The Ivy League Is Considered To Be The Best Ranked Schools In The World That Offer Excellent Education, Research And Graduate Programs In Several Fields. Admission Requirements Into The Ivy League Universities Are Highly Competitive With An Estimated 1% Chance Of Getting In. Does it seem impossible to get into any Ivy League school? Worried that you don’t have the experience or grades that come with a four-year degree? Get more information regarding Easiest Ivy League To Get Into For Masters, ivy league masters acceptance rate, ivy league requirements for international students & how to get into ivy league for masters.

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How to Get Into Ivy League for Masters

If studying at an Ivy League university in the USA sounds like the holy grail for you, then you know your Master’s degree application is the key that opens it. But like many other students who dream big, you might be a little bit confused and maybe a little bit intimidated by the whole Master’s admission process. 

After all, Ivy League universities are the most prestigious higher education institutions in the USA and getting into one of these schools is a highly competitive business. But with good information, you might be one of the brilliant students that will follow in the footsteps of great scientists, politicians, lawyers, humanists and businessmen who have started with a degree at an Ivy League school.

Ivy League schools are private universities. When it comes to graduate studies a key thing to remember is that in most cases you will not apply directly to the university but to one of its graduate schools.  Graduate schools are part of the university but only take in Master’s and Ph.D. students.

For example, if you want to pursue a graduate degree at Harvard University, you need to first know the subject you want to study and apply to the graduate school that offers a Master’s on that subject.  Some examples are:

• Harvard Business School
• Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Harvard Law School
• Harvard Kennedy School  

The same applies to Yale University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania or Cornell University which are all Ivy League schools.

Because these universities do not have a centralised system of graduate studies, each school is responsible for establishing their own application procedure and requirements.  That is why you should always check the admission details on the web page of the graduate school you want to apply to.

Luckily there are some common points for graduate admissions that apply to most schools. Up next we will look at relevant application information for Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Pennsylvania and Cornell.

Application Requirements for Ivy League schools

To put it simply, there isn’t a single magic formula to apply to an elite American school.  Students who get accepted come from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, but it is ultimately up to each Admissions Committee to evaluate if there’s a right mix between your goals, academic record, and experience and what the university has to offer.

In general, you need the following in order to be eligible to apply to a graduate program at an Ivy League school:

• the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree
• transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions you have attended (GPA included)
• proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE, LSAT)
• 3 Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume/ CV
• Non-refundable application fee

Okay, these requirements are pretty much the same as at many universities around the world. So, what’s so special about applying to Ivy League universities? Well, they usually accept only students that have the highest test scores and language tests.  Here are the average scores for accepted students:

• Average GPA: 3.71 on a 4.0 scale
• TOEFL: 100 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL test
• 7.5 or higher on the IELTS test
• GRE average scores ranges: 155- 170 for all subjects
• LSAT: 173 and higher
• MCAT: 36.6 and higher

While most universities are happy with one or two recommendation letters, Ivy League schools want three of them – from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who know you well and can tell us about your qualifications for our programs.

Harvard Master’s degree Application Process ?

While you will find the above requirements with pretty much every Master’s degree application at Harvard, there are also special requirements depending on the subject.  These include:

Essays

If you go for graduate studies in Humanities, Social Sciences, Journalism and the like, one requirement will be writing an essay which answers a specific question. Here are some examples of essay questions used in the past by Harvard:

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?

The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. 

Apart from topic essays, some grad schools also ask for both a personal history essay (talk about yourself including past studies and experiences), an optional statement (talks about you study and careers goals and how they match the programme you are applying to).

Professional experience and portfolio

Especially for graduate studies in Business, Engineering, Design and Architecture, Harvard Grad Schools only accept applicants that have at least 2 years professional experience and/ or a portfolio.  Naturally, your experience should be related to the subject you want to pursue.

Interview and post-interview reflection

Depending on the school, you might also be invited to an interview. But that’s not all. Harvard also has a post-interview reflection. This means that within 24 hours of the interview, you are required to submit a written reflection through the online application system.

Yale Master’s degree Application Process?

Unlike Harvard, Yale graduate schools only have a few Masters available and tend to favor Ph.D. programmes more. However, if you are not ready for doctoral study, there are still some options for you at Yale. Here’s what’s special about graduate admissions at Yale.

Test scores

At Yale, the GMAT is usually only required for Ph.D. admissions. Hurray! Also, the score accepted for different standardised schools varies according to programme. Surely, there must be one Master’s where your test scores are good enough.

Essays, portfolios, and research proposals

Depending on the school or subject, you will be required to add some essays or a portfolio to your application. Essays are frequently required for Journalism, Humanities and Social Sciences focus. Portfolios are common in Architecture and Design.  Also, most M. Res and M. Ed. programs ask that you also include a research proposal.

Columbia Master’s degree Application Process?

General requirements apply of course, but let’s see what sets Columbia University apart when it comes to the Master’s application process.

Test Scores

While a GRE is usually required, for certain subject areas you need a special GRE score. For example, studying Applied Physics requires an official GRE Physics Subject Test Score.

Another aspect is that not all graduate programmes require GMAT scores. MBAs, for example, require it.  Some Masters also include an interview in the application process so get ready to impress them face to face or via video.

Sample of writing and essays

Humanities and Journalism degrees will include a writing tests, written work samples together with general essays on personal and professional interests and specialisation essays. Sounds like a lot of writing, but there’s an upside. Most degrees that are not STEM or Business related don’t require your GRE (it is optional).

Dartmouth College Master’s degree Application Process?

Like  the other universities, the application to a graduate degree at Dartmouth College includes  the usual suspects: undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). But application requirements also vary by program. Here is what is special about graduate applications at Dartmouth:

Recommendation letters and writing samples

Dartmouth is very keen about you getting the recommendations from scientists in either academic or industrial positions, preferably including letters from research advisors. It’s time to do some networking in the scientific community if you want in!

Another frequent requirement is a writing sample which is a scholarly essay or excerpt of an essay and/or an essay answering one or more questions.

Test scores

Like the Columbia University, Dartmouth likes special GRE scores, such as a GRE including Chemistry testing. They also strongly recommend the Test of Spoken English (TSE) along with IELTS or TOEFL, if you are a foreign student.

UPenn Master’s degree Application Process?

Because graduate admissions at Penn are not centralized, all applications go to the graduate schools.  Moving past the general Master’s application requirements, you should keep an eye on the next specific aspects:

Writing samples, portfolios, research proposals

Portfolios, writing samples and research proposals are quite common with most Master’s degrees.  Some graduate programmes have essay questions like:

How do you expect to apply the expertise you would gain in the Master of Chemical Sciences programme?

Test scores

At Penn GRE scores are required for all applicants. No exception. Also, while they say there is no minimum GRE or TOEFL score requirement, this is still an Ivy League school. They will expect top achievers to apply.

Plus, unless you graduated from another programme in the USA, you will need to submit TOEFL exam scores to demonstrate English proficiency, even if you have an English-taught degree from somewhere else.

The “Easiest” Ivy League Schools to Get Into

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The eight schools of the Ivy League are some of the most hallowed institutions in the United States, counting presidents, Nobel Prize winners, founders, and CEOs among their alumni. Because of this, the best and brightest minds from around the world compete for admission into the Ivy League. While no Ivy League school is easy to get into, gaining admission into some Ivies is easier than others. Keep reading to learn about the easiest Ivy League Schools to get into. 

What is the Ivy League?

Known for containing some of the United States’ oldest, most well-known and well-respected institutions in the northeast, the eight schools of the Ivy League were originally grouped together as an athletic conference. And while these schools have histories dating back hundreds of years, the Ivy League itself was only formed in 1954. Despite its underpinnings in athletics, the Ivy League today is better known for its scholars more than its sports, as admission into these institutions is highly competitive.

Here are the schools in the Ivy League and some more basic information about them.

School Name	Location	Acceptance Rate	Undergraduate Enrollment
Cornell University	Ithaca, New York	10.6%	15,043
Dartmouth College	Hanover, New Hampshire	7.9%	4,417
University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	7.7%	6,311
Brown University	Providence, Rhode Island	6.6%	6,752
Yale University	New Haven, Connecticut	6.3%	5,964
Princeton University	Princeton, New Jersey	5.7%	5,267
Columbia University	New York, New York	5.2%	9,001
Harvard University	Cambridge, Massachusetts	5.1%	6,699

Easiest Ivy League Schools to Get Into

Note: We want to reiterate that no Ivy League is “easy” to get into, but some historically have higher acceptance rates than others. This is the case for these 3 schools.

1. Cornell University 

Location: Ithaca, New York

Acceptance rate: 10.6%

Undergraduate enrollment: 15,043

Founded in 1865, Cornell University’s motto, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study,” is as relevant today as when the words were first uttered by its cofounder, Ezra Cornell. The easiest Ivy to get into based on acceptance rate, Cornell offers over 4,000 courses through its seven undergraduate schools, meaning that students are sure to find a subject of interest to study. Cornell was the first university to offer a degree in journalism and the first to teach modern Far Eastern languages. Students will find more than academics to interest them at Cornell—start with these 161 Things Every Cornellian Should Do. Set in the Finger Lakes region of New York, the 2,300-acre campus is replete with green space and natural beauty. 

Note on Cornell’s Acceptance Rate: Cornell requires students to apply directly to one of their eight undergraduate colleges. While the overall acceptance rate at Cornell makes it the easiest Ivy League school to get into, the acceptance rates vary quite a bit by college. For example, below are the acceptance rates for the eight undergraduate colleges in 2019:

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: 11.38%
• College of Architecture-Art and Planning: 10.25%
• College of Arts and Science: 9.87%
• Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: 6.4%
• College of Engineering: 10.53% 
• Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration: 24.17%
• College of Human Ecology: 18.34%
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR): 15.89%

Explore the different acceptance rates between Cornell’s Colleges further on their website. 

2. Dartmouth College 

Location: Hanover, New Hampshire 

Acceptance rate: 7.9%

Undergraduate enrollment: 4,417

The second-easiest Ivy League school to get into, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769. Dartmouth is the smallest Ivy League school, but don’t be fooled by its diminutive undergraduate class size—the school has a large number of offerings. The university is notable for its outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and incredible research opportunities—the Carnegie Foundation has classified Dartmouth as a university with “very high research activity.” Dartmouth is also home to the nation’s oldest and largest outing club, which provides students the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape surrounding the school’s rural campus. 

3. University of Pennsylvania 

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Acceptance rate: 7.7%

Undergraduate enrollment: 6,311

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, University of Pennsylvania seamlessly blends its rich history with the innovative spirit it was founded on: Franklin believed that higher education should focus not merely on the education of the clergy, but on teaching knowledge of arts and humanities, plus the practical skills needed to make a living and to do public good. The University of Pennsylvania is home to the world’s first collegiate business school (the Wharton School), as well as the oldest medical school in the United States. On campus, students can take in a game at Franklin Field, the nation’s oldest operational football stadium. 

Note on UPenn’s Acceptance Rate: When applying to the University of Pennsylvania, you don’t apply to the school as a whole; rather, you apply to one of its four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, Penn Engineering, and the Wharton School of Business. If you’re interested in a dual-degree program and that program falls under the umbrella of two schools, you need to get accepted by both. Acceptance rates for the individual schools aren’t available, but acceptance rates for specialized schools are likely lower than that of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Rest of the Ivy League Schools

Here are the rest of the Ivy League schools, listed in order of highest to lowest acceptance rate.

Brown University

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Acceptance rate: 6.6%

Undergraduate enrollment: 6,752

Founded in 1764, Brown is another Ivy League institution with a long and storied history. Known for its unconventional approach to education, Brown’s “Open Curriculum” allows students to develop their own core curriculum and explore more than 80 academic programs before choosing to focus on a particular field of study. Brown’s picturesque 150-acre campus is within easy walking distance of downtown Providence, and provides easy access to the vibrant Thayer Street, which offers numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options. 

Yale University 

Location: New Haven, Connecticut 

Acceptance rate: 6.3%

Undergraduate enrollment: 5,964

One of the leading U.S. institutions of higher education since its founding in 1701, Yale is a beacon to a wide variety of scholars, as it’s equally well-known for its drama and music programs as its more than 800 science, math, and engineering labs. Students are housed in residential colleges, each with their own head and dean who live and eat with the students. This structure creates a unique social system at Yale and a sense of community. The city of New Haven, Connecticut, is often called the “Cultural Capital of Connecticut,” but students looking to escape enjoy easy access to the big cities of Boston and New York. 

Princeton University 

Location: Princeton, New Jersey 

Acceptance rate: 5.7%

Undergraduate enrollment: 5,267

Founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey and renamed in 1896, Princeton University is among the oldest and most renowned institutions of higher education in the United States. Well known for its stunning ivy-covered campus that sprawls across 500 acres and is set in the idyllic town of Princeton, it’s no wonder that almost all undergraduate students choose to live on campus, creating a well-connected and vibrant community. While there are a plethora of restaurants, shopping, art, and culture surrounding Princeton, big cities like New York and Philadelphia are only about an hour away and easily accessed via the “Dinky” train which provides regular service.

Columbia University 

Location: New York, New York

Acceptance rate: 5.2%

Undergraduate enrollment: 9,001 

Established by the royal charter of George II as King’s College in 1754 and renamed Columbia College following the American Revolution, Columbia is the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the oldest in New York. At the heart of Columbia’s academics is their common “Core” curriculum—a set of classes ranging from literature and humanities to the sciences that every student must take. Outside the classroom, students live and learn in one of the world’s great cities, New York, where they have unparalleled access to leading institutions of media, science, education, health, politics, finance, and technology.

Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Acceptance rate: 5.1%

Undergraduate enrollment: 6,699

The oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Harvard University was founded in 1636 and remains at the forefront of education today—almost 400 years later. Located in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, Harvard students can take advantage of the university’s world-class resources while surrounded by some of the globe’s most talented and intellectual students, from Harvard as well as neighboring schools like MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Tufts, and Northeastern. 

How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Into an Ivy League School?

1. Take Rigorous Classes and Get Strong Grades

It should come as no surprise that a common characteristic shared by students accepted into all eight of the Ivy League schools is a strong GPA—just read our blog post, What Are the Average High School GPAs of Admitted Students at Ivy League Schools?, to get an idea of the type of awesome academics you’ll need. None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum required GPA; however, the higher your GPA, the better your chances are at admission.

Although the Ivies don’t have a minimum GPA, many selective schools use the Academic Index as part of the admissions process, which places considerable weight on your grades. Academic Index (AI) is a calculation of a student’s overall academic performance combining factors like GPA, SAT or ACT score, and SAT Subject Test scores into a single metric. This allows admissions offices to establish a minimum AI threshold, where applicants who don’t meet that threshold might be automatically rejected. A good AI will get your foot in the door (it won’t get you automatically accepted!), but a bad one could keep you out.

2. Pursue Quality Extracurriculars

In addition to fantastic grades and challenging coursework, you’ll also need impressive extracurriculars to get into an Ivy League school—in some cases, a truly extraordinary extracurricular activity may even help you overcome an underwhelming GPA. An easy way to judge the value of an extracurricular activity in admissions is to use the four tiers of extracurricular activities. 

All extracurricular activities are good—they show depth and paint a more personal portrait of yourself that grades and test scores cannot—but some activities are more impressive than others. The tiers are set up from the extraordinary to the ordinary; the rarer and more distinguished the achievement, the more value placed on it. For example, Tier 1 is reserved for activities such as being selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American basketball game, or winning first prize in the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). Conversely, Tier 4 activities are for more common activities like being a member of your school’s debate team. 

One way that students can improve their extracurricular profile during high school is to take on leadership roles in the clubs and organizations they belong to. The more a student uses their position in a club to guide and shape its future, the more impressive it will be in admissions. For more ways to create a strong extracurricular profile.

3. Write Engaging Essays

Along with extracurricular activities, the essay is the other way in which admissions departments learn about a student’s interests and life outside of the classroom. All eight Ivy League schools accept the Common Application, so understanding how to write the Common Application essays is a vital skill for those with Ivy aspirations. 

Standout essays are engaging to the reader, separate the student from their competition, and give admissions departments a glimpse at the applicant’s personality and identity.   

Easiest Ivy League MBAs to Get Into

Everyone wants to get into an Ivy League college – to make their parents proud and to ensure a brighter future, so if you are one of them, you will love our list of 6 easiest Ivy League MBAs to get into.

The word ‘Ivy League’ refers to the athletic conference of sports groups from eight prestigious private universities. But that name also refers to the group of universities beyond the sports context. The eight members of Ivy League are Brown University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, The University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University. Getting into one of those is not an easy task. The term Ivy League portray social ideology and educational excellence. It was first introduced in 1933, but it was officially established in 1954. Just try a Google search on the origin of Ivy League universities, and you’d be inundated with numerous theories regarding the origin of the term.

The word ivy in “ivy league” comes from the ivy growing on the walls of the schools’ buildings (yes, go ahead and look into the buildings in Google images). Another theory is that there was an athletic association of four big colleges, that was mentioned as IV in Roman numerals. These were Columbia, Harvard University, Princeton University and Yale University. Later on, four new colleges joined them, and then they became the Ivy League. They are all situated in Northeast of USA, and all of them are in private owned institutes. Also, all ivy league graduate school acceptance rates are very low, which is something you should know if you are wondering how to get into an Ivy League school with average grades.

Tyler Olson/Shutterstock.com

The admission method is extremely selective, and for several who get into one of these universities, it’s a matter of pride and celebration as not everybody will get through. So, naturally, most of the stories of those who went to Ivy League schools are special. Among the big eight, Cornell is, apparently, the easiest ivy league university to get into. It’s also the easiest ivy league to get into for engineering. But if you are looking for a career in economics, these top 7 Ivy League colleges for economics are among the most prestigious economics schools in the world. When it comes to masters in Business, only six universities on this list have a business school. Brown and Princeton Universities are the only ones that don’t have a business school in their portfolio. If you’re interested to build a career in the finance industry, you can’t go wrong with one of the top 7 Ivy League colleges for finance.

The dominant position of the Ivy League B-schools in university rankings is a proof of their popularity. However, only the best students have the opportunity to attend these top schools. So, when we say the best, it refers to those who aren’t only at the highest of their game with their GPA and GMAT scores but conjointly portray a picture-perfect image of theirs. There is no pretense, it’s ultimately the real you out there once you meet the admission committee. So, if you are wondering how to get into an ivy league graduate school, you should know that all Ivy League universities have the name of being terribly choosy in terms of their student pool. The question is, is it hard to get into ivy league schools? Yes, securing an admission here would be extremely tough obviously, but at a similar time, all these universities also compete with each other once it comes to attracting the extremely qualified students.

So, if you are looking for the easiest ivy league school to transfer into, you should continue reading our article along with the list we have created. We also provided the basic information as well as acceptance rates for Ivy League universities and business schools. To collect the information, we have visited many online based student forums along with Quora. Then we went through the U.S. News & World Report to get the exact report when it comes to the acceptance rates. We ranked the 6 colleges into the order by their acceptance rate. Here is the list of 6 easiest Ivy League MBAs to get into.

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6. Harvard Business School (Harvard University)

Acceptance rate: 10.7%

Tuition per year: $63,675

We start our list of 6 easiest Ivy League MBAs to get into with Harvard University. It was founded in 1636 in Massachusetts. In 2017, this university received 39,041 applications, and 2,037 applications were accepted. If you are into experiential learning and gaining knowledge through the case method with true-to-life problems you have to solve, then go ahead a try your luck at Harvard Business School. Moreover, more than 79 percent of graduates of the MBA program are employed.

one year masters programs ivy league

Online learning has taken the world by storm. Over six million Americans are pursuing some form of online education. In particular, graduate students are twice as likely to pursue and obtain a degree online. In this article, we’ll tell you everything about the best online master’s programs offered by the nation’s prestigious Ivy League institutions.

Online master’s degree programs provide a wealth of benefits over traditional degree programs. Not only are these programs less costly, but according to a LinkedIn survey, 58 percent of graduate students would rather pursue their education online. This is due to the high standards of most online programs and the plethora of resources that are offered exclusively online. 

Furthermore, online students can pursue their degrees on their own schedule via asynchronous (self-paced) programs. The ability to find degree programs and access them whenever you’re most comfortable is an invaluable asset. If used right, online learning can provide you with a first-rate education without the expenses or hassle of face-to-face learning.

As of today, there are several online graduate degrees available from Ivy League universities. Learn more about the cost, accreditation, and overall quality of each Ivy League degree below.

Of the eight Ivy League schools, six currently offer online master’s programs; Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, and UPenn.

Brown University

Programs Offered:

Executive Master in Cybersecurity

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Executive Master in Science and Technology Leadership

Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership

IE Brown Executive MBA

Estimated Cost: Around $59,000

Online learners can take courses from Brown through MOOCs (offered in partnership with edX), as well as courses directly from the university, in areas such as cybersecurity, economics, finance, biology, and Greek mythology.

Applicants to the hybrid graduate program at Brown must complete the application process, including submitting a resume, personal statement, and transcripts. Students wishing to complete online courses through Brown must complete an application process, including transcripts. Brown University MOOCs are offered on an open enrollment basis.»

Columbia University

Programs Offered: 

Master of Arts in Statistics (hybrid)

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics

Master of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering

Master of Social Work

Estimated Cost: Around $54,000

A leader in higher education for more than 250 years, Columbia University has expanded its professional development and higher education opportunities through online learning. According to Vice Provost Soulaymane Kachani, Columbia schools and faculty have developed pioneering programs and initiatives in the field of online learning over many years. 

Through its online initiative, Columbia has been very successful with its distance learning initiative. By ensuring a rich and dynamic educational environment for learners near and far from campus, Columbia has proved to be a great choice for online master’s programs.

Graduate admission requirements typically include official college transcripts, a resume, a recommendation letter, and a personal statement. Some programs require the submission of a portfolio. Many require submission of GMAT or GRE scores.

Cornell University

Programs Offered: 

Executive Master of Human Resource Management

Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering

Master of Engineering in Engineering Management

Estimated Cost: Around $57,000

Cornell’s proven model of online learning allows students to learn on their schedules without stepping out of their jobs. Online learners can participate in small, personalized classes in which they can master relevant and applicable concepts. With their expert engagement, global network, and VIP support, Cornell’s online master’s programs are excellent through and through.

Admissions to the graduate degree programs entail different specific requirements for each program. 

Dartmouth College

Programs Offered: 

Master of Healthcare Delivery Science

Master of Public Health

Estimated Cost: Around $38,000

Best known for its strong STEM programs, Dartmouth’s online programs are another excellent option for graduate students. Online degrees at Dartmouth are no different, as each course reflects the college’s learning philosophy. All of Dartmouth’s online courses are designed to be rigorous and intimate, in order to foster a close relationship between students and the faculty.

For online students, Dartmouth College offers several options, including two hybrid degree programs, and MOOCs through DartmouthX (in partnership with edX). The graduate degree programs at Dartmouth require official transcripts and an online application process.

Harvard University

Programs Offered:

Master of Liberal Arts in Management

Master of Liberal Arts in Journalism

Master of Liberal Arts in Biology

Master of Liberal Arts in Software Engineering

Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology

Estimated Cost: Around $34,000

Not only is it the oldest university in the country, but Harvard is also frequently noted as the best educational institution for several decades. With its new and innovative extension school, students can now pursue programs in which they explore their interests and enhance their skills. 

Harvard University currently offers 24 online graduate programs, the most out of all the Ivy League schools. However, students are required to take at least one course on campus. 

Between the undergraduate and graduate schools, Harvard enrolls about 31,000 students. These numbers do not include those who take specific online educational courses.

Applicants must provide a finished online application, specific grades, and GPA requirements in stipulated Harvard degree courses. Moreover, applicants must also provide certain academic standing, student conduct, and English proficiency requirements.

University of Pennsylvania

Program Offered:

Master of Computer and Information Technology

Estimated Cost: $26,300 

Back in 2018, students were finally able to enroll in the first and only online master’s program offered by UPenn. Available on Coursera, you can now obtain a master’s degree from UPenn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, in computer and information technology. 

Penn’s online Master’s Degree in Computer and Information Technology costs $26,300, which is about a third of the cost of the on-campus version. Applicants do not require a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, though they must possess an undergraduate degree in some field. They must also submit personal statements, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts.

Princeton University

Princeton does not currently feature fully online master’s programs. Princeton offers over 30 free online courses on platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Kadenze. Via their massive, open, online courses (MOOCs), Princeton seeks to provide exceptional educational opportunities to learners regardless of their location.

The MOOCs are free and not for credit, but are created by Princeton faculty. Princeton’s MOOCs include:

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies

Global History of Capitalism

Making Government Work in Hard Places

The Art of Structural Engineering: Bridges

Computer Architecture

Yale University

Though Yale does not offer online master’s programs at the moment, it does feature several online learning opportunities. Online learning at Yale is offered via a variety of platforms including YouTube, iTunesU, Coursera, and through Open Yale Courses. Most of Yale’s offerings are in the form of MOOCs (which are free and open to all) such as:

Introduction to Psychology

Moral Foundations of Politics

The Global Financial Crisis

America’s Written Constitution

Essentials of Global Health

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY92IEOf9_s

ivy league requirements for international students

Not only is the application process generally more confusing for international students, but it’s more difficult for international students to get accepted to an Ivy League university. In the Ivy League, no school has an overall acceptance rate of over 10%, with most averaging 7%. These schools generally don’t report the number of international applicants they receive every year, making it difficult to establish a concrete international student acceptance rate. However, we’ve done a bit of digging to provide what we feel are highly accurate figures.

Admission rates for international students getting into the Ivies

In all honesty, this rate is about 5%. We found actual admission numbers for international students for three of the eight Ivy League institutions: Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Brown University. Some were from the most recent class, while others were more dated. In each case, we compared the figure to the overall admission rate of the school and found them to be 2%–4% lower. For the five schools that haven’t reported on international applicants and admission, we subtracted 2% from their overall admission figures to arrive at the international admission number.

This 5% average acceptance rate ranges from our estimated 2.5% at Harvard to 8.6% at Cornell. While that might sound undaunting—at worst, one out of 40 odds—it’s actually very difficult given that only the absolute best of the best are in that applicant pool. While American students are competing against the best students from other high schools in the US, international students would be competing against the best students from other countries.

Related: University Search: Beyond Rankings and Brand Names

You’re here because you want to become part of the select few who open an acceptance letter to an Ivy League university. The first step to being a successful international applicant is to begin thinking about the necessary requirements for applying and the narrative your academics and extracurriculars will paint of you as soon as possible. Stay tuned for part two of our series on international students and the Ivy League to learn how to begin planning and organizing a timeline and preparing your best application possible