Update: This article was last updated on 17th March 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
You are a parent whose aim is to give your children the best life has to offer, including education. One method of ensuring they succeed is to assist them in getting into Ivy League colleges. These colleges have been at the forefront of higher education for more than a century.
Ivy League is an association of eight highly ranked private universities in the Northeastern part of the United States. To answer your question, “how many Ivy League schools are there?”, the reply is eight. They are popular for their demanding admissions, excellence in academics, and job opportunities for graduates. Parents often enquire, “what are the Ivy League schools?” or “what is an Ivy League school?”—Ivy League meaning applies to such elite institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Learning the Ivy League application process is vital if you are curious about how to become part of Ivy League colleges. The institutions look for students with high academics, extracurricular success, and leadership abilities. If you’re looking up what Ivy League schools are, having knowledge of their admissions criteria and expectations can place your child on a level playing field to be accepted at one of these highly regarded Ivy Leagues and obtain career opportunities for graduates.
| INSTITUTION | LOCATION | Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (Fall 2021) | FORBES RANKING | US NEWS RANKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | Princeton, New Jersey | 4% | 1 | 1 |
| Columbia University | New York City, New York | 4% | 2 | 18 |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | 5% | 3 | 3 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 6% | 4 | 7 |
| Dartmouth College | Hanover, New Hampshire | 6% | 5 | 12 |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 4% | 6 | 3 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | 9% | 7 | 17 |
| Brown University | Providence, Rhode Island | 6% | 8 | 13 |
As illustrated in the table, Ivy League acceptance rates are very competitive, at levels below 10% through fall 2021.
So if your kid is fantasizing about securing admission to any Ivy League college, they should be adequately prepared. In this article, we will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by parents, including “what are the Ivy League schools?”, “how many Ivy League schools are there?”, and “what is an Ivy League school?”
In addition, we will also instruct you on how to enter Ivy League colleges through learning about the Ivy League application process. But first, let us begin with the Ivy League definition to explain what Ivy League colleges are and how they differ.
- How hard is it to get into an Ivy League school?
- What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into?
- Can an average student get into Ivy League?
- Is it hard for Indians or other sub-continent students to get into Ivy League?
- How to get accepted into an Ivy League school?
- What SAT/ACT Scores do you need for Ivy League Schools?
- How can Moonpreneur help your child in college admission and become ready for IVY League colleges?
How hard is it to get into the Ivy League school?
It may be quite difficult to get into Ivy League schools, as their admissions are extremely selective. Ivy League schools’ acceptance rates usually stand at about 5-10%, implying that only a minimal number of students are admitted out of every application.
Aspects considered during the Ivy League application process are academic success, extracurricular activities, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
It’s also worth noting that Ivy League institutions seek diversity in students, so they also take into account aspects like race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
For those curious about how to gain admission to Ivy League universities, good grades, leadership experience, and a good personal narrative can be the difference.
If you are asking, “What are the Ivy League universities?” or “What is an Ivy League university?” The Ivy League definition is an abbreviation that stands for eight highly competitive American universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Penn, and Cornell.
How many Ivy League colleges are there in total? There are eight, and they each have a different culture and area of study.
Which Ivy League school is easiest to get into?
It is hard to say which Ivy League school is easiest to gain admission to because all eight Ivy League colleges’ admissions process is very competitive.
But some Ivy League institutions do have a slightly higher acceptance rate than others. For the Ivy League institutions, Cornell University and Brown University do have slightly higher acceptance rates than the rest of the institutions at about 10-15%.
But what must be remembered is that despite the fact that these institutions do have a slightly higher acceptance rate, it still only means that a small percentage of applicants are accepted.
If you are curious about how to get into Ivy League colleges, it is essential to possess a solid academic record, extracurricular activities, and good essays.
Numerous students inquire, what are the Ivy League colleges and what is an Ivy League college? The definition of an Ivy League college is a set of eight elite universities in the United States with a reputation for academic achievement and selective admissions.
Ivy League application is demanding and necessitates a balanced profile.
How many Ivy League schools exist, then? There are eight: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and Penn.
Can an average student attend Ivy League?
Although it might prove difficult for the average student to gain entry to Ivy League institutions, it‘s not inconceivable. Admission to Ivy League schools is exceptionally selective. Such schools want more than simply scholastically impressive students but people who have excelled in several extracurricular endeavors as well and whose individual perceptions may be unlike other applicants’.
If you are curious about the Ivy Leagues and how many Ivy League schools exist, the Ivy Leagues are eight top universities in the United States. Knowing what is an Ivy League school and the Ivy League definition can aid students in getting past the competitive Ivy League application process.
To make it more likely, study how to get into an Ivy League college by performing well in academics, engaging in fulfilling extracurricular activities, and highlighting an inspiring personal experience.
An ordinary student can boost their opportunities for admission into an Ivy League school by
- doing well in classes and receiving good test scores
- engaging in extracurricular activities and leadership
- penning an inspiring personal essay.
- displaying hard work, learning enthusiasm, and
- Ability to withstand adversity can also distinguish a student from the rest of the Ivy League admissions committees.
It‘s also important to mention that while high GPA and test scores will make it easier to get accepted into an Ivy League school, it’s not the only criterion they use.
![HOW TO GET INTO THE IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL [2023 GUIDE]](https://mp.moonpreneur.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/how-to-get-into-ivy-league-school.jpg)
Is it difficult for Indians or other sub-continent students to be accepted at Ivy League?
It may be difficult for Indian and other South Asian students to gain admission to Ivy League institutions, since the admissions process is very competitive and the number of applicants is high. But it is not impossible for these students to gain admission.
It should be noted that most Ivy League universities seek diversity in the student population, and therefore they also look at race, socioeconomic background, and geographic location. Indian and South Asian students can emphasize their cultural and individual differences in their application to present their diversity.
How to get accepted into an Ivy League school?
Now is the time to respond to the most important question. These are some of the things your child can do to improve his or her chances of getting accepted:
1) Excel academically
Ivy League institutions seek out students who are solid scholars and achievers in the classroom. This includes getting good grades, enrolling in difficult courses, and recording high scores on tests.
2) Be active in extracurricular activities
Ivy League colleges desire to see you as a well-rounded individual who is interested in something. This can be through internships, independent research, extracurricular activities, or volunteering.
For instance, Moonpreneur‘s Innovator Program enables students to stand out from other applicants. The program fully covers the requirement for extracurricular activities to enable students to create a foundation for writing great resumes for college admissions.
Some of the ideas for extracurricular activities that can make you stand out include:
Student Government: Getting involved in student government or as a candidate for leadership is evidence of leadership qualities and dedication to the school community.
Debate Club: Participation in debate competitions exhibits critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive ability.
Science Olympiad: For science and engineering majors, attempting Science Olympiad competitions exams is proof of passion and expertise in science and engineering.
Community Service: Show dedication to contributing positively to the world by volunteering on a cause.
Sports: Participating in sports activities or excelling in a sport individually can demonstrate teamwork, discipline, and commitment.
Music and Arts: Striving for excellence in music, theater, dance, or visual arts also demonstrates creativity and commitment to the art.
Research Projects: Independent research in an area of interest is a chance to highlight intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic work.
Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship, even a small business, can highlight problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurial initiative.
Cultural or Language Clubs: Participating or creating a club centered on cultural heritage or a language interest can highlight diversity and global awareness.
Publications: Writing for the school newspaper, literary magazine, or creating a blog is evidence of writing and communication abilities.
Leadership in Current Clubs: For individuals who are interested in a specific club or organization, leadership within it can demonstrate commitment.
STEM Competitions: Participation in competitions such as the Intel Science Talent Search or Google Science Fair can demonstrate commitment to science and innovation.
Political or Social Activism: Engaging in political or social causes can show commitment to making a positive change in the world.
Internships: Obtaining internships in your desired fields can show real-world experience and future career commitment.
3) Write a compelling personal essay
The personal essay is a significant component of the application and provides you with the opportunity to bring out your personality and individual experiences. Spend some time considering what makes you stand out from other applicants and how you can demonstrate that in your essay.
Free eBooks to write a personal essay for ivy league admission
- The Art of the Personal Essay by Phillip Lopate
- 50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays by Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe
- On Writing the College Application Essay by Harry Bauld
- Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps by Alan Gelb
- Essays That Worked for College Applications by Boykin Curry and Emily Angel Baer
4) Ask teachers, counselors, and other adults you know well for recommendations
Recommendations can say a lot about your character, work ethic, and potential for success.
5) Emphasize your distinctive experiences and diversity
Ivy League universities want students with differing points of view and experiences. If you belong to a diversified background or have distinctive experiences, make sure that you emphasize the same in your application.
6) Apply Early Decision
Early decision plans are binding, and if you get accepted, you have to go to that school, so it is a bit more competitive, but you get a better shot at getting in.
7) Grades (GPA)
It is crucial to take the most difficult courses offered and earn high grades. A high GPA, usually a weighted 4.0, and a good showing of AP, IB, or Honors courses can show that an applicant possesses the academic talent and motivation to excel at a premier university.
| Ivy School | Average GPA | SAT Range | ACT Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | 4.08 | 1460-1570 | 33-35 |
| Columbia University | 4.16 | 1470-1570 | 34-35 |
| Cornell University | 4.04 | 1450-1560 | 33-35 |
| Dartmouth College | 4.06 | 1440-1560 | 33-35 |
| Harvard University | 4.10 | 1480-1580 | 33-36 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3.93 | 1480-1570 | 33-35 |
| Princeton University | 3.90 | 1460-1570 | 33-35 |
| Yale University | 4.19 | 1480-1580 | 33-35 |
What SAT/ACT Scores do you need for Ivy League Schools?
In order to be considered competitive for enrollment in an Ivy League college, one should strive to get excellent scores on either the SAT or ACT. The “good” score for the Ivy League would be at least 1400 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT.
It is worth noting that these are only general guidelines and actual cut-offs for these scores fluctuate from year to year based on applicant pool, university policy, and other considerations.
Factors in College Admission Beyond Your Control
In this blog, we have discussed what you can do to improve your chances of admission to an Ivy League university. But there are certain aspects in the admissions process that you cannot control. If the above considerations help you out, good for you! If they don‘t, don’t fret. Most accepted students do not have these advantages:
Legacy Status
Some students are better off if they have a relative (such as a parent or sibling) who went to the same Ivy League university they are applying to. This can be beneficial because colleges tend to prefer admitting legacy students. It is not purely tradition, but it provides more alumni support as well.
Diversity
Your background can also have a bearing on your prospects. For example, an international student from a country such as Bangladesh could be favored over someone from a well-represented state such as Connecticut.
In the same vein, a deserving candidate from a minority group could be favored over a deserving student from a more prevalent background. Some feel that this is unfair and have gone so far as to sue about it, but most Ivy League colleges feel that a diverse population enhances the college experience by offering a variety of viewpoints.
How can Moonpreneur assist your child in college acceptance and become prepared for IVY League colleges?
Moonpreneur’s College Prep Program ensures that students stand out from other applicants. The program takes into account the importance of providing your child with an advantage in the beginning of their life. A student who starts at Moonpreneur in 8th grade goes on to study Product Design and Entrepreneurship for years, only to have a start-up idea or passion project developed by the time they reach 12th grade!
Students who wish to gain admission to Ivy League universities stand to gain a lot from this organized approach. They are able to share the experience they acquire while on their passion project and how it influenced their viewpoints in college essays to gain advantage in the Ivy League application process.
It is imperative to understand what the Ivy League is and how one can get accepted into Ivy League institutions through planning strategically, innovating, and highlighting individual strengths. Moonpreneur‘s program helps students stand out as it makes them develop a good portfolio that fits the requirements of Ivy Leagues.
For those wondering, “What are the Ivy League schools?” or “How many Ivy League schools are there?”, the Ivy League consists of eight prestigious institutions known for their academic excellence and competitiveness. Knowing the Ivy League definition and what is an Ivy League school can guide students toward making informed choices about their education and career paths.
Moonpreneur is committed to revolutionizing traditional education, equipping the future generation with end-to-end learning experiences. Our Innovator Program empowers students with essential skills in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, Game Development, and App Development, promoting entrepreneurship through experiential learning. This program is designed to nurture the workforce of the future by incorporating cutting-edge technologies and practical skills into school curriculums.
Sign up for a 60-minute free workshop today!
How early should students start preparing for Ivy League college admissions?
One can start preparing as early as their freshman or sophomore year of high school.
Do these Ivy League schools provide any scholarships?
Yes, they provide various scholarships and financial aid options.
I don’t think getting into an Ivy League college guarantees success. I think skills are more important than a degree these days.
I am applying for Harvard. Any suggestions?
Apart from a competitive SAT score, try adding extracurricular activities like volunteering, playing sports, and leadership into your college application.
I especially found the section on extracurricular activities to be enlightening. Encouraging kids to pursue their passions—whether through leadership roles, community service, or independent research—truly sets them apart in the eyes of admissions committees. It’s great to see how Moonpreneur’s Innovator Program is specifically designed to enhance these aspects, providing students with the tools they need to excel.
Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for parents who want to navigate the complex admissions process with their children. The comprehensive approach and practical tips will undoubtedly help many families prepare for the journey ahead. Thank you for sharing such valuable information!