Inside the Public Ivies: Insight from Admissions Experts

The “Public Ivies” — a premier tier of top public research universities that includes Georgia Tech, the UC system, UF, UGA, UMich, UNC, UT Austin, and UVA — offer world-class academics, vibrant student life, and massive alumni networks on par with the Ivy League. However, navigating their unique admissions criteria can be challenging, especially as these institutions continue to see surging application volumes from both in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Join IvyWise College Admissions Counselors Kim (formerly at the University of Pennsylvania) and Rachel (formerly at Swarthmore College) for an in-depth look at the Public Ivy landscape. Our experts break down what differentiates these marquee state schools from private elite institutions, how they evaluate student profiles, and what it takes to build a competitive application for highly selective honors programs and popular majors. Whether you are aiming for a massive state flagship or a highly specialized public tech institute, this session provides actionable strategy to help you find your best fit.