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If you look at the offerings for languages at Ivies like Princeton, Penn, Harvard, etc. there aren’t too many schools that offer more languages. On top of that, if the language you want to study isn’t offered the school will generally try to find you a tutor so you can further your studies. If a student’s language background isn’t strong enough coming from an Ivy or other top university that might be a fault of the student and not a fault of the school.
I’m not familiar with independent research at other Ivies, but at Penn at student can get credit in most any department for independent research. In addition, there is the CURF which helps undergrads find professors to pursue research with. The research I have performed have been from professors listed by CURF and not professors that have taught me.
At a larger university it is true that it takes more effort to know your professors than just showing up to class. Even though I go to a school 10 times as large as most LACs, each semester I would say half of my professors knew me fairly well. This was through a combination of small classes (30 or less) and me just making an effort to go to office hours or talk to the professors after class. I’m sure I can get a decent rec out of two or three of the professors I’ve had so far. </p>
<p>I honestly do not see how going to an Ivy puts anyone at a disadvantage at applying to grad school.</p>