The name “Ivy League school” has become synonymous with a high-quality education. One wonders why prestigious schools like Stanford, Duke, and MIT aren’t part of the Ivy League.
This article will examine what it takes to make a school a member of the Ivy League and what makes them fall short.
After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the Ivy League system and will be able to make an informed decision about which school you want to attend. Continue reading.
What is the Ivy League?
In 1954, the Ivy League was created. It was used to describe schools that excelled in sports like basketball and hockey.
There are 8 schools in Ivy League.
- Brown University Providence, Rhode Island
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Cornell University Ithaca, New York
- Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
- Dartmouth University Hanover, New Hampshire
- Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut
- Columbia University New York City (New York)
These colleges are not regarded as prestigious simply because they belong to the Ivy League. Their education standards are still exceptional, and many students wish to study there.
These colleges have the highest quality law and medical programs in the U.S. and are subject to a strict selection process. It is an achievement to be accepted into these schools. This will require exceptional work ethics.
These schools were also the source of many recent U.S. presidents, further enhancing their reputation.
However, many colleges claim to be as good or better than these schools, even if they aren’t Ivy League schools.
The Case of Stanford and MIT: Duke
Being in an Ivy League college requires being in a particular situation at a specific time. There is no way to get into Ivy League. This doesn’t mean that these colleges can’t provide quality education. They are still ranked in the top 15 most prestigious schools for many of the courses they offer. Sometimes, they even rank higher than their Ivy League counterparts.
It just so happened that they didn’t have exceptional sports performances when the Ivy League was founded. Your degree will still be valuable in education, but cultural shifts can take time and are not yet complete.
Employers will still prefer candidates who have graduated from an Ivy League school to those from Stanford and Duke.
Ivy League vs. Stanford, MIT, and Duke
Let’s now disprove the myth that “Ivy League = better.” Let’s look at the data and see if there is any difference in the education of these schools. You care about getting the job you want, so choose the right school.
Acceptance Rates
Ivy League schools have a reputation for having low acceptance rates. It is very hard to get into these schools; it is so hard that “>average 95.93% graduation rates for Ivy Schools.
What about the 3 other universities?
- Stanford’s graduation rate is 96%
- Duke’s graduation rates are approximately 95%
- MIT’s graduation rates are 93%
These schools provide students with the tools they need to succeed in school and their careers. These universities are only open to the top students because of the tight selection.
Employment Rates
Another important statistic is the likelihood that graduate students will find employment after completing their degrees.
I won’t go into much detail as the Ivy League schools, MIT, Duke, and Stanford, guarantee you will get a job after graduation.
Post-graduate employment rates at all schools are well above 90% in 3 months. Usually, they will get you internships with prestigious companies during your studies.
If you aren’t interested in finding a job, there’s no way that you can’t get one. It’s okay to take a break after such a huge undertaking.
Are Ivy League Schools Offering Better Career Opportunities?
Somewhat. This is a difficult question to answer because employers are changing their mindsets. In the past, going to Ivy League schools was a way to get better jobs. But nowadays, going to any one of the top 20 universities in America is enough to guarantee employment.
There will be people who still consider Ivy League schools the best. Candidates with Ivy League degrees might get more jobs than those without, but these are exceptions. It doesn’t matter where you studied; it matters that you get a quality education and show employers your worth.
Conclusion
Stanford, MIT, and Duke are not Ivy League colleges. This is because they weren’t great at sports when Ivy League was founded. These colleges are easily ranked among the top 15 most prestigious schools in America and offer similar education and career opportunities to Ivy League schools.
While I cannot tell you which school is best, I can tell that it is very difficult to get into any of these schools. It would be best if you were exceptional to be accepted into Ivy League schools, Stanford, MIT, or Duke.
It all comes down to hard work and dedication. Are you determined to work hard to reach your goals and find your dream job? You can do it by studying and working hard to reach the top. You can still get great jobs at colleges with less strict requirements. Don’t be discouraged if prestigious schools reject your application.
Your reputation is what you are perceived to be, but your drive and skills will make you successful.
Why wait? Apply today to Ivy League schools!