Brown is the “creative Ivy.” The other Ivy League schools might protest that label, but Brown’s open curriculum, location in Providence, Rhode Island, and interest in nurturing the creative sides of their students has made it a top choice for exceptional students who see the world through an artistic (although not necessarily artsy) lens. The overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 was under 6%.

In the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Dartmouth boasted an acceptance rate of 5.4%, their lowest ever. But how did their acceptance rate get so low? Why did it get so low? And what makes a student a competitive (or not competitive) applicant? Thankfully, we dig into the data to give you a data-driven strategic approach to help you put your best foot forward.

Columbia College and the Fu School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University are two of the most prestigious undergraduate colleges in the world, not only because they are also within the famed Ivy League. Admissions is extremely selective, as students seek out an outstanding education in the heart of New York City.The acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 was only 4.9%, yet was also the largest class of accepted students in University history. This was a slight (1%) increase over the Class of 2028 acceptance rate. What we can’t know is how many of those students — or how many students this year — were waitlisted.

Harvard is one of the most renowned universities in the world, and one of the hardest to get into in the United States. For the Class of 2029, the first year acceptance rate was only 4.2% out of nearly 50,000 applicants. The most impressive statistic isn’t the miniscule acceptance rate, though — it’s the yield. That same year, 83.6% of accepted students chose to attend. This acceptance rate far surpasses that of other top schools. When students get into Harvard, most often they decide to go to Harvard.

Northwestern is a fabulous and highly-respected research university in the Chicago area and nestled on the banks of Lake Michigan. As a large university with equally large resources, Northwestern has become a sought after destination for transfers who want a combination of community and opportunity. They welcome applications from students coming from 2-year and 4-year colleges, and successful applicants will have typically completed at least one full year of college before arriving at Northwestern. Unsurprisingly, the high demand for transfer also means that it isn’t easy to get in.

USC is a top private research university in Los Angeles, California known for combining top academics and an enviable social experience. Students look to USC as a transfer option, often, because they are seeking out a specific academic opportunity that their current school can’t fulfill — especially around supporting and conducting research. The climate doesn’t hurt, either. In the dead of winter, students in colder climes understandably look to the sunny potential of a California college.

The University of Texas in Austin carries the unique reputation of being an outstanding school and an amazingly fun college experience. It’s not surprising, then, that students flock to the university. Demand is high, too, for transfer students.