Brown University – Read the campus rules, program prerequisites, and best admissions practices at the official Brown University website.
• Brown University’s Watson Institute – Learn more about Brown University’s research center, the Watson Institute for International Studies.
• Brown University Entrepreneurship Program – Learn more about starting a business while studying at Brown University. 

Columbia University

Famous for its School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University offers students much more than just math courses. In fact, there is a range of different studies that students can pursue, including medicine, law and even liberal arts. Columbia has provided undergraduate students with the opportunity to further their education at one of United States oldest and most prestigious colleges since 1754; the campus even survived the American Revolution! Many people visit Columbia because it is home to one of the most famous medical research centers in Manhattan.

• Columbia University – Don’t forget to read through the official admissions guidelines before submitting an application to Columbia University.
• Columbia University Lambda Phi Epsilon – Learn more about Asian-Awareness on the Columbia University campus.
• Columbia University Medical Center – Read about the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and its individual divisions, like the Psychiatry program. 

Cornell University

Established in 1865, Cornell University has come a long way since the campus first opened over 100 years ago; there are now several thousand different classes available. Students come to Cornell University to study in one of the 14 different colleges located on campus, ranging from life sciences to computer courses. Life on campus presents many opportunities, including personal support, academic enrichment, and athletic pursuits. The college’s comprehensive set of student services sets Cornell apart from the rest of the Ivy League family.

• Cornell University – Browse through the official website of Cornell University to learn more about campus life.
• National Cancer Institute – Check out the recent advances the Cornell University research team has made in fighting cancer.
• National Science Foundation Awards – Find out more about the grants the National Science Foundation has awarded Cornell University.

Dartmouth College

Although Dartmouth College offers a broad range of higher learning studies, from engineering to medicine, the school is most famous for its extensive arts courses. In addition to its academic concentrations, Dartmouth also boasts one of the most extensive libraries of all the Ivy League schools. In fact, students have access to over 6 million different resources, from historical texts and maps to very specialized documents. Like all the Ivy League campuses, Dartmouth hosts a variety of athletic facilities. 

• Dartmouth College – Learn more about the extensive degree programs offered by Dartmouth College.
• Dartmouth College Supreme Court Case – Find out why Dartmouth College showcases Daniel Webster’s portrait.
• Dartmouth College Institute of Arctic Studies – Learn about the Arctic Studies Dartmouth College is behind.

Harvard University

One of the most widely recognized Ivy League Colleges, Harvard University is a school known for advanced studies, beautiful landscaping, and diverse research programs. The most popular on-campus educational exhibit is the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which is world renowned for its collections and displays. During admission, Harvard seeks out students who show motivation, discipline and self-drive. Once enrolled, administrators expect students to adhere strictly to the campus rules.

• Harvard University – Become familiar with Harvard University’s rich cultural background and history.
• OSNAP – Check out the current nutrition and physical activity study Harvard University is conducting.
• Harvard University Buildings – Read about the historical buildings located on the Harvard University campus.

Princeton University

Students interested in pursuing a sports program throughout school typically look to Princeton University first when choosing an Ivy League College. Among the top 10 schools for athletics in the United States, the campus has programs for both men and women. In addition to their successful sports division, Princeton is also a private research facility, where students can pursue science, engineering and many other academic disciplines. It is home to six prestigious undergraduate colleges, including Forbes College.

• Princeton University – Read about the official undergraduate applicant process. 
• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory – Read about the Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) that Princeton manages.
• Princeton Certificates and Degrees – Browse through a listing of degrees and certifications offered by Princeton University.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn State, is one of the most difficult of the Ivy League schools to get accepted into. Dating back to Benjamin Franklin, the college is home to some of the most accomplished graduate students in the United States. Many alumni of Penn State continue on to lead highly esteemed research and medical discoveries. The college’s athletic programs range from basketball and tennis, to lacrosse.

• University of Pennsylvania – Read more about famous alumni of Penn State. 
• Presidential Award – Check out why the University of Pennsylvania is considered an outstanding example of higher education.
• AmeriCorps – Learn about Penn State’s famous management learning program.

Yale University

Home of the Holocaust Archives, Yale University is a hub for not only prestigious academic and athletic pursuits, but also a center for extensive research on cultures around the world. While law is the most commonly referenced course of study at Yale, the college also helps students achieve higher degrees in many different subjects, including art and science. In addition to the many undergraduate studies offered, students can also enroll in a variety of accredited graduate programs, as well. In fact, Yale is most noted for not only being among the oldest U.S. colleges, but also the first to award a Doctoral degree, too. 

• Yale University – Choose the best undergraduate athletic program at Yale University.
• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum – Browse through historical pictures taken on the Yale campus during 1935-1940.  
• Yale’s Campus Policies – Get familiar with Yale’s policies and procedures.