It’s common knowledge that Ivy League schools are not only some of the most prestigious schools in the US but also eight of the hardest ones to get into. The Ivies attract the brightest minds and produce graduates who solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. In this blog we’ve compiled a list of the easiest and hardest Ivy League schools to get into in 2022.
Determining the easiest and hardest Ivy League school is subjective because each school specializes in certain areas, making getting into specific programs or majors harder or easier than others. While no Ivy League school is easy to get into, some have slightly higher acceptance rates than others. This blog will use acceptance rates to determine which Ivy League schools are the easiest and hardest to get into.
Ivy League Class of 2026 Acceptance Rates
| Ivies | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Cornell | ~8% |
| Dartmouth | 6.2% |
| Brown | 5% |
| Penn | 4.4% |
| Yale | 4.46% |
| Princeton | ~4% |
| Columbia | 3.73% |
| Harvard | 3.19% |
Top 3 Easiest Ivy League Schools To Get Into
1. Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Cornell Admission Statistics
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Acceptance Rate | Crimson Student Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| ~8% | ~20% | 21% |
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.
Each college has its own acceptance rates, and they vary by college. If you want to see which of Cornell's colleges is the easiest and hardest to get into, check out their Institutional Research and Planning page.
How Max Got Into Cornell
2. Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire
Dartmouth Admission Statistics
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Acceptance Rate | Crimson Student Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6.2% | 20.13% | 26% |
Dartmouth College ranks as the second easiest Ivy League school to get into. Founded in 1769, Dartmouth honors both tradition and innovation. While it has a smaller undergraduate class size, this prestigious school offers top research opportunities, world-class faculty, and small class sizes.
One of the reasons Dartmouth is a more accessible Ivy is because many students opt to submit their applications during the early decision round. Unlike some of the other top universities, Dartmouth allows students to apply early decision to multiple schools. Students feel less pressure to choose, making Dartmouth an even more enticing choice.
How I Got Into Dartmouth
3. Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island
Brown Admission Statistics
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Acceptance Rate | Crimson Student Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | 14.6% | 29% |
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.
Like all Ivy League schools, Brown is still highly selective. Students who apply to Brown find the idea of creating their own educational path exciting. They can pursue their passions and interests without jeopardizing their career goals. If this sounds like you, talk about self-direction and your personal academic journey in your application to Brown.
How I Got Into Brown University
The Top 3 Hardest Ivy League Schools To Get Into
1. Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard Admission Statistics
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Acceptance Rate | Crimson Student Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3.19% | 7% | 17% |
Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the US and consistently ranks #1 hardest Ivy League to get into. Founded in 1636, Harvard offers students a world-class education from some of the most brilliant professors in the world. Harvard is also centrally located near other prestigious universities like Boston University, MIT, Northeastern University, and Tufts University.
Harvard looks for self-motivated students who are ready to change the world. If you hope to attend Harvard, consider how you can add value to the campus community and how you'll carry the Harvard name out into the world
2. Columbia University
New York City, New York
Columbia Admission Statistics
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Acceptance Rate | Crimson Student Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3.73% | ~10% | 29% |
Students from around the world dream of studying at Columbia University. This prestigious university, located in the heart of New York City, is home to Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies. Originally called King's College by the royal charter of George II of Great Britain, it was renamed Columbia College in 1784.
If you want to get into Columbia, you should be a passionate learner in and out of the classroom. You should also consider its location in New York City and how you can utilize the city's vast resources.
How Cenon Got Into Columbia University
3. Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton Admission Statistics
| Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Acceptance Rate | Crimson Student Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4% | ~15%* | 29% |
Princeton University is one of the hardest schools to get into and has one of the lowest acceptance rates of any college in the world. Some might argue it's the hardest Ivy to get into, even though its current acceptance rate is not quite as low as Columbia or Harvard.
Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey and is an easy commute to Philadelphia and New York City. Princeton currently ranks #1 in the 2022 edition of the US Best College list. Founded in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the US.
Students apply to Princeton for various reasons, including its state-of-the-art research facilities, generous financial aid, and low student-to-faculty ratio. Even though Princeton has an extremely low acceptance rate, you should still consider applying if you're passionate about a specific interest, have stellar grades, and rank at the top of your graduating class.
How Peyton got into Princeton University
3 Tips To Boost Your Chances Of Getting Into An Ivy League School
Students around the world compete for coveted spots at Ivy League schools. If you want to get one of those spots, you have to stand out from the rest of the world's top students. But that's not easy! Here are three tips to boost your chances of getting into an Ivy League school.
1. Demonstrate Your Love For The School
Not all Ivies are the same. While they all share commonalities, each Ivy has its own "personality." As you research each school, you will find you're drawn to particular ones. You’ll discover certain schools offer programs that fit your career goals, clubs or organizations you're passionate about, or maybe they just feel more like home.
Don't pick a school just because it carries a prestigious name. Apply to the colleges that you can see yourself attending. Explain why that school needs you and how you will thrive on campus and in the community.
2. Apply Early
Applying early has many advantages! Statistically speaking, you'll have a higher chance of getting into an Ivy League if you apply early because the pool of applicants is much smaller. It might be challenging to get all the application pieces ready earlier, but it will be worth it. If you decide to apply early, carefully read each school's early-round requirements before applying. Some schools only allow you to apply to one school in the early round, and others require you commit to that school if you're admitted.
3. Become an Expert
Most Ivy League applicants have stellar grades and high test scores. To stand out from the rest of the elite students, consider becoming an "expert" in a particular subject or activity. Admissions teams love seeing you grow, thrive, and lead in your area of interest. The Ivy League schools want to know that you can take your passions into your own hands, find success in the work, and serve the world around you.
Final Thoughts
While statistically speaking, some Ivies are easier or harder to get into, you should apply to the Ivy League schools that fit your career goals and personality. If you apply to an Ivy only because it has the highest acceptance rate, you may miss opportunities at other Ivies and even non-Ivy League schools.
What Makes Crimson Different
Key Resources & Further Reading
- Join our free webinars on college applications
- Free eBooks and guides to help with the college application process
- What are the Ivy League Schools?
- Is an Ivy League education worth it?
- Best Ivy League Schools in 2022
- Ivy League class of 2026 acceptance rates
- How to apply to Ivy League Schools?
FAQs
What Are The Easiest & Hardest Ivy Leagues To Get Into? - Crimson Education IN? ›
Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.
Which Ivy is easiest to get into Ed? ›Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.
What is the hardest Ivy League school to get in? ›...
The “Big Three” Ivy League schools, plus Columbia, are likely the most selective
- Harvard (3.2%)
- Columbia (3.7%)
- Yale (4.5%)
- Brown (5.0%)
- Dartmouth (6.2%)
- Cornell (~6.9%)
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 score to get into Ivy? ›Ideal ACT/SAT Scores for Ivy League School Applications
Generally speaking, you need a minimum ACT score of 31 to get into an Ivy League School. The minimum score is 32 at a few of these schools, including Harvard and Yale.
Dartmouth College
The second-easiest Ivy League school to get into, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769. Dartmouth is the smallest Ivy League school, but don't be fooled by its diminutive undergraduate class size—the school has a large number of offerings.
| School Name | #of Early Applicants Accepted for Class of 2027 | Early Acceptance Rate for Class of 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth College (ED) | 528 | 20% |
| Harvard University (SCEA) | 722 | 7.9% |
| University of Pennsylvania (ED) | TBD | 16% |
| Princeton University (SCEA) | TBD | N/A |
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.
What is a hidden Ivy school? ›The Hidden Ivies are colleges and universities considered to rival the eight Ivy League schools without being part of that prestigious group. These schools offer similar academic opportunities to students but might get overlooked because of their lack of popularity when compared to the famous Ivies.
What is a crimson student? ›Crimson Education Homestay Program is for overseas students to attend a private school in California to improve their English in preparation for college in the United States. Learn More.
Which Ivy League has the prettiest campus? ›
The Ivy League with the best campus is Princeton. It's reputed as having the prettiest campus.
What is the lowest GPA Harvard has accepted? ›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.
Is Brown the easiest ivy? ›Finally, there's Brown University — the least easy of the easiest Ivy Schools to get into. Many senior high school students are enticed to send their application to this institution for higher education.
Can I get into an Ivy with 5 B's? ›Realize that you don't need straight "A" grades to get into the Ivy League, but every "B" on your transcript is lessening your chance of admission. Most successful Ivy League applicants have unweighted GPAs that are up in the 3.7 range or higher (3.9 or 4.0 is more common).
Is a 30 on the ACT good enough for Ivy League? ›Admission to any of the eight Ivy League schools is highly selective, and ACT scores are an important piece of the admissions equation. Generally applicants will need a composite score of 30 or higher to be competitive although some applicants are admitted with lower scores.
Which schools send most students to Ivy League? ›- The Spence School, New York, NY. ...
- Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA. ...
- Roxbury Latin School, West Roxbury, MA. ...
- Horace Mann School, The Bronx, NY. ...
- Brearly School, New York, NY. ...
- Collegiate School, New York, NY. ...
- Trinity School, New York, NY.
- Harvard – 4.6% acceptance rate.
- Cornell – 8.7% acceptance rate.
- Brown – 5% acceptance rate.
- Dartmouth– 6.2% acceptance rate.
- University of Pennsylvania– 7.7% acceptance rate.
- Princeton– 5.8% acceptance rate.
- Yale – 6.3% acceptance rate.
- Columbia– 3.9% acceptance rate.
For Ivy League and other top tier schools, a class rank in the top 10% or 5% is a good goal to aim for. Remember though, that colleges take many factors into consideration when they look at college applications, and your class rank is just one piece of the puzzle.
Which Ivy League has the happiest students? ›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.
What is the most laid back Ivy League school? ›Brown. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is more commonly known as the laid-back Ivy League.
Which Ivy League school called her a liar? ›
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 hardest curriculum? ›Harvard University
Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the US and consistently ranks #1 hardest Ivy League to get into. Founded in 1636, Harvard offers students a world-class education from some of the most brilliant professors in the world.
Answer: Eastern Illinois University, Charleston.
What is the hardest non Ivy League school to get into? ›Stanford University
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.
Though there are many prestigious colleges across the United States which are mistaken for Ivy League schools, the eight original schools which make up the Ivy League are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, ...
Do you say go crimson for Harvard? ›"Whether you go to school here, work here, are a part of this place—it's a privilege." The cheer of the Harvard faithful has long been, "Go Crimson!" After a discordant stretch for the campus and the country, McDermott added her own unifying spin on the rallying cry this year: "Go Crimson, One Crimson!"
How do you know if you're a crimson Scholar? ›You do not need to apply to be a Crimson Scholar.
At the beginning of each semester that you qualify as a Crimson Scholar, you will receive an email message confirming your status. If you want to graduate with University Honors you may complete the University Honors Program.
The Crimson Key Society is Harvard University's premier community service organization. We are a completely student run group that works to make the Harvard community as welcoming as possible for visitors and students alike.
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.
- Pepperdine University. 93.3.
- Wake Forest University. 88.3.
- Florida A&M University (Agricultural & Mechanical) 87.9.
- Vanderbilt University. 87.5.
- Texas Christian University. 87.2.
- Southern Methodist University. 87.0.
- Villanova University. 86.9.
- Arizona State University, Main Campus. 86.7.
What is the average GPA of a valedictorian? ›
Students who earn an unweighted 4.0 GPA, through the seventh semester of high school, will receive valedictorian designation.
Does Harvard kick out bottom 2% GPA? ›Academic Standing Requirements for the Undergraduate Program
If your GPA falls below 2.0, you are in poor academic standing. If you remain in poor academic standing for the following two terms, you are required to withdraw from the degree program. Your transcript will reflect this new status: RW (required to withdraw).
Students in an AP class with weighted grading receive a five-point weighted average for each of the four-letter grades: As, Bs, Cs, and Ds. As a result, a student who only takes AP classes and receives A's will have a 5.0 GPA.
Which Ivy League schools have Ed? ›Early Decision The College Board-approved Early Decision Plan, which is offered by Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, and the University of Pennsylvania, requires a prior commitment to matriculate.
Do any Ivy Leagues have Ed? ›Although none of the Ivy League schools offer ED II, the list contains other top tier national universities and liberal arts colleges such as the University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Tufts University, Swarthmore College, Wellesley College, Pomona College, Bowdoin College, and more.
Which Ivy League has Ed? ›Ivy Leagues that offer restrictive early action: Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale. Other colleges, not limited to Ivy Leagues that offer this option: Boston College, Georgetown University, and the University of Notre Dame.
Is Cornell Ed easy to get into? ›The best chance for students to get into Cornell University is through the early decision process, which has a much more generous acceptance rate of 24% compared to the regular decision acceptance rate of 8.7%.
What is a hidden Ivy League 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.
Do most billionaires go to Ivy League schools? ›As you might expect, the colleges that produce the most billionaires are largely Ivy League universities. But even for those who never reach 10 figures, Ivy League universities can still generate wealth.
Do all billionaires go to Ivy League? ›Of the top 10 Fortune 100 companies, only one CEO — Amazon's Jeff Bezos — attended an Ivy League school. Bezos graduated from Princeton University in 1988. The rest went to schools like the University of Minnesota, Illinois State University, University of Central Oklahoma, and others.
Which Ivy doesn't have a med school? ›
Among the schools comprising the Ivy League, only Princeton doesn't have a medical school. That means future physicians can choose from the following prestigious institutions: Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Did Elon Musk attend Ivy League? ›He started at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, on a scholarship. Musk paid his own way through college, making rent money by hosting parties with friends, he said in a December 2019 Tweet.
What GPA do Ivy Leagues like? ›However, for college applicants, the average GPA is more likely between 3.5 and 4.0. If you're aiming for a top university such as one in the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, or others of the same caliber, a 4.0 GPA — or close to it — is expected.
What is the happiest Ivy League? ›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.
Can you get rejected Cornell Ed? ›Students are admitted or denied during early decision or are occasionally postponed to regular decision for further consideration. Students whose applications are postponed to regular decision are released from the early decision binding commitment.
Is Rice or Cornell easier to get into? ›Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then Cornell University 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.