Hidden Ivies: What They Are, Colleges List, Benefits, How to Get In, and More
For many college-bound students, the Ivy League reigns supreme. These prestigious institutions boast a legacy of academic excellence, renowned faculty, and a name that carries weight in the professional world. But what if there were exceptional colleges offering an equally enriching experience, minus the intense competition and stratospheric acceptance rates?
This is where Hidden Ivies enters the picture. These elite colleges offer an academic experience that rivals the Ivy League in its rigor, vibrant campus life, and impressive alumni networks. However, Hidden Ivies come with a unique twist that sets them apart. In this blog, we’ll discuss Hidden Ivies, uncover the advantages they offer, explore the application process, and help you decide if one of these gems might be the perfect fit for your college dreams.
What Are the Hidden Ivies?
The term “Hidden Ivies” was coined by education experts Howard and Matthew Greene in their 2000 book of the same name. While the Ivy League is synonymous with prestige, name recognition, and accomplished alumni, it’s interesting to note that its origins lie in athletics, not academics. Founded in 1954 by the NCAA Division 1, it was initially an athletic conference. Today, however, these eight prestigious institutions embody the ideals of rigorous academics and high selectivity.
Hidden Ivies, sometimes referred to as “almost Ivy League” schools, share some of these defining traits. Similar to Greene’s earlier work expanding Moll’s list of Public Ivies, their 2000 book identified 62 highly selective colleges offering a premier liberal arts education.
This diverse group encompasses a range of institutions, including smaller colleges like Davidson, Pomona, Carleton, and Oberlin, as well as larger research universities like Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Southern California.
What unites these Hidden Ivies is their commitment to academic excellence, renowned faculty expertise, and fostering student success. They often have smaller class sizes, which translates to more personalized attention and stronger mentoring relationships between students and professors. Additionally, Hidden Ivy campuses are known for their inclusive communities that nurture intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and social engagement.
Despite lacking the same level of household recognition as the Ivy League, these elite colleges offer several advantages. Competitive financial aid packages make them accessible to a wider range of talented students. Additionally, Hidden Ivies provides extensive research opportunities, internship programs, and study abroad experiences, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for the global workforce.
Ivy League vs. Hidden Ivy League
Both Ivy League and Hidden Ivy schools share a common peak—academic excellence. Both offer rigorous coursework, talented professors, and a reputation for producing successful graduates. However, the paths to reach that peak can be quite different.
One of the most striking differences lies in prestige and name recognition. The Ivy League, a formal athletic conference established in the 19th century, has had a long time to cultivate its reputation. These eight schools have instantly recognizable household names. Hidden Ivies, on the other hand, lack that formal association and haven’t benefited from the same historical branding.
This difference in name recognition translates into admissions selectivity. Ivy League schools boast extremely low acceptance rates, often hovering below 10%. Hidden Ivies, while still highly selective, tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates. It makes them a potentially more attainable option for some students.
Another key difference lies in class size and campus environment. Ivy League schools are generally larger institutions with bigger student bodies. This can result in larger class sizes and a more impersonal feel. Hidden Ivies, often liberal arts colleges, tend to be smaller with a stronger emphasis on undergraduate education. Smaller class sizes allow for more interaction with professors and a closer-knit campus community.
Affordability can also be a differentiating factor. While both types of schools are expensive, Hidden Ivies may offer a slightly lighter financial burden. Some Hidden Ivies have lower tuition fees and might be more generous with financial aid packages, making them a more accessible option for a wider range of students.
Suggested: Easiest Ivy League Schools to Get into in 2024
A Complete List of Hidden Ivies
Here’s a comprehensive list of colleges frequently referred to as Hidden Ivies:
| Amherst College | Middlebury College |
| Barnard College | Mount Holyoke College |
| Bates College | Northwestern University |
| Boston College | Oberlin College |
| Bowdoin College | Pomona College |
| Brandeis University | Reed College |
| Bryn Mawr College | Rice University |
| Bucknell University | Skidmore College |
| Carleton College | Smith College |
| Case Western Reserve University | Southern Methodist University |
| Claremont McKenna College | Stanford University |
| Colby College | Swarthmore College |
| Colgate University | Trinity College |
| College of the Holy Cross | Tufts University |
| Colorado College | Tulane University |
| Davidson College | Union College |
| Denison University | University of Chicago |
| Dickinson College | University of Notre Dame |
| Duke University | University of Richmond |
| Emory University | University of Rochester |
| Fordham University | University of Southern California |
| Franklin and Marshall College | University of the South |
| Georgetown University | Vanderbilt University |
| Grinnell College | Vassar College |
| Hamilton College | Villanova University |
| Haverford College | Wake Forest University |
| Johns Hopkins University | Washington and Lee University |
| Kenyon College | Washington University in St. Louis |
| Lafayette College | Wellesley College |
| Lehigh University | Wesleyan University |
| Macalester College | Williams College |
Read also: Little Ivies
Benefits of Attending Hidden Ivies
The third edition of The Hidden Ivies highlights the numerous benefits of attending Ivy League and Ivy-caliber schools. These institutions prioritize a well-rounded liberal arts education designed to cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and ethical decision-making. Many Hidden Ivies aim to prepare future leaders who can make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
Affordability and financial aid
One of the most compelling advantages of Hidden Ivies is their affordability. While tuition can still be substantial, it’s often lower than at Ivy League schools, making a top-tier education more attainable for many students and families.
Hidden Ivies further enhance accessibility through generous financial aid packages. Scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans help make these institutions a possibility for a wider range of students. Additionally, merit-based scholarships can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of attendance, rewarding high-achieving students with a more affordable path to excellence.
Open doors for diverse talent
Hidden Ivies offer greater accessibility to a broader pool of talented students. While maintaining high admission standards, they often boast higher acceptance rates compared to Ivy League schools. This translates to more opportunities for students to attend a prestigious institution without facing the intense competition that typically characterizes Ivy League admissions.
Supportive community
A hallmark of Hidden Ivies is their close-knit community. These institutions cultivate supportive and inclusive environments that enrich the college experience. The intimate nature fosters meaningful connections and friendships. It promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students and faculty.
Smaller class sizes
Smaller class sizes at Hidden Ivies contribute significantly to a personalized and engaging learning experience. With fewer students, there’s more opportunity for individual interaction with professors. Students can ask questions, engage in discussions, and dig deeper into the course material. This increased interaction fosters tailored guidance and support, ensuring a stronger grasp of the subject matter.
Additionally, smaller class sizes encourage active participation, collaborative learning, and in-depth student discussions, leading to richer intellectual exchanges and a more comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
Diverse program offerings
Hidden Ivies provides students with a wealth of academic opportunities tailored to their interests and goals. These institutions often boast extensive undergraduate and graduate programs across a broad spectrum of disciplines, allowing students to explore diverse fields and customize their education to suit their passions and aspirations.
Read also: Rolling Admission
How to Get Into a Hidden Ivy School?
To shine among a pool of talented applicants, you’ll need a well-rounded application that shows your strengths. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
Academic strength
Most Hidden Ivies employ a holistic review process, but strong grades and standardized test scores (if required) are crucial. Aim for a high or good GPA and consistently push yourself. Even if you’re a senior with limited time to raise your GPA, excel in your remaining classes.
Master the test (if applicable)
Develop a personalized study plan that prioritizes your strengths and weaknesses. Practice consistently to ensure you have the knowledge needed for high scores. Remember that some schools are test-optional, so check each institution’s policy.
Secure strong recommendations
Recommendation letters offer valuable insights into your character and academic potential. Request them early in your senior year. Choose teachers from your junior or senior year core subjects, preferably those who know you well and can write enthusiastically about your growth and contributions to the class. Consider a letter from a mentor or coach who can highlight your leadership and dedication outside of academics.
Show your passions
Extracurricular activities and community service show your interests, work ethic, and commitment to your community. Engage in activities you’re genuinely passionate about, not just resume-building. Drew Riley, associate dean of admission at Colgate University, emphasizes that admissions officers seek applicants motivated “not just by improving themselves but their communities too.”
Write compelling essays
Think of your essays as the heart of your application. They show your writing ability and offer a glimpse into your personality, background, and experiences. Devote time to brainstorming and writing captivating narratives. Use the Common Application or Coalition Application for the main essay, and tailor your supplemental essays to each school, highlighting why you’re a perfect fit for their campus. Remember that impactful essays don’t need to chronicle grand adventures—well-written pieces expand on your application, add depth, and let your personality shine through.
Read also: Ivy Day 2024
From the Desk of Yocket
Hidden Ivies offers an interesting alternative to the traditional Ivy League path. These schools provide a strong academic experience with rigorous coursework and talented faculty, often in a setting with smaller class sizes and more opportunities for individual attention. This can be a great fit for students who thrive in a more intimate learning environment and value close interaction with professors.
The potential downside of Hidden Ivies is the lack of name recognition that comes with an Ivy League diploma. While employers look for strong academic backgrounds, the prestige associated with the Ivy League can sometimes open doors, especially early in a career. However, platforms like Yocket can help highlight the strengths and opportunities offered by Hidden Ivies. The value of a college education goes far beyond just the name of the school. A well-rounded education with strong personal and professional development opportunities can be just as valuable, and Hidden Ivies often excel in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hidden Ivies?
Hidden Ivies are colleges and universities that offer an academic experience similar to the Ivy League schools, but they aren’t officially part of the Ivy League. These schools are highly selective, have rigorous academics, and have a vibrant campus life.
How do I apply to Hidden Ivy?
The application process for Hidden Ivies is similar to that for Ivy League schools. You’ll need strong grades, standardized test scores (though some schools are test-optional), extracurricular activities, and a compelling personal statement. Researching each school thoroughly and highlighting why you’re a good fit is crucial.
Are Hidden Ivies as hard to get into as Ivy League schools?
Many Hidden Ivies have acceptance rates that are just as low, or even lower, than some Ivy League schools. For instance, Stanford University is a Hidden Ivy with a 4% college acceptance rate.