Searching for the Best Ivy League?

It is well known that the best of the best university are the Ivy League schools. They continually rank at the top of all of the national publication rankings year after year. However, have you ever wondered what the best Ivy League school is? Listed below are the US News & World Report Ivy League rankings for 2012.

Ivy League Rankings

1.   Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
1.   Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
3.   Yale University (New Haven, CT)
4.   Columbia University (New York, NY)
5.   University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
11. Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
15. Brown University (Providence, RI)
15. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)

How are the schools the best?

The above list is pretty impressive with all Ivy League schools placing within the top 15. What does this mean, however? How are the rankings determined? The publishers at US News & World Report realize that it is difficult to put the entire collegiate experience into percentages and numbers. They have determined the relative quality of an institution based on widely accepted indicators of excellence. These include freshman retention, graduation rates, and faculty strength, just to name a few.

How do I get in?

The Ivy League schools are some of the oldest in the nation and have traditions dating back to before the Revolutionary War. They are known for their academic excellence and elitism. What does that mean for you, the potential student? If you decide that you are going to pursue an Ivy League education, it is best to start your preparations early. Take the ACT or SAT as early as possible and do well on your first try. Be involved in student government, sports, and other clubs all during high school. What these schools are looking for are all around academics. Not only those students with good grades, but those students that are leaders as well.

Do you want to Get Into Ivy League?

Getting into Ivy League schools is a dream that many young high school students have, and for good reason. The eight prestigious schools that make up the Ivy League are steeped in tradition and academic excellence. The schools are consistently ranked in the top 20 year after year by all of the national ranking publications. Many think that getting into one of these schools is a crap shoot. However, there are some things you can do to help you get into Ivy League schools.

It is well known that many of these schools have low acceptance rates and thousands of applications each year. They range from the highest being Cornell at 18%, to the lowest being Harvard at a mere 6.2% acceptance rate. These statistics make it vital to start early in your bid to get in.

One of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of getting into an Ivy League school is to think about your academics early on. Ensure you are taking college prep courses and have the highest GPA possible. The Ivies will also look at your extracurricular activities, especially any leadership positions you have held.

Finally, focus on your SATs. Make sure you study hard and are 100 percent prepared for the test. There are study guides and sample tests available from your local library or bookstore.

You do not have to be a Rockefeller in order to get into an Ivy League school. However, you will have to make sure you do you research and prepare for years before you apply. This will help increase your chances of admission.

Specifically the following schools are considered “ivy league”

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Yale University

This elite group of schools became known as the Ivy League in 1954, when the NCAA Division I athletic conference was formed. What started out as a sports-related nickname became an overall ideology for these 8 schools, and what is an Ivy League School without its sports? The nation at the time seemed focused on these 8 schools for their competitive nature in both academics and athletics.

Ivy League schools tend to make the top of the list in many categories, as rated by US News & World Report’s famous college rankings, with their admissions ranging between 4,000 and 14,000 each year. These schools tend to be larger than some liberal arts colleges, but much smaller than state schools.

What people may now know when it comes to defining what is an ivy league school is the acceptance rate. While tens of thousands of students apply to these 8 schools each year, acceptance rate is only seven to eighteen percent, making them some of the most selective schools in the country. Also, many of these Ivy League schools tend to offer minimal online courses, keeping their education very traditional compared to other colleges. One of the major exceptions to that rule is Cornell University, with their masters degree programs through E-Cornell. However colleges like Yale, Harvard, and Princeton, tend to stick with traditional brick-and-mortar college education.

So, do you want to know what is an ivy league school candidate? Students with excellent academic records tend to be a favorite of ivy league schools, however there are other aspects to a successful candidate. They can include outstanding SAT scores, a history of volunteer work, or recognition in after-school employment. These schools also look at extra-curricular activities such as band, orchestra, art, theater, sports, and student government. While “brains” is an important factor, they want to look at the student as a whole. Brushing up on your academics and starting to participate in things outside of the classroom may also prove to be beneficial on your college application.

So what is an ivy league school? It’s prestige, accomplishment, and a very impressive addition to any resume once a degree is earned. If you are looking to enroll in one of these fantastic learning institutions, you will be in for a lot of competition, but it could be worth it in the end.

Firstly, it’s important to know which schools are ivy league schools. After all, you can’t understand how to get into an ivy league school if you don’t know which schools they are. They include:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Yale University

These schools are all private higher-education institutions, characterized by their academic excellence and selectivity in admissions.

There are many things to consider when looking into how to get into an ivy league school. One of the best pieces of advice that can be offered is starting your planning early. In most cases, students who are looking to get into an ivy league school later in their high school years without planning may not have as good of a chance as those who have started their planning earlier in their high school career.

Ivy league schools have very competitive admissions process, so the first thing you should do is decide if an ivy league school is truly right for you or your child. Ivy league schools can be expensive, and while financial aid can be generous (as many of these schools do have some very deep pockets), ivy league schools expect nothing less than 100% commitment to education from their students.

Once you decide that an ivy league school is right for you, optimizing your academic performance will be crucial. Do not be afraid to push yourself and do your best to excel in all of your courses. This includes basic academic classes as well as SATs and other academic tests. To best prepare for the SATs, consider purchasing an SAT prep book or taking an SAT prep course. Having the best grades possible will help in strengthening the college application when it is submitted to the admissions department for review.

Keeping you or your child active outside of school or after school hours will also be beneficial. If you are a parent, encourage your child to participate in outside activities at an early age. Community service, various organizations like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, and music or sports lessons can help nurture your child to become a more well rounded student in the end. Having a full academic and social resume can help give a student a better chance of having the knowledge of how to get into an ivy league school.

• The University of Pennsylvania was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• They are an Ivy League University, and considered one of the best institutions in the world.
• They have approximately 20,000 students, both undergraduate and graduate, at any given time.
• Almost 3,900 of those students are International enrollments.

About UPENN Online:

The University of Pennsylvania has been a well respected university within the ivy leagues for generations. Their long tradition of offering a great education in a selective school has been uncompromising and complete. But they have always left something to be desired for those looking to learn from a distance, being one of many schools to work entirely on campus.

However, they are now offering you the chance to enroll in UPENN Online. Though they are still highly selective and challenging, those that are accepted will be able to go to school online. This is the perfect option for anyone looking to continue their education from a distance, or without paying the fees for living on campus.

UPENN Online Degree Programs:

• Online Continuing Dental Education
• Online Continuing Medical Education
• Online Continuing Nursing Education
• English Language Programs Online Courses
• PennAdvance
• Liberal and Professional Studies.
• Wharton Executive Education

UPENN Online Tuition and Financial Aid:

Tuition is $34,868 per year, but their online programs may very. They offer a number of financial aid options, including state and federal grants, loans, scholarships, and payment plans.

Source: UPENN

• Cornell University was established in 1865, in Ithica, New York.
• They are an Ivy League university.
• They have been ranked one of the top school in the world.
• Their motto is “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.”
• They have recently begun offering an online course, called eCornell.

About Cornell Just The Facts Online:

There is a tragic lack of online programs from ivy league universities, which is unsurprising in many ways. As old and traditional institutions, they are a little slow when it comes to adapting for modern technological advances. However, Cornell has jumped on board, and now offer the most intense and comprehensive online degree program from any ivy league university.

As one of the top 20 universities in the United States, and one of the top universities globally, eCornell is a huge boon for the well known college. They have a number of programs, from associates to masters, and in a number of fields. With their program, you can get a full degree, accredited by Cornell, without ever stepping foot on campus.

Cornell Just The Facts Online Degree Programs:

Continuing Education

• Certificate in Human Resources Studies
• HR: Employee Relations Online Certificate
• HR: Selection and Staffing Online Certificate

Cornell Just The Facts Online Tuition and Financial Aid:

Tuition is usually $3,000 per certification, for an entire course. They also offer financial aid, including state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans.

How to get into Cornell – What does Cornell Look for?

Its very important to know from the beginning as you ponder over how to get into Cornell, that there is no miraculous modus operandi of grade-point average and standardized test scores that will give you 100% guarantee that you’ll be admitted into Cornell. The school’s personnel will look at your academic transcript as well as your curriculum.

Another thing that will help you know how to get into Cornell is to know that the school also looks at your strength of character, intellectual potential, your passion and love for learning, achievements, ability, leadership, motivation, integrity, diligence, and your compassion and fairness. All the above will be revealed in your recommendations and essays, hobbies, extracurricular activities, summer and after-school jobs, and of course any volunteer work.

Hints and tips to present an organized and thorough college admissions application

• Start your application early enough so that you can proofread and get enough time to prepare and perfect the application.
• Meet a college career counselor and discuss any admissions questions you may have before starting your application
• If you can, speak to an alumnus as they have provide invaluable insider information that can help in the application process.
• Watch the admission deadlines and apply on time.
• Make sure you enclose all the necessary admission application fees
• About admissions essays, you have to write about something you’re passionate about, and make sure you’ve proofread it.
• Get letters of recommendation from your best teachers and employer(s)

The final thing that will help you know how to get into Cornell is be able to demonstrate that you have utilized all opportunities that have come your way e.g. in special talents such as in writing, music, politics, science, theater, athletics etc. While Cornell is an equal opportunity institution, you have to thoroughly work on your application.

• Cornell University was founded in 2000, in Ithaca,  New York
• Cornell University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
• An established  Ivy League excellence ranging among the top 20 universities in the whole country
• A comprehensive, professional and rigorous online curriculum
• Round the clock access to learning materials
• New classes start every month

About Cornell University Online

Cornell University boasts of a list of over 95 courses and 24 certificate programs in in-demand areas such as strategy, leadership and management development, human resources, hospitality management, and human resources.

For those looking for exceptional online learning experiences, look no further as eCornell Online offers the most flexible, engaging, and interactive learning experience you would expect from an institution of such status. The online learning experiences are designed for professional development and of course personal growth and development, thanks to a long-term collaboration between the faculty at Cornell University and learning and user-experience designers.

The learning process at eCornell online takes place by way of interaction and collaboration with both faculty and peers so that you can collectively develop and gain knowledge, as well as apply it effectively in your job. Still on point, studying at eCornell Online gives you access to the resourceful library of Cornell University, a renowned global research university.

eCornell Online courses and curriculum are instigated and designed by highly experienced faculty who hold the highest possible credentials in their fields of specialization. This they do using the most relevant and up-to-date case studies, content, and a lot of research.

Cornell University Online Degree Programs

• Certificate in Human Resources Studies
• HR: Employee Relations Online Certificate
• HR: Selection and Staffing Online Certificate

Cornell University Online Tuition and Financial Aid

If you want to further your education at eCornell Online but have financial limitations, you can get financing through an organization such as SLM. Even so, tuition is quite affordable and although it might vary from one program to another, it starts in as little as $108 per credit hour.

Cornell University

Cornell University now offers 19 online certificate programs that require students to complete between 4 and 12 courses. U.S. News & World Report ranks Cornell University as 12th in the nation. Cornell University certificate programs include HR Studies, Hotel, Hospitality and Food Service Management. Tuition varies from $2,150 to $5,500 depending upon the certificate program selected. For more information on their online programs, visit their website by clicking on this link: Cornell University.

Columbia University

Columbia University now offers prospective students the choice of more than 30 online degrees, which is more than any other ivy league university. Students can select from one of four program options including Master of Science, Professional Degrees, Certificate Programs and discounted tuition for course auditing. Tuition is reasonable at $1184 per credit hour. Columbia University also offers more than 300 online courses from financial planning to project management. For more information on Columbia University, follow this link: Columbia University.

Harvard University

Through its newly formed Extension School, Harvard University now offers dozens of online courses. While the university does not offer a complete online degree program, it does offer two graduate level online degree programs in Applied Sciences and Environment Management. Harvard University does currently offer degree programs that combine online courses with some classroom attendance. Tuition varies from $800 to $1975 per course. For more information on Harvard’s online programs, click this link: Harvard University.

The University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) offers unique online learning programs such as PennAdvance that enables students to earn University of Pennsylvania undergraduate credit or audit the university’s courses from anywhere. Online CEU opportunities from the School of Dental Medicine; Continuing medical education through the School of Medicine; Online professional development courses from the School of Nursing; and reading, writing and test preparation courses for international students. For more info on UPENN, visit their website: University of Pennsylvania.

Dartmouth College

Through the Tuck Executive Educational program, the Dartmouth is offering online education known as The Dartmouth Online Bridge Program. The program consists of 25 specialized courses in the area of business, accounting and finance. Tuition varies from $3000 for the entire program and can be completed at the students’ own pace. Visit Dartmouth’s website for more information here: Dartmouth College.

Yale University

Finally, while Yale University does not offer many courses, it does offer prospective students courses through the Yale School of Medicine and a free online video lecture program. For more information, click here: Yale University.

Brown University in 1764
Harvard University in 1636
Columbia University in 1754
University of Pennsylvania in 1740
Cornell University in 1865
Princeton University in 1746
Dartmouth College in 1769
Yale University in 1701

The term “Ivy League” actually refers to an annual athletic competition where sports teams from the eight colleges compete against each other. A sports writer for the New York Herald Tribune named Stanley Woodward was responsible for coining the term “Ivy League” and in 1945, the president of the eight universities established rules on the games, season, and budgets in order to balance academics and athletics. Despite its history in sports, the Ivy League schools do not award athletic scholarships and apply the same standards for athletes and non athletes.