Ranking the Ivies

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
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<p>I think it is supposed to be biased. Maybe I'm mistaken, but I never took this thread to show exactly what schools would provide the best undergraduate education/experience. It was meant to reflect what is best for each person who compiles their rankings. For me, at least, Dartmouth is number one. I have directed multiple people away from Dartmouth though, becuase I know it isn't for them.</p>

<p>So, I have made 2 lists of my own...</p>

<p>This one ranks best undergraduate 'education'
1. Princeton
2. Cornell
3. Harvard/Yale
5. Dartmouth/Brown
7. Penn/Columbia</p>

<p>Note: Just because a school is 7th, does not mean 'bad'. The differences between 1st and 7/8th is practically negligible. I compiled this list based on the relative undergraduate focus, as well as 'rigor' of the curriculum. Princeton/Cornell are both undergraduate-focused, and are perceived as very rigorous, so that's why they are at the top. Likewise, Penn/Columbia are at the bottom, because they are so graduate focused (I think there are 4 or 5 times more grad students than undergrads at Columbia...). But seriously, I honestly believe that the difference in 'education' between the number one school and a number 50 school is negligible. What differs though, is the quality of the students you are with, and what you learn from them. So, factoring that in, as well as other 'quality of life' factors, I have created a second list...</p>

<p>Overall Undergraduate Experience Ranking:</p>

<ol>
<li>Dartmouth</li>
<li>Yale</li>
<li>Princeton/Brown</li>
<li>Penn/Harvard</li>
<li>Columbia/Cornell</li>
</ol>

<p>Disclaimer: This factors in MY personal feelings and preferences to the fit, and quality of life, therefore, it wont apply to everybody.</p>

22

<p>Very well said, Darmoose. I could not agree more that the difference in education between any of the top 50 schools at the undergrad level really is negligible.</p>

23

<ol>
<li>Princeton</li>
<li>Brown</li>
<li>Cornell</li>
<li>Dartmouth</li>
<li>Yale</li>
<li>Penn</li>
<li>Columbia</li>
<li>Harvard</li>
</ol>

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<p>Dartmoose... why is Harvard so high on your list?</p>

25

<p>How is Harvard last on your list cornell?</p>

26

<p>He goes to cornell. He must be stupid, duh.</p>

27

<p>Colt45, stop trying to incite arguments. It's really not necessary. And although I'm not cornell2011, I would guess he/she put Harvard last for undergrad education because it is said that Harvard focuses too much on its grad students, often at the expense of undergrads.</p>

28

<p>Colt is just asking for arguments.</p>

29

<p>One, I turned down Harvard for Cornell -- so don't insult me. Two, making assertions about my intelligence based on my school affiliation is absolutely ridiculous and unwarranted. Three, for your information, I'm an Engineer...which explains pretty nicely why I chose Cornell. Fourth, I'm not going to defend Cornell too much, because it doesn't need defending judging by the caliber of its programs and the students I've met there, but I'm going to say, that substantively, we surpass most of the Ivy League and our students are some of the top in not only the United States, but also the world. Additionally, the applicant pools in Cornell engineering are some of the most qualified students in the country. Two, arts and sciences, aap, and CALS admit rates are as competitive as the other Ivy Schools, so I think you need to do a little more research before you disseminate your ignorance. I really think Cornell's methodology of inclusion is one of the greatest things about it. If we're criticized for being the black sheep, I don't mind it. What can any of the other schools claim they're doing that isn't superficial at best? </p>

<p>Now to your question about my reasons for putting Harvard at the bottom of my list. I ranked the schools on the quality of undergraduate program and regard for undergrad, but I also kept in mind program resources and job placement. Princeton obviously tops that list, but Harvard was at the bottom because its reputation stems largely from its graduate schools (which admittedly are damn good). I think that undergrads get lost in the mix at Harvard and unless that changes, I just don't think Harvard College can be considered at the top. Most people put Harvard at the top of their list because of name recognition, but if you actually ask them what programs are good, its a much more difficult sell. Admittedly, there are some liberal arts areas where Harvard definitely excels, but that is offset pretty easily by the areas in which the other ivies excel. I just don't think Harvard undergrad has sufficient substance to surpass the other schools. Its largely just name recognition in the layman's world. In the professional world, the other 7 will garner just as much respect, or even more in particular fields. </p>

<p>I think the other schools focus a lot more on their undergraduate programs (it was a toss up between Columbia and Harvard) and balance it out nicely with their resources. Cornell for instance has some of the best programs in the Ivy League, not only in the liberal arts, but also in pre-professional and professional schools. I think the areas in which it is surpassed by the likes of Harvard are marginal in comparison to the areas where it surpasses H. </p>

<p>That's it...</p>

30

<p>
[quote]
One, I turned down Harvard for Cornell -- so don't insult me. Two, making assertions about my intelligence based on my school affiliation is absolutely ridiculous and unwarranted. Three, for your information, I'm an Engineer...which explains pretty nicely why I chose Cornell. Fourth, I'm not going to defend Cornell too much, because it doesn't need defending judging by the caliber of its programs and the students I've met there, but I'm going to say, that substantively, we surpass most of the Ivy League and our students are some of the top in not only the United States, but also the world. Additionally, the applicant pools in Cornell engineering are some of the most qualified students in the country. Two, arts and sciences, aap, and CALS admit rates are as competitive as the other Ivy Schools, so I think you need to do a little more research before you disseminate your ignorance.

[/quote]

I'm so glad they teach you how to count at Cornell. Maybe everyone should "turn down" harvard waitlist for barely Ivy League as well.</p>

31

<p>Wow, so predictable. I thought about editing my post for the first type, but then I was like, lets see if this tool actually says what I think he will...and guess what, you did. </p>

<p>And, I don't need to defend myself in front of you, or justify my decision for going to Cornell. It speaks for itself. Bee Tee Dub (that means BY THE WAY), I didn't get wait listed.</p>

<p>Its sad that you have nothing better to do than troll around on forums and make insolent posts about prestigious universities. I really hope that you aren't an accurate representation of your university, because that would be sad. You have literally no substance to what you say, and can't give me a single warrant for your opinions of Cornell, aside from hearsay, which in and of itself is absolutely incorrect. If you want to engage in an argument, give some reasoning and quit being a coward and using trivial issues as your only means of offense. It isn't particularly persuasive and you're making yourself look like an immature pr***. </p>

<p>Additionally, a lot of people will agree with me on the question of substantive quality of Harvard vs. Cornell. Harvard just has branding, in which Cornell isn't too far behind. Its just on these boards, 99 percent of the population lives its life by the doctrine of the US News and World Report. Unfortunately, actual experience speaks differently. Sad, just sad. Oh yea, did I mention we're better than Harvard in CS, Architecture, Art, Planning, Business (undergrad), Physics, Stats, Chem. E, Mech E, all other engineering, Hotel Management, English, etc...the list is too long. We are one of the best graduate feeder schools in the nation (and don't cite those WSJ rankings to me, they are flawed). </p>

<p>Question: where do you go to school?</p>

<p>p.s. Cornell may not teach me how to count, but at least they teach me how to carry myself, use good rhetoric and be respectful. It seems that your school lacks any of these components to its education.</p>

32

<p>
[quote]
Cornell may not teach me how to count, but at least they teach me how to carry myself, use good rhetoric and be respectful. It seems that your school lacks any of these components to its education.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>^ Word. Totally agree.</p>

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<p>Wow, colt45. You are getting owned. Also, seeing that you name is the title of such a disgusting song, I doubt you got into a school even worth mentioning.</p>

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<p>
[Quote]
Dartmoose... why is Harvard so high on your list?

[/Quote]
</p>

<p>I don't think tied for 5th/6th is so high...</p>

<p>I also didn't want to be like everyone else and put Harvard last just for the sake of showing: "Hah, I think our country's most prestigious institution is not actually worthy of its reputation."</p>

<p>If anybody who put Harvard last on their list thinks they wouldn't have chosen Harvard over at least one other school is kidding themselves.</p>

35

<p>Colt is getting owned.</p>

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<p>@Dart - although I agree with what you're saying, I do have to say, that I am one of those people who would choose the other 7 over Harvard any day. I'm not trying to be argumentative, just telling you my opinion.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I'm so glad they teach you how to count at Cornell. Maybe everyone should "turn down" harvard waitlist for barely Ivy League as well.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Why would a college teach you how to count?</p>

38

<p>
[quote]
Why would a college teach you how to count?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Because people probably don't know how to?</p>

<p>Combinatorics</a> - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>

<p>Oh snap.</p>

39

<p>
[quote]
Because people probably don't know how to?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I should hope they do.</p>

<p>Counting</a> - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>