Which is the Easiest Ivy League School To Get Into? Here's the Truth

Ivy League Admissions Statistics

They have a reputation of academic excellence, high social status, and incredibly selective admissions process. Getting an acceptance letter from any of these schools is truly a great achievement. The League has eight member colleges.

Harvard

• Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1460-1580
• ACT Score (50% average range): 33-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 7.56%

Cornell

• Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1450-1540
• ACT Score (50% average range): 32-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 17.6%

Brown

• Acceptance Rate: 5.2%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1480-1560
• ACT Score (50% average range): 33-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 14.6%

Dartmouth

• Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1440-1560
• ACT Score (50% average range): 32-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 17%

University of Pennsylvania

• Acceptance Rate: 6.5%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1490-1560
• ACT Score (50% average range): 33-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 8,000 applicants; estimated acceptance rate 14%

Princeton

• Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1450-1570
• ACT Score (50% average range): 33-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 4.57%

Yale

• Acceptance Rate: 3.7%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1460-1580
• ACT Score (50% average range): 33-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 10%

Columbia

• Acceptance Rate: 3.8%
• SAT Score (50% average range): 1510-1560
• ACT Score (50% average range): 33-35
• Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 12.5%

What Is the Easiest Ivy League School to Get Into?

Based on the information provided above, you probably noticed that Cornell University has the highest acceptance rate and can therefore be classified as the easiest Ivy league school to get into. While admissions rates can give you an idea of how competitive it is to get into a school, they are not the only indicator of your admissions chances.

Ivy League undergraduate admissions are difficult to assess because each school claims to take a holistic approach to reviewing students’ applications. A holistic application review considers a broad range of your accomplishments and circumstances as a whole rather than focusing on only one component of your application.

Additionally, with the exception of Harvard, none of the Ivy League schools set minimum GPA, SAT or ACT requirements. This does not mean the Ivy Leagues will admit you with a low GPA, but it does mean they consider additional extraordinary factors if your GPA and test scores are not perfect.

Given no Ivy is easy to get into, we will highlight three of the “easiest” Ivy league schools to get into and what makes them unique.

1. Cornell University

Cornell's acceptance rate is approximately 6.9%, which, while still competitive, is higher than its Ivy counterparts. Cornell's diverse range of programs and schools, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, provide various pathways for students with different academic interests, especially those interested in more applied fields.

Tips for Applicants:

• Highlight specific programs or departments you are interested in and how they align with your career goals, for example talk about your interest in work placements in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations
• Demonstrate a strong academic background and involvement in relevant extracurricular activities, for example emphasize your work experience in high school that demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset

2. Dartmouth College

Dartmouth had an acceptance rate of about 5.3%. Dartmouth is one of the Ivies that focuses primarily on Undergraduate education and operates on a unique academic calendar known as the D-Plan, which divides the year into four 10-week terms. This flexible system allows students to customize their schedules, take advantage of off-campus programs, and engage in internships throughout the year.

Tips for Applicants:

• Emphasize your interest in Dartmouth’s unique academic calendar, highlight in your application your time-management skills and how they are suited for the D-plan.
• Emphasize your desire for a close-knit academic environment and your eagerness to engage with faculty members. Provide examples of how you have benefited from close teacher-student interactions in the past and how you plan to continue this at Dartmouth.

3. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

UPenn’s acceptance rate is approximately 6.5%. UPenn is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education, encouraging students to pursue multiple interests and combine different fields of study. The university offers numerous interdisciplinary programs and joint degrees, allowing students to tailor their education to their unique interests. UPenn's urban campus is located in the heart of Philadelphia, providing students with access to a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and professional opportunities. The university's location fosters strong connections with industries, healthcare institutions, and cultural organizations.

Tips for Applicants:

• Highlight your diverse academic interests and explain how UPenn's interdisciplinary approach will help you integrate these fields. Mention specific programs, departments, or joint degree opportunities that align with your goals. Highlight any relevant experiences or internships that align with your intended field of study.
• Explain how UPenn's location in Philadelphia will enhance your academic and professional development. Mention any previous urban experiences or how you plan to engage with the city's resources and opportunities.

Here's a summary of how to get into Ivy League schools:

7 Strategies to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Ivy League Schools

Now let’s consider some of the more general strategies you can implement to strengthen your application and increase your chances of getting into an Ivy League program, even if it is the hardest or the easiest Ivy League school to get into.

#1: Apply to Early Action/Early Decision Programs

Applying through Early Action or Early Decision programs can significantly boost your chances of admission. These programs often have earlier deadlines and response dates, reducing the competition pool compared to regular decision applicants. For instance, Cornell's Early Decision acceptance rate is 22.7%, showcasing the advantage of committing early to your first-choice school.

The catch is that early decision programs restrict your applications to other universities, i.e. you’re allowed to apply through the early decision program to one school only. Early decision applicants are contractually bound to attend the school if offered admission.

#2: Excel in Advanced Coursework

Getting into an Ivy league will require good grades, this is a given. But given how competitive Ivy leagues are you will need more than just good grades. Enroll in a broad range of challenging courses, including AP or IB classes, to demonstrate your willingness to tackle rigorous coursework. Consistent good grades in these classes will show admissions committees your academic strengths and drive for excellence.

Be ready to showcase how your coursework has prepared you for the rigor of an Ivy League education. For example, Columbia is renowned for its Core Curriculum, which emphasizes a broad and deep liberal arts education. You must show an interest and affinity that span disciplines, like AP Art History, Biology, and/or Calculus. Many students will have high grades in either the sciences or the arts, but an excellent Ivy League applicant will have success in a breadth of courses.

Here's a quick summary of IB vs. AP

#3: Demonstrate Genuine Interest and Fit for Each Ivy League School

Each Ivy League school has its unique culture, values, and strengths. Research each school thoroughly and tailor your application to show why you are a great fit for that particular institution. This includes mentioning specific programs, professors, or opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

For example, Harvard is known for its numerous research opportunities. If you are interested in biomedical research, highlight Harvard’s extensive research facilities and specific programs such as the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Demonstrating knowledge about Harvard’s unique House system and expressing enthusiasm for the close-knit residential community can also show your fit for the school’s culture.

Thinking about what makes each school unique can help you prepare for the “what would you contribute to your future college campus” interview question!

If you are applying to multiple Ivy league schools, make sure your applications are unique!

#4: Showcase Leadership and Initiative in Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities play a vital role in Ivy League admissions, showcasing your interests, talents, and commitment outside the classroom. Remember that you are applying to some of the best schools in the world, so you need to have extraordinary extracurriculars that showcase leadership. Make sure you go above and beyond in your extracurriculars and link this back to how you will make a difference at the specific school you are applying to.

For example, if you are applying to Princeton you could write about how you organized a team of volunteers, secured funding from local businesses, and collaborated with the school administration to implement a community recycling program. You can connect this experience to Princeton by mentioning the university's own sustainability efforts, such as the Princeton Sustainability Committee and the Office of Sustainability, which promotes initiatives like the Sustainability Action Plan. Highlight your excitement about contributing to and furthering these initiatives at Princeton. 

#5: Write a Stellar College Admissions Essay

The admissions essay is often the weak link in the student’s application. Because college essay topics are often open to interpretation, many students tend to focus on the same topics, i.e. a challenging test, a sports victory, a memorable trip to our nation’s capital, etc. The essay prompts are typically very open-ended, or may ask a specific question, such as “why this college?” In short, your essay can be about anything, from climate change to your preferred genre of music.

Remember to tailor the essay specifically to the school you are applying to. For example, if you are writing an essay for Darthmouth, consider their emphasis on a close-knit community and strong tradition of leadership and outdoor experiences. If you have a unique experience that aligns with Dartmouth's values, such as leading an outdoor education initiative in your community, this can be a compelling topic for your essay.

Here are some top tips to writing your college admissions essay:

• Do not forget to include a gripping first sentence and strong introduction to capture the reader’s attention. If you’re not sure how to start a college essay, read some college essay introduction examples for ideas.
• Keep your readers interested and engaged by using clear and concise language throughout your essay as this helps the reader easily follow your thoughts. Use transition sentences between thoughts to create a flow.
• Give your essay time and thought - it might take you weeks or even months to shape it into a great paper.
• Revise, revise, revise! Let college essays advisors read it and then finalize before you submit or use a college essay review service.

Supplemental College Essays

Writing these optional essays is also practice for the supplemental college essays most of the Ivy League schools ask students to write. Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, UPenn and Columbia all have supplemental college essays as part of their admissions, with different prompts and requirements, so be sure to learn what these are ahead of time!

Here's some tips on writing your supplemental college essays!

#6: Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation

Your college letters of recommendation for Ivy League schools must be outstanding. Member schools typically ask for recommendation letters from two of your high school teachers.

The letters should be written by instructors in your junior and senior years, as these are the most recent and most difficult years academically. There are no strict guidelines on who should write your letter. You do not need to submit one “science” letter and one “humanities” letter, but try not to submit two letters from teachers in the same department.

It is again important to think about the school you are applying to and select letter writers strategically. Do you have a teacher who is an alumnus of an Ivy league? If you’re applying or expressing interested in a specialized program like business, try to get a letter from a teacher who has taught you a similar course.

At the end of the day, the best letter writer is one who can build a strong narrative for you. If you are applying to a science program but have had the same English teacher for four years of high school and they acted as a faculty mentor on your extracurricular, they may be the perfect reference for you!



#7: Prepare for Your College Interviews

The final step in the admissions process is the college interview. College interview prep is essential here, since this is your opportunity to really shine and make an impression on the admissions committee of an Ivy League school.

To get ready for your interview, learn some of the common college admissions interview questions and start preparing answers to the most common, such as “tell me about yourself”. You can also look up common Ivy League interview questions and learn what to expect from interviews at Ivy League schools. Practice for your interview day with mock interviews by asking a friend, mentor, tutor or college advisor to act as your mock interviewer. It’s a good idea to get college interview prep help so you can get honest feedback on your interview answers and comportment.

Ivy League interviews may be informal and take place with alumni in your area. Make sure you do your research and prepare accordingly. For example, Yale interviews emphasize your fit with Yale’s culture of collaboration and your potential to make an impact on campus. Be ready to discuss your extracurricular activities and personal interests in detail. Prepare to talk about specific Yale programs or organizations, like the Yale Daily News if you are passionate about journalism, and how your experiences align with these future opportunities.

Conclusion

Although Cornell University has the highest acceptance rates of all Ivy League schools, this does not mean that it’s an easy school to get into. To be a competitive applicant for any of these eight prestigious institutions, you cannot slack off when it comes to your applications. So really, there is no such thing as the easiest Ivy League school to get into.

Do not choose to go to an Ivy League school for appearances. Choose a program you actually want to attend and graduate from, rather than a program that will look good on your CV. Prestige and social status do not necessarily translate into a better educational fit for you. Choose happiness and invest in your education in a school you truly want to attend.

BeMo Ivy League Application Consulting Reviews

Preparing your applications for Ivy League schools? We can help you get accepted! Read some of our BeMo reviews from our students:

"Thank you to Dr. Schulz for working-on my UPenn statement. Their advice was very helpful and allowed to actually understand my deficiencies and how I can strengthen them. I definitely recommend BeMo to every student because of how responsive and committed they are to student success" - Sulaiman, BeMo student.

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