When students think of Ivy League schools, they often associate them with prestigious institutions that are extremely difficult to get into.
However, not all Ivy League schools are created equal when it comes to admission standards.
In fact, there are some of these schools that are considered easier to get into than others.
In this blog post, we will explore the Ivy League schools that are considered the easiest to get into. Also what makes them different from their more competitive counterparts.
Ivy League Schools That Are Easy To Get Into
First of all, let’s clarify what we mean by “easy to get into.” When we say that a school is “easy to get into,” we don’t mean that anyone can get in with minimal effort.
Ivy League schools are still highly selective institutions that require strong academic credentials, extracurricular involvement, and impressive personal essays.
However, compared to other Ivy League schools, the schools on this list have slightly higher acceptance rates and slightly lower academic standards.
The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious universities located in the northeastern United States.
These schools are famous for their rigorous academic programs, elite faculty, and distinguished alumni;
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Ivy League schools that are considered the easiest to get into.
1. Cornell University
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York, and is the largest of the Ivy League schools.
The school has a reputation for being the easiest Ivy League school to get into, with an acceptance rate of around 10.9%.
While this is still a highly competitive rate, it is slightly higher than the other Ivy League schools.
Cornell also has a unique admissions process that allows students to apply to specific colleges within the university, such as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and the College of Human Ecology.
This can give applicants a better chance of being accepted into their desired program.
2. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is in Hanover, New Hampshire, and is popular for its undergraduate liberal arts program.
They have an acceptance rate of around 7.9%, which is slightly higher than some of the other Ivy League schools.
Dartmouth is also unique in that it has a strong emphasis on its “D-Plan,” which allows students to take off-campus terms during the academic year, giving them the opportunity to explore different interests and gain real-world experience.
3. Brown University
Brown University is in Providence, Rhode Island, and they have an open curriculum, which allows students to design their own academic program.
They has an acceptance rate of around 7.7%, which is slightly lower than Dartmouth but still higher than some of the other Ivy League schools.
Brown also has a reputation for being more focused on a student’s intellectual curiosity and potential than on their academic achievements.
These qualities makes it a good choice for students who may not have the highest grades but are passionate about learning.
4. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia has a strong business, engineering, and pre-law programs.
UPenn has an acceptance rate of around 8.4%, which is slightly lower than Brown but still higher than some of the other Ivy League universities.
UPenn also has a unique dual-degree program with the Wharton School of Business. This program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and a master’s degree from the Wharton School in just five years.
5. Columbia University
Columbia University is in New York City and is famous for its strong programs in journalism, law, and international relations.
They has an acceptance rate of around 5.3%, which is lower than the other schools on this list but still slightly higher than some of the other Ivy League schools.
Columbia also has a unique core curriculum that all students must complete, which includes courses in literature, philosophy, and the arts.
Comparing These Ivy League Schools
So, what sets these Ivy League universities apart from their more competitive counterparts?
1. Location
One factor is their location. Cornell, Dartmouth, and Brown are all located in more remote areas, which can make them less appealing to some students.
Additionally, these schools may not have the same level of name recognition as some of the other Ivy League schools, which can make them less attractive to students who are looking for prestige.
2. Academic Standards
Another factor is their academic standards. While these schools still require strong academic credentials, they may be slightly more forgiving when it comes to standardized test scores and GPA.
This can make them a good option for students who may not have the highest grades but have other strengths, such as extracurricular involvement or a compelling personal essay.
Conclusion
While all Ivy League schools are highly selective institutions, there are some that are easier to get into than others.
Cornell, Dartmouth, Brown, UPenn, and Columbia all have slightly higher acceptance rates and slightly lower academic standards than some of the other Ivy League schools.
However, just because a school is considered “easier to get into” doesn’t mean that it is a lesser institution.
All of these schools are highly respected and offer outstanding academic programs, faculty, and resources.
It’s also important to remember that admission to any Ivy League school is still highly competitive and requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
Ultimately, the best Ivy League school for you will depend on your individual strengths, interests, and goals.
