Generation after generation, students across the globe have dreamt of getting an Ivy League education. It is not just a dream, but an ambition most students invest their adolescence in. What makes the Ivy League universities so fascinating? Are they worth the years of effort, planning and preparation? Can other colleges that promise cutting-edge education, replace an Ivy League college? This blog is an honest analysis of the importance of an Ivy League education to help you set your undergraduate education priorities straight.
Reasons that make it worth all the effort
The phrase Ivy League literally means the ancient eight. There are eight Ivy League universities: Columbia University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College and University of Pennsylvania. Today, the eight Ivy League colleges enrol around 68,000 undergraduates, or 0.4% of the total number of undergraduates in the U.S, according to research. There are more than enough reasons to consider each one of them as the monuments of unparalleled education.
Legacy
The Ivy universities except Cornell were founded during the colonial period. The prestige and legacy of these universities are well known. The Ivy League provides a peerless perspective on contemporary higher education. Getting admission in one of these ancient eight is a matter of immense pride.
Preference
An Ivy League degree can provide you a competitive advantage in sectors such as finance, law, and business consulting. Leading multinational firms around the globe recognize that the Ivies are home to some of the brightest students who have gone on to change the world. An Ivy graduate is hired with great pleasure (sometimes even before the completion of the course)!
Remuneration
When employers screen your resume, the first thing they notice is the name of the university you graduated from. Attending an Ivy League University will catapult your CV to the top of the pile. Companies like Wall Street, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley offer a competitive package(averaging around $80,000 per annum), much higher than the non-ivies.
Faculty and the Alumni network
The Ivy league not only has the brightest set of students, but also handpicked faculty sought-after by all universities and corporates. If you are a student in this league, you get unhindered access to some of the most well-researched, paradigm altering study resources crafted by these top-grade professors. These resources not only give you an edge, but also, allow you a peek into some exclusive theories, only few have access to.
In addition to the faculty, the alumni of these colleges are also top-notch professionals in their respective fields, holding high positions in leading organizations. Attending an Ivy college, would mean being a part of such an elite network, which consequently gets you a foot in some of the most exclusive and prestigious doors.
Reasons to not undermine the ‘non-Ivies’
The Ivies are extremely reputable, but they are definitely not the be all end all of undergraduate education. Here are some reasons for you to keep your options open.
Equally competitive options
There are several other top colleges, beyond the ancient eight, with excellent reputation, that can land you a great career and an enviable career path. The key is to identify your passion, and get a course that justifies your vision of the future. There are many colleges that can open a world of opportunities for you in your respective field of study.
The price tag
Before you even dream about that whopping starting salary, have a look at the course fee in an Ivy League university. While the Ivies do offer financial aid, their fee structure can come down harsh on you. Analyze wisely if that hefty student loan is worth it. Is there a more affordable university that offers the same course?
Conclusion
Sure, the prestige, preference, and pride of an Ivy education is matchless. The Ivy League can change the course of your life forever. But at the same time, several universities today, offer high quality education and an opportunity for the deserving to have a successful career. An Ivy League education is definitely worth trying for, but as we said, don’t consider it as the only route to success.
Book a consultation with the Writers Qi to prepare for your journey to the Ivy League.
Fun fact: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth, Columbia, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania, are some of the oldest in the US, making them historical landmarks for education. In 1936, the “Ivy Group” was concerned about the growing interest in college athletics; thus, the Ivy League was born. The official founding date is considered 1956-57 when presidents of all universities adopted the name.
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