As a leading research university with acceptance rates that mirror the Ivy League, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts students from around the world. MIT has plenty of top-tier programs, in addition to a dual degree program with neighboring Wellesley College.
The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.
Bowdoin College is a small liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine, just northeast of Portland. It does not offer professional track majors but has robust liberal arts offerings including a renowned environmental studies program. It is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
The University of Virginia is one of the most competitive and exclusive public universities in the country. It was famously founded by one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, in 1819 in the beautiful city of Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA boasts a beautiful and sprawling campus that those in the know lovingly call “Grounds.” A campus quad is located within Grounds, known as “the Lawn,” where students attend classes, participate in student activities, and keep UVA traditions alive.
The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. “Penn,” as it’s colloquially known, was the first university in the U.S. to offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. Originally founded in 1740 as a charity school and church, Benjamin Franklin proposed in 1749 to turn it into an institution of higher education after publishing his famous essay, Proposal Relating to the Education of Youth. The university has come a long way since then, becoming one of the most prestigious universities in the country.
Colgate University is a small liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York — about one hour southeast of Syracuse. It’s often ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. As a selective institution, Colgate only admits a small percentage of applicants every year. To be considered for admission to Colgate, prospective students should start to prepare early by building their profile, doing their research, and gathering their application materials. Read on to learn what it takes to get into Colgate University.
Tulane University offers classic southern charm and intellectual rigor with the unique cultural landscape that only New Orleans can offer. A strong school spirit and a singular sense of place pervade the campus at this mid-sized, private research university in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Northwestern is a top research university and liberal arts institution just outside of Chicago in the town of Evanston, Illinois. It’s known for its world-class Medill School of Journalism as well as its top-notch, innovative programs across disciplines.
As a member of the Ivy League that’s known for its rural setting and renowned Greek life, Dartmouth College ranks at the top of many students’ lists of best-fit colleges. The school has plenty of well-regarded programs and is the only member of the Ivy League that is an undergraduate-focused college, rather than a university.
Georgetown is known for its strength in the fields of international relations and political science, so it’s not surprising that many diplomats and politicians have passed through its doors. It’s the perfect location to steep yourself in the necessary knowledge to pursue careers in these fields. If these majors are not your thing, Georgetown offers many more areas of study.
