Ivy League schools are known for having some of the brightest students in the world. These schools have produced some of the most prominent people in the world, including; Meg Whitman, Warren Buffer, Susan Wojcicki, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos, Lupita Nyong’o, Franklin Roosevelt, Toni Morrison, Angela Bassett, and John Legend. With such an impressive list, one can’t help but wonder, what is the average IQ of successful ivy league school applicants?
We are here to answer that question.
What is Ivy League School?
Why are these institutions called Ivy League schools?
What makes them unique from other schools?
Are they worth the hype?
The Ivy League schools are a group of elite schools comprising the top-ranking colleges and universities in the United States and the world. They consist of eight prestigious universities;
ii. Yale University
vii. University of Pennsylvania
viii. Cornell University
These Ivy League schools are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU) or the Association of College of Arts and Sciences (ACAS). These schools also have a student population of 1000 and above. They have state-of-the-art facilitators, prestigious campuses, an impressive curriculum, and learning techniques. As expected, they get a lot of press and media attention. Little wonder their tuition fees are off the roof. Can you see now that they are worth all that and more? If you want to get ahead in your industry, this may be just the place for you.
READ: What Are the SAT Scores That Guarantee Admission to Ivy League
What Is the Average IQ of Successful Ivy League School Applicants?
There are different findings regarding the average IQ of successful Ivy League school applicants. One study reveals that the average IQ of successful Ivy League applicants is 104. In another study, students from 71 colleges and universities in 19 states in the US were tested, and it was discovered that the average IQ of An Ivy League student is 120. This is higher than the IQ of the average US student, which is 99. Statistics by Business Insider reveal that the average IQ is 129.5 (or 146.5 with maths).
At least, we know it is well above 100, which shouldn’t come as a surprise because students from these schools usually top the chart in academics and different sectors of life. So, it is expected that they have a very high IQ. They are not called the “cream of the crop” of higher education for nothing. Intact, successful applicants with average IQ are not in any way average at all. They come from the top 10% of brilliant students from different schools worldwide. They are geniuses! If you want to play at that level, you must also be a genius, not just a genius but the best of the best.
READ: What GPA Do I Need For an Ivy League Admission?
Acceptance Rates of Ivy League Schools
You must do your due diligence before applying to any school, especially Ivy League schools. One of the first things to look out for is their acceptance rate. Remember, these schools are very competitive. Knowing their acceptance rate tells you what you’re up against.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers in the table below.
| Ivy League Schools | Acceptance Rate |
| Harvard University | 3.2% |
| Columbia University | 3.7% |
| Princeton University | 4.4% |
| Yale University | 4.5% |
| Brown University | 5.0% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5.9% |
| Dartmouth University | 6.2% |
| Cornell University | 8.7% |
As you can see, the numbers are not so great. It’s no surprise as Ivy League schools have been known to be exclusive and selective in their admission process. But don’t let this discourage you. Rather than give up before even trying, you can use this information to your advantage. Here are some important things to note.
Easiest Ivy League School to Get Into
The table above shows that Cornell University is the easiest to get into among all the Ivy League schools. That is because they have the highest acceptance rate, and their application process is easy. If you want to enrol in an Ivy League school easily, this is the lowest-hanging fruit you can grab.
Hardest Ivy League School to Get Into
As you know, admission into Ivy League schools is very competitive. However, Harvard tops the chart of the hardest Ivy League school to enter. This prestigious institution has maintained this position for years. They have the lowest acceptance rate, which is currently 3.2 percent. It is the most difficult college to enrol in. However, if you’re brave enough to pursue it, then by all means, give it your best shot.
READ: What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Admission into Harvard?
Ivy League School With the Lowest Tuition
Princeton University may not be the most accessible Ivy League school, but it is undoubtedly the most affordable. The school was chartered in 1746 and is regarded as the fourth-oldest college in the United States. The annual tuition at Princeton University is approximately $50,000. When you consider other factors like scholarships and financial aid, what students pay on average is roughly $16,000. That’s the lowest you can pay for an Ivy League school.
Ivy League School With the Highest Tuition
You could have sworn it was Harvard, right? Surprisingly, Columbia University has the highest tuition fees. It is the oldest institution in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. The school has one of the best research centres in the world. The total cost of attending Columbia University, including tuition, is roughly estimated at 58,000 United States dollars, and room and board amounting to somewhere around 26,000 United States dollars, making it the most expensive institution in the Ivy League during the academic year 2022.
What Does It Take to Get into An Ivy League School?
Ivy League schools are so exclusive that dreaming of attending one seems like a tall order. But no matter how out of reach your dreams of studying in an Ivy League school may seem, it is still not impossible. Of course, it won’t come easy, but you must be determined to do all it takes to measure up. As the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way.
The first and most important thing is to ensure that you meet the average IQ of successful Ivy League school applicants, which is linked to your GPA. Your GPA reflects your academic performance, an essential requirement for admission into Ivy League schools. You can start now to work on your grades by studying harder.
Another thing you should know is that admission into Ivy League isn’t just based on your IQ and academic performance. They also consider other factors. Usually, their admissions process is holistic. They will review your GPA, standardised test scores (SAT or ACT), college essay, letters of recommendation, leadership qualities, and extracurricular activities. Besides having high grades, make sure you submit an excellent essay and recommendation letters.
READ: How Can I Get Admitted Into an Ivy League School?
Conclusion
Admission into an Ivy League school will give you access to the high-quality education you desire. It will equip you with the skills, tools, and network you need to succeed in your career path. Although the acceptance rate may be low, and you don’t meet up to the average IQ of successful Ivy League school applicants, you still have a fighting chance. You can increase your chances of acceptance by improving your GPA and submitting a well-written application. You can download our Effiko GPA calculator to keep track of your grades. And, of course, you can schedule a call with our career advisors if you need further guidance.