<p>After reading a bunch on the Columbia forum I noticed some students unhappy with their community (I have noticed this as well when visiting). I think at the Ivies there are definite distinctions based on how campus oriented the culture is, how well students know their entire class (not just their frat), and how many students come back for reunions. I've been lucky enough to spend time at more than half of the Ivies, here's my ranking:</p>
<p>1) Dartmouth/ Princeton
3) Brown (disclaimer I go here)</p>
<p>I pretty much agree. I went to one of PD and my DS loves the other. Great communities, great networks, highest rate of alumni giving.</p>
<p>My only departure from your list is Harvard, where undergrad is concerned, should be at the bottom. Was shocked during my grad school years to see how much undergrads there did not love the experience.</p>
<p>confused: are you ranking based on campus spirit/size also?</p>
<p>in that case, colleges which are small and far from cities would rank highly just because they do everything together and it’s easier to know everyone.</p>
<p>you should disregard those two aspects…because that is just personal preference. I know a couple of people who love Columbia because it is in NYC and they didnt care about campus spirit or size or the like.</p>
<p>The main point is that but for Dartmouth and to a much lesser extent Princeton, the overall experience for undergrads at Ivy League Schools is a far cry from what students report they like about other schools. </p>
<p>Not that you are only going to school for social reasons or athletics. But if you want warm and fuzzy, pick another school.</p>