What exactly makes a college an Ivy League?

I understand that Ivy League schools have a certain reputation for academic excellence, but what criteria do they use to determine if a school is an Ivy League?

Hi there! The term 'Ivy League' actually refers to a specific group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States. It initially started as a sports conference, but over time, these schools have gained a reputation for their high academic standards and strong focus on research. The eight Ivy League schools are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.

While there isn't a specific set of criteria that all Ivy League schools follow, they share similar characteristics such as rigorous admission standards, top faculty, and a rich offering of resources and opportunities. These schools often have large endowments as well, which helps fund various programs, facilities, and financial aid packages.

Nowadays, the term 'Ivy League' is often associated with prestige, selective admissions, and rigorous academics, but it is important to remember that there are many other fantastic universities around the country that provide equally excellent education opportunities. So while the Ivy League schools are renowned, there are plenty of other non-Ivy schools worth considering when applying to college. I hope this helps clarify what makes a college an Ivy League and happy college hunting!