The Ivy League was officially born in 1954 when Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, and Princeton universities decided to form an athletic conference. The eight schools are some of the most prestigious and selective universities in the United States. They all rank in the top 20 of the country’s best universities.
The Ivy League wasn’t born with big academic goals in mind, it was actually formed to increase the competitiveness of the schools in sports. However, over time the Ivies have become known for their excellent academics as well.
Getting into an Ivy League school is no easy task. The eight schools in the Ivy League are among the most prestigious and selective universities in the country. In order to be accepted, students need to have excellent grades and standardized test scores, as well as a strong application essay.
In this article, we are going to rank the eight Ivies based on how difficult they are to get into. We will look at things like acceptance rates, average GPA, and average SAT scores.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Getting into an Ivy League College
While each college has specific requisites to join, all of the Ivy League ones have the most strict requirements to apply because of their prestige. Here’s what you’ll need if you want realistic chances to get accepted into an Ivy League College
GPA
All Ivies look for students with great grades, most have a requirement of a minimum GPA of around 3.5. But realistically, unless your GPA is 4.0, your chances to get in drop considerably.
If your GPA is low, focus on raising it. There are many ways to do this, and most schools have resources to help you out. You can also look into test preparation programs or even tutoring services to raise your grades.
SAT Scores
The average SAT score for all Ivies is around 1400 combined math and reading scores. This means that you’ll need to score in the top 30% of students who take the SAT.
Again, if you’re not meeting these scores, there are ways to improve. You can join a test prep course or get private tutoring. And don’t forget that your essay is also a very important part of your application.
Personal Essay
The application essay is one of the most important parts of your application. This is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are and what makes you unique.
Make sure to write a well-crafted essay that tells your story. Be passionate about what you wrote and make sure to show off your writing skills.
This is your chance to shine.
Editor’s note: Since most students who apply for Ivy League amply satisfy all of the above requirements, you need to set yourself apart from the competition if you want to be accepted into an Ivy League school.
This is usually achieved through extra curricular activities like volunteering and work experience that net you gloating letters of recommendation.
The School’s Acceptance Rate
Naturally, the higher the school’s acceptance rate, the easier it is to get in. To calculate the acceptance rate, we divide the number of applicants by the number of accepted students.
This is something not many people take into consideration. It’s harder to get into a college if 100.000 people apply for 1.000 spots than if 50.000 people applied for 2.000 spots.
In other words, if the Ivy League college only has room for 1000 students, and there are 100000 students who want to get in, then your chances of getting in are slim to none. However, if there are only 20000 students trying to get into that same 1000-student school, then your odds are much better.
So, even if acceptance rates seem low, it’s important to remember that the applications / available spots ratio also factors into how difficult it is to get accepted.
Other Requirements
In addition to your GPA, SAT scores, and application essay, you’ll also need to submit letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Make sure you ask teachers and counselors who know you well to write your letters of recommendation. They should be able to speak to your strengths and how you would be a great addition to the college.
Your transcripts are also very important. Make sure your grades are up to par and that you have a balanced transcript with no glaring weaknesses.
Picking the Right Ivy League School
While all of the Ivy League Schools are prestigious, they’re not all created equal.
Each school has their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to do your research before you apply.
Some schools focus more on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), while others have a strong liberal arts program. Some schools are more expensive than others, and some have better athletic programs.
Another thing to consider is the school’s location. If you have to move to attend it’s best to pick a college in a city that suits your preferred lifestyle. If you’re big into nightlife for example, then you’ll want to choose a school in a city like New York or Boston.
So, if you’re aiming for an Ivy League School, make sure you do your research and pick the one that’s best suited for you. While getting into an Ivy League is no easy feat, it’s not impossible. With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams.
Also Read:
- Why Are Stanford, Duke, and MIT Not Ivy League Schools?
- How to Get into an Ivy League School: Top Tips Revealed
- 3 Best Ivy League Schools for Medicine
The 3 Easiest Ivy League Schools to Get Into
So, now that we know what it takes to get into an Ivy League school, let’s take a look at the easiest schools to get into.
The main factor we looked at is acceptance rates, because they are a good indicator of how difficult it is to get in. We also considered GPA and SAT scores, as well as other requirements.
Here are the Ivy League colleges ranked from easiest to hardest.
1) Cornell University
- Acceptance rate (2020): 10.7%
- Number of students who applied in 2023: 51,328
- Average SAT scores: reading and writing 680-750, math 720-790
Cornell was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. It’s a public research university located in Ithaca, New York.
Cornell is the easiest Ivy League school to get into, with an acceptance rate of 10.7%. 51,328 students applied to join in 2023, which means that a little over 5.000 were accepted.
Cornell is also one of the most appealing colleges for other reasons. One, its camp is extremely diverse. About 60% of students identify as a race or ethnicity other than white, and 37% of freshmen come from low-income families.
Cornell also has a top-notch business school, with programs in accounting, finance, management, and marketing. And with over 4.000 courses to choose from, it has something for everyone.
As with all elite colleges, the requirements are still very high to join. Don’t expect to get in if your GPA and SAT scores are below average (with the average being quite high because of competition). But, if you have a decent GPA and high SAT scores, Cornell is definitely the easiest Ivy League school to get into.
So, if you’re looking for an Ivy League school that is relatively easy to get into, and has a wealth of opportunities, Cornell is the school for you.
2) Dartmouth College
- Acceptance rate (2020): 9.2%
- Number of students who applied in 2023: 22,033 students
- Average SAT scores: reading and writing 710-770, math 730-790
Dartmouth College was founded in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock. It is a private liberal arts college located in Hanover, New Hampshire.
It has a respectable acceptance rate of 9.2%, which means that of 22,033 students who applied, around 2.000 got accepted. That’s a pretty respectable number, but it should be noted that the SAT averages are quite high.
One of Dartmouth’s biggest advantages is its size. With only around 4000 undergraduate students, it’s a much more personal school than some of the other Ivies.
Despite the small size, the college offers over 2.000 courses on liberal arts subjects like art history, economics, and linguistics. They also have a respectable MD program, which is one of the oldest in the country.
If you’re looking for a smaller Ivy League school and aren’t scared of high SAT averages, Dartmouth is a great choice.
3) University of Pennsylvania
- Acceptance rate (2020): 9%
- Number of students who applied in 2023: 44,482 students
- Average SAT scores: reading and writing 710-770, math 750-800
UPenn was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. It is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
With such an illustrious founder, you’d expect it to rank at the bottom of this list. But luckily, that is not the case. It has a respectable acceptance rate of 9% which is only .2% lower than Dartmouth’s and is a way bigger university. Roughly 4.000 new students will attend UPenn in 2023.
UPenn’s biggest appeal is its location in Philadelphia. The city is home to some of the best hospitals, law schools, and business schools in the country. UPenn also has a great engineering school, with programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
But with such high competition (the math SAT averages are 750-800), you’ll need high grades and SAT scores to get in.
If you’re looking for a top-notch university located in a great city, UPenn is your best choice.
Getting Outstanding Letters of Recommendation
This is easily the best way to make your application unique compared to the other applicants. Not that having a 4.0 GPA isn’t impressive, but in such elite schools it’s sort of expected. For example, the average admission GPA in Cornell in 2023 was 3.8.
So, what is a letter of recommendation? A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your academic and personal achievements. Usually, this person is a teacher or counselor.
Your letters of recommendation should be from people who can speak to your intellectual ability, leadership skills, and character. They should also be specific about what makes you unique and why you would be a great addition to the school.
If you want to make your application really stand out, get letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your strengths and achievements. This will show the admissions committee that you’re not just another applicant, but that you’re someone they should consider admitting.
But, if you can get a letter of recommendation from a CEO or owner of a company, that will definitely set you apart.
The best way to do this is to start building relationships with these people when you’re still in high school. Volunteer for their company, offer to help them with anything they need, and attend events where they will be speaking.
Once you have a relationship with them, ask if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. If they agree, make sure to send them a resume, transcript, and any other information they may need.
If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting into an Ivy League school, get outstanding letters of recommendation.
Conclusions
While these may be the easiest Ivy League colleges to get into, joining them is still pretty difficult. If you want to have a chance of getting into one of these schools, you need to have high grades and SAT scores.
But, don’t let that discourage you. These schools offer some of the best academic programs in the country and are located in great cities. If you get into them and complete your course, you’ll leave with a strong degree that will grant you a fancy job wherever you please. Studying at elite schools is a great way to start your career.
And don’t just go to an elite college because your friends or parents told you so. It’s important to pick a school that’s the best fit for you and your interests. There are plenty of great colleges out there, so don’t be afraid to explore.
So, if you’re up for the challenge, apply to one of these schools and see what happens.
FAQs
Is Brown the easiest ivy? ›
Brown University rounds out our list of the top three easiest Ivy League schools to get into. Founded in 1764, Brown offers an "Open Curriculum" that allows students to build their own core curriculum and explore any of the more than 80 academic programs Brown offers.
Which Ivy League has the easiest admission? ›1. What's the easiest Ivy League school to get into? While all Ivy League schools have a low acceptance rate, Cornell University has the highest acceptance rate among them. Cornell's acceptance rate is 11%, but try not to get too hung up on the numbers.
Is it easier to get into Brown than Harvard? ›An incredible 32,724 students applied to study at Brown in 2021, but only 1,665 were admitted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 5.0%. An unbelievable 57,786 hopefuls applied to Harvard in 2022 and only 2,320 were accepted, for a rate of 4.1%.
What is the 2nd easiest Ivy League to get into? ›Dartmouth College
The second-easiest Ivy League school to get into, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769.
Campus happiness: Brown is widely known as the happiest Ivy, perhaps because of students' freedom to choose courses with almost complete autonomy. Students report feeling less competition amongst themselves and an overall sense of campus community.
Why Brown is the best ivy? ›First and foremost, it has a higher acceptance rate than many, more selective Ivies. Secondly, the open curriculum we've been discussing gives students more freedom to choose classes they're genuinely interested in, making it easier to perform well.
What is the lowest GPA an Ivy League will accept? ›None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.
What is the lowest GPA ever accepted Ivy League? ›We've always stated that the lowest GPA student we've ever helped get into an Ivy League school had a 3.3 unweighted GPA.
What is the lowest GPA ever accepted to Brown? ›Yes, you can get into Brown with a 3.5 GPA. The school does not have an official minimum GPA, but accepted students generally have a GPA near 4.0. Application components like recommendation letters and essays will also be considered and affect your chances of acceptance. What kind of students get into Brown?
What is a hidden Ivy school? ›The Hidden Ivies include many small colleges, such as Davidson College, Pomona College, Carleton College, and Oberlin College, as well as some large research universities, like Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Southern California.
Is it easier to get into Yale or Brown? ›
...
Yale vs. Brown: A Quick Overview.
| Yale | Brown | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 5,964 | 7,160 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6.3% | 6.9% |
| U.S. News Ranking | 3 | 14 |
| Middle 50% SAT | 1450-1560 | 1440-1550 |
An Ivy League school might accept a student who had all As and one or two Bs in the highest-level classes, but it probably wouldn't accept a student who had flawless grades in all mid- or low-level classes. These schools are looking for students who are up for an intellectual challenge and genuinely enjoy learning.
What is the most accepting Ivy League? ›1. Which Ivy League School has the highest acceptance rate? Recent data shows Cornell University is the Ivy League school with the highest acceptance rate.
What is the hardest non Ivy League school to get into? ›Stanford University has a 5% acceptance rate. The Stanford, California, college was also named by Niche as the No. 2 school for the best academics in 2023. Additionally, the school ranks high on the list of best value colleges in the country.
What is the whitest Ivy League? ›New data confirms what you've probably already guessed: Princeton is the whitest Ivy in the League. According to stats retrieved from College Scorecard, 47 percent of Princeton's students are white, more than any other top college in the States.
Which is the coolest ivy? ›To determine the best Ivy League schools, we averaged each school's rankings from each of these lists. The best Ivy League school in 2023 is Harvard, followed by Princeton and Yale. The most notable changes in rankings compared to last year is Columbia dropping below Princeton, U Penn and Yale.
Is Cornell better or Brown? ›...
Cornell vs. Brown: A Quick Overview.
| Cornell | Brown | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 6.9% |
| U.S. News Ranking | 17 | 14 |
| Middle 50% SAT | 1470-1560 | 1440-1550 |
| Middle 50% ACT | 32-34 | 33-35 |
Brown's academic excellence is rooted in a student-centered model of learning. The Open Curriculum is a flexible but rigorous approach to education that pushes students to be creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers and entrepreneurial problem-solvers.
Is Brown a little ivy? ›Brown University is a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island.
What is the lowest GPA Harvard will accept? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
What is the cheapest Ivy League school? ›
Cornell University Tuition
Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell boasts the lowest cost of attendance before financial aid at its state-funded schools. Costs for its privately-funded colleges are on par with the rest of the Ivy League.
Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
What is the lowest Harvard grade? ›- A and A– ...
- B+, B, and B– ...
- C+, C, and C– ...
- D+, D, and D– ...
- E (Failing Grade) ...
- NC (noncredit completion) ...
- Met all RQMTS (Met all requirements) ...
- RQMTS not met (Did not meet requirements)
Aim for a 1580 SAT and 36 ACT (the 75th percentile)
The middle 50% of Harvard's class of 2025 earned SAT scores of 1480-1580 and ACT scores of 33-36. Any score in the middle 50% is good, however, the higher in the range you score, the better your odds of admission are.
Can I get into Harvard with 2 BS? Does Harvard Accept B Students? Yes, just like I mentioned above, it's completely possible to get admitted into Harvard University with B grades. Admissions are not reserved only for straight-A students.
What is the hardest ivy? ›The “Big Three” Ivy League schools, plus Columbia, are likely the most selective. Harvard, Princeton, and Yale—known as the “Big Three”—are historically the three toughest Ivy League schools to get into.
Do you need straight A's for Ivy League? ›Yes, you can get into an Ivy League college without straight As. Not all Ivy League students had straight As during high school. It's more important to show that you took advanced courses and a strong course load in high school than to get straight As.
What is the rarest GPA? ›A GPA higher than 5.0 is rare, but school point systems are occasionally structured so that students taking advanced classes can rack up bonus points. One student even managed to land a stunning 10.03 GPA by taking 17 advanced classes at a school that awarded bonus points.
What kind of student does Brown look for? ›We look for intelligent, highly motivated students from all walks of life who may come from diverse backgrounds and cultural heritages, who represent different academic and extracurricular interests, and who bring a spectrum of ideologies to Brown.
What kind of student goes to Brown? ›While there are no specific admissions requirements to get into Brown, the admissions team is searching for applicants who display an eagerness to learn and a willingness to accept intellectual challenges. They prefer to see a student get a “B” in an AP or IB class than an “A” in an honors class.
What schools are called the Little Ivies? ›
- Amherst College.
- Bates College.
- Bowdoin College.
- Colby College.
- Connecticut College.
- Hamilton College.
- Haverford College.
- Lafayette College.
Mackenzie Fierceton was championed as a former foster youth who had overcome an abusive childhood and won a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Then the University of Pennsylvania accused her of lying.
Which Ivy has the smartest students? ›| Smarts Rank | Overall Smarts Rank | School |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Harvard University |
| 1 | 3 | Yale University |
| 3 | 5 | Princeton University |
| 4 | 8 | Columbia University |
Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
What are the top 3 majors at Brown University? ›The most popular majors at Brown University include: Computer Science; Econometrics and Quantitative Economics; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Political Science and Government, General; Engineering, General; History, General; Public Policy Analysis, General; English Language and Literature, General; Public ...
What GPA does Brown look at? ›GPA. Brown University requires its applicants to be at the top of their class and have excellent grades. The average GPA of the admitted freshman class at Brown University is 3.94 on the 4.0 scale. The average unweighted GPA is 4.08.
Can I get into an Ivy League with 2 C's? ›Since all Ivys use a holistic approach to admitting students, it's entirely possible that someone with a good reason could get admitted with a C or multiple Cs.
Will one b ruin my chances at an Ivy League? ›1 B on your HS senior mid-year report will not affect your admissions results.
Can I get into Yale with B's? ›Can you get into the Ivy League with mostly A's and a couple of B's? Yes, you can get into top schools with some B's, but it depends on the rest of your academic profile. And you should be asking yourself a few different questions about your high school GPA for a better understanding of your chances.
Who is least applied to Ivy League? ›The Ivy League school is the lowest acceptance rate is Harvard. With an average acceptance rate of around 4.8% (based on numbers over the last ten years), Harvard is the hardest Ivy League to get into.
How do I stand out to Ivy League colleges? ›
- Start early. ...
- Do thoughtful college research. ...
- Take time to write strong essays. ...
- Answer optional supplemental questions. ...
- Submit supplemental materials. ...
- Emphasize uniqueness, leadership, and impact. ...
- Submit test scores strategically.
Brown is perhaps most famous, academically speaking, for its open curriculum, which gives students the freedom to explore their interests without being bogged down with requirements. What does this mean?
What is the easiest ivy? ›What's the easiest Ivy League school to get into? While all Ivy League schools have a low acceptance rate, Cornell University has the highest acceptance rate among them. Cornell's acceptance rate is 11%, but try not to get too hung up on the numbers.
What is the easiest Ivy academically? ›Cornell is considered the "easiest" Ivy League to get into because it has the highest Ivy League acceptance rate. While it's easier, statistically speaking, to get into Cornell, it's still challenging. It's also important to remember that students apply directly to one of Cornell's eight undergraduate colleges.
What is the number 1 hardest school to get into? ›Harvard University — 3.19%
With a record-low admission rate of just 3.19% for the class of 2026, Harvard currently ranks as the most difficult school to get into.
Brown University: #14 Ranking 2022
Brown University ranks 14 in the Ivy League school ranking. Founded in 1764, Brown is the 7th oldest university for higher education in the US. The University focuses on significant research and academics.
Recent data shows Cornell University is the Ivy League school with the highest acceptance rate.
Is Brown easier to get into than Yale? ›...
Yale vs. Brown: A Quick Overview.
| Yale | Brown | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 5,964 | 7,160 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6.3% | 6.9% |
| U.S. News Ranking | 3 | 14 |
| Middle 50% SAT | 1450-1560 | 1440-1550 |
As we discussed in the article above, the overall Ivy League acceptance rates are: Brown – 6.3%, Columbia – 5.1%, Cornell – 10.6%, Dartmouth – 7.9%, Harvard – 4.5%, UPenn – 7.4%, Princeton – 5.8%, and Yale – 5.9%.
Which Ivy is the party ivy? ›If you're wondering which Ivies have the best party scenes, this guide breaks it down. The best Ivy League party schools are Dartmouth and Penn, followed by Cornell.
Is Cornell better or brown? ›
...
Cornell vs. Brown: A Quick Overview.
| Cornell | Brown | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 6.9% |
| U.S. News Ranking | 17 | 14 |
| Middle 50% SAT | 1470-1560 | 1440-1550 |
| Middle 50% ACT | 32-34 | 33-35 |
None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.
What is the smartest Ivy League? ›The best Ivy League school in 2022 is Harvard, followed by Princeton and Yale based on this ranking method.
What is the hardest ivy to stay in? ›Harvard, Princeton, and Yale—known as the “Big Three”—are historically the three toughest Ivy League schools to get into.
Which Ivy is the most generous? ›Princeton University
Princeton University is the highest scoring Ivy League to make the top ten list of universities with the best financial aid packages.
You should also have a 4.08 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Brown University, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
What is the lowest GPA admitted to Brown? ›Do you have a minimum GPA requirement? All applications to Brown are reviewed holistically by a faculty admissions committee. Applicants with GPAs below 3.0 are strongly advised to submit additional evidence demonstrating academic potential.
Which Ivy League doesn't have grades? ›Brown is unique among its Ivy League peer institutions. Brown's Open Curriculum doesn't require students to take any specific general education courses, and students can choose to take as many courses as they like on a Satisfactory/No Credit (pass-fail) basis.
What are the best colleges not Ivy League? ›...
Here are the 10 best non-Ivy League schools.
- Stanford University.
- Caltech.
- UC Berkeley.
- University of Chicago.
- University of Michigan.
- Northwestern University.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- Duke University.