The words “Ivy League” and “Ivy+” are highly regarded in higher education. These distinctions symbolize the peak of academic quality, with schools known for their challenging academic programs, prominent faculty, and historical legacy. The Ivy League, which includes eight elite universities in the United States, is generally associated with exclusivity and quality.
While the Ivy League is highly regarded in academia, “Ivy+” refers to a broader range of prestigious universities and colleges. These Ivy+ colleges have equivalent academic standards, resources, and admissions selectivity, putting them in the top tier of college education.
What are Ivy+ schools?
In addition to the well-known Ivy League schools, the United States has numerous other famous colleges. Other prestigious colleges are frequently referred to as Ivy Plus schools. These colleges are often on college counselors’ radars and could very well be on your list too, because they are equally selective and reputed as the original Ivy League schools.
The Ivy League colleges are predominantly concentrated in the Northeast because they were among the country’s founding universities. Ivy Plus colleges are located around the United States and have a comparable reputation for academic excellence and competitiveness.
Difference between Ivy League vs Ivy +
| Aspect | Ivy League | Ivy+ Institutions |
| Definition | A group of eight prestigious universities in the U.S. | A broader set of universities with similar prestige and academic excellence |
| Members | Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Yale | Includes Ivy League schools plus other top-tier universities like MIT, Stanford, Duke, UChicago, and more |
| Historical association | Formed as an athletic conference in the late 19th century | No formal affiliation but recognized for similar academic excellence |
| Selectivity | Highly selective admissions | Equally or sometimes more selective than Ivy League schools |
| Academic rigor | Known for rigorous coursework and high academic standards | Comparable academic rigor with strong faculty and research programs |
| Reputation | Renowned for rich traditions and historical prestige | Highly prestigious, often ranked among the best globally |
| Athletic affiliation | Part of the Ivy League athletic conference | No specific athletic affiliation as a group |
| Recognition | Recognized for legacy, alumni network, and exclusivity | Known for innovation, global impact, and academic excellence |
List of Ivy + schools
1. The Tech Titans: Stanford & MIT
If the Ivies are the old money of academia, Stanford and MIT are the Silicon Valley disruptors. These schools fuel the world’s biggest tech giants, from Google and Tesla to Apple and SpaceX. Their focus? Innovation, hands-on research, and industry integration. Unlike some Ivies, they don’t just teach history—they make it.
2. The Think Tank: University of Chicago
Chicago isn’t about the frills—it’s about the grind. Known for its cutthroat intellectualism and rigorous academics, UChicago has birthed more Nobel laureates than most entire countries. If you want to debate economic theory over coffee until 3 AM, this is your place.
3. The Renaissance Schools: Duke & Northwestern
Duke and Northwestern have mastered the art of being both academically elite and athletically dominant. They’re powerhouses in business, law, medicine, and media—producing everyone from top CEOs to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists. Plus, they’ve got that perfect blend of work-hard-play-hard culture.
4. The Scientific Powerhouse: Caltech
Tiny but mighty, Caltech is the research mecca for science and engineering nerds. With a student body smaller than some high schools, it still competes with (and often beats) the Ivies in producing groundbreaking research and Nobel Prize winners.
There are several more schools that are considered Ivy+. And while no official criteria exist for schools to be included in Ivy+, certain universities have been on the list for a while. Find below the acceptance rates & scores needed for the Ivy+ schools:
| Institution | Location | Acceptance rate | SAT/ACT Range |
| UChicago | Chicago, Illinois | 5% | 1510-1570, 34-35 |
| MIT | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 5% | 1510-1580, 34-36 |
|
Caltech |
Pasadena, California | 3% | NA |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois | 7% | 1490-1580, 33-35 |
| John Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland | 8% | 1530-1580, 34-35 |
| Duke University | Durham, North Carolina | 7% | 1520-1570, 34-35 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Tennessee | 6% | 1510–1560, 34-35 |
| Rice University | Houston, Texas | 8% | 1500-1570, 34-36 |
| Stanford | California | 4% | 1540 |
Ivy+ schools – Key features
Ivy+ schools are celebrated for their outstanding academic reputation and global impact. These institutions boast rigorous curricula that challenge students to deepen their understanding of various disciplines. The faculty, renowned as both subject matter experts and pioneers in groundbreaking research, create an inspiring learning environment. This commitment to excellence has helped these schools become trailblazers around the world, contributing to advancements in fields such as technology, science, and the humanities.
Beyond academics, Ivy+ schools provide a wide array of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Students can take advantage of diverse experiences like study abroad programs, internships, and research projects with industry leaders, allowing them to tailor their education to fit their future aspirations. Moreover, these institutions offer outstanding resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive libraries, and cutting-edge laboratories that encourage innovative thinking. Coupled with powerful alumni networks that span the globe, graduates gain access to valuable connections, excellent job prospects, and collaborative opportunities throughout their careers.
How to choose the right Ivy + school?
Choosing the right Ivy+ school is a personal decision based on various factors. Each one offers a unique cultural and academic experience, so it is wise to consider the preferred location, campus setting, academic interests and strengths of the chosen university to make the right decision.
How to get into Ivy+ schools?
Getting into an Ivy+ school is not easy. These are selective and have a low admission rate. Here are some tips to up your chances of getting in:
- Academic excellence – Ivy+ schools are looking for students with exceptional grades. So, aim for a high GPA and a stellar SAT or ACT score.
- Equally good extracurriculars – Only grades are not enough to get into an Ivy+ school. The college authorities are looking for students with unique interests and talents outside the classrooms. So, follow a few extracurricular activities that suit your interest to work your way up on the list.
- Do not ignore your essay – What gives you a chance to truly stand out is a compelling essay and personal statement. Use these to show your intellectual curiosity, authentic version of yourself and how you are the right fit for campus.
- Stellar recommendations – Look for recommendations from your mentors and teachers who can speak highly of your abilities, academics and character. These recommendations go a long way when seeking admission to an Ivy+ college.
The Future: Is the Ivy League Losing Its Grip?
The Ivy League isn’t going anywhere, but the reality is shifting. Prestige is no longer confined to eight colonial-era institutions. Students, employers, and scholars recognize that Ivy+ schools offer the same—if not better—opportunities for impact, innovation, and success.
So, should you still dream of the Ivies? Sure. But don’t ignore the powerhouses outside the Ivy bubble. Because in 2025 and beyond, the real game-changers might just be coming from the Ivy+ revolution.
With such intense competition, it is vital to put your best foot forward and increase your chances of being part of these schools. Some planning and execution can go a long way in getting you into an Ivy+ school of your choice.
Your application can make or break the situation, but the expert counsellors at LilacBuds are here to help. From crafting the perfect essay or helping with college selection, we have a team of experts to help your application stand out. So, contact LilacBuds today!
