Study Abroad Blog
Curated guides, test prep tips, and application insights to help you make the best academic decisions
Dartmouth College: D-Plan, the Smallest Ivy, and Outdoor Culture
Dartmouth is the smallest, most traditional, and most liberal arts college-like member of the Ivy League. Its D-Plan, outdoor culture, and tight-knit community make it a uniquely distinctive choice.
Columbia University: Core Curriculum, the Heart of New York City, and the Most Urban Ivy
Columbia University combines the Ivy League’s classic liberal arts tradition with the unmatched resources of New York City. This guide covers admissions data, the Core Curriculum, campus culture, costs, financial aid, and fit for international students and families.
Brown University: Open Curriculum, Self-Directed Learning, and the Freest Ivy
Brown is the Ivy League school built around freedom: no core curriculum, flexible grading, and a culture that rewards curiosity, independence, and self-directed learning.
University of Chicago: Core Curriculum, Life of the Mind, Where Fun Goes to Die
UChicago is for students who love thinking more than being seen. This guide covers admissions, academics, culture, costs, and fit.
Cornell University: Seven Colleges, Signature Ag/Hotel Programs, and the Largest Ivy
Cornell is the largest Ivy League university, with seven undergraduate colleges, standout programs in agriculture, hotel administration, engineering, and business, and one of the most college-specific application processes in the Top 15.
University of Pennsylvania: Wharton’s Business Powerhouse, the Most Practical Ivy, and a Major ED Advantage
UPenn is the Ivy League’s most practical, business-oriented university, anchored by Wharton, dual-degree pathways, an urban Philadelphia campus, and one of the strongest Early Decision advantages among top schools.
Northwestern University: Lakeside Chicago, Medill Journalism, and Flexible Combinations Across 6 Schools
Northwestern is one of the strongest private universities in the Midwest, combining Medill journalism, Kellogg business, McCormick engineering, Bienen music, and rare cross-school flexibility.
Johns Hopkins University: America’s First Research University, King of BME, and a Medical Powerhouse
Johns Hopkins University is America’s first research university and one of the strongest global pipelines for pre-med, biomedical engineering, and public health.
Duke University: Southern Ivy, Trinity + Pratt Dual Colleges, Basketball Culture
Duke is one of the most "American college experience" schools in the Top 10: elite academics, blue-and-white basketball energy, Greek Life, Southern sunshine, Trinity + Pratt flexibility, and a meaningful ED advantage.