Insights from 4 Ivy League Undergraduates
Written by Sophie Smith (transcribed from our new podcast)
In an electrifying session of the Conversing College webinar (YAY our new podcast), we put the spotlight on a panel of our college mentors from Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, and Brown. Each brought their A-game, sharing unfiltered truths about their schools, from the best aspects to the potential drawbacks. If you’re flirting with the idea of joining the Ivy League, this deep dive is your primer to what lies beneath the prestigious veneer.
Princeton vs Harvard or (the others)? Which Ivy League is the "Best"?
The discussion kicked off with a contentious debate over which Ivy League school holds the crown. Nana Yaa from Harvard was quick to point out that while Harvard may lead in prestige, its social life leaves much to be desired. (RIP Harvard social life)
On the other hand, Evan from Brown highlighted the university's open curriculum and supportive environment, making it a haven for those who thrive under less rigid academic structures.
Sonal from Princeton boasted about the school's unique focus on undergraduate research opportunities, which allows students to dive into independent projects early on.
Isabela from Cornell made a case for Cornell's exceptional faculty and the personalized attention students receive, which she believes sets it apart from the other Ivies.
Navigating Admissions: Tips from the Inside
The conversation then pivoted to the ever-intimidating admissions process. Each panelist shared personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring Ivy Leaguers. Sonal emphasized the importance of standing out through one's unique story or passion (think starting a company or writing a research paper), rather than a resume packed with standardized achievements. Nana Yaa underscored the critical role of essays and Harvard's interview process in the holistic review process, revealing that genuine passion and personal fit are more significant than perfect grades.
Our panelists agreed: it's about showing who you are, not just what you've achieved.
The best part? They explained that you can get into an Ivy League with a B. In fact, a few of our panelists had B's in high school.
Rating the Food Scene Across Ivies (Harvard was the worst)
An unexpected yet lively part of the discussion revolved around dining options at their respective schools.
Evan rated Brown's food scene highly, citing variety and quality, while Isabela gave mixed reviews about Cornell, noting that the experience varies significantly across different dining halls.
Nana Yaa did not hold back on criticizing Harvard’s dining services, rating them poorly, much to the amusement and surprise of the audience.
Who Should NOT Go To These Ivies? 👀
Perhaps the most engaging part of the webinar was when students discussed who might not be the best fit for their schools. Brown’s open curriculum and lack of hand-holding, as Evan described, might deter students who prefer a more structured academic guidance. Sonal suggested that Princeton might not be ideal for someone unwilling to engage with the myriad opportunities and open-ended exploration the school encourages. Isabela thought Cornell might overwhelm someone not ready to explore beyond their academic comfort zone due to its broad curriculum requirements.
For those who hate reading, here's the short-hand take:
Don't go to Brown if you like academic hand-holding 🤝
Don't go to Harvard if you like to party 🎉🚫
Don't go to Cornell if you aren't okay with taking classes in different subject areas (its a requirement!) 📚
Don't go to Princeton if you aren't open to exploring opportunities 🌍
Conclusion:
The webinar didn't just scratch the surface but delved deep into what makes each Ivy unique, directly from the students who live and breathe the experience. Whether it’s the academic rigor, the social scene, or even the food, each Ivy League school offers a distinct environment that may or may not be right for every prospective student.
Before you decide where to send your application, consider what you value most in your college experience. Sometimes it's not always about which Ivy League is the best... no matter if you are team Princeton vs team Harvard vs team Brown or team Cornell.
And remember, our panelists are just a click away on College Contact, ready to help you navigate your journey to the Ivy League with real, relatable advice.
Click here to book a meeting with one Nana Yaa, Sonal, Isabela, or Evan.