Top College Choices That Aren't Ivies

You’ve taken the necessary tests and sent in your applications. Now you wait. College applications season is a stressful one, but there may be nothing more stressful than waiting to hear back from your top choices. For those out there who set their sights on an Ivy League school, waiting can be extra worrisome.

If you’re worried about getting into an Ivy or already know you didn’t, why not check out some other colleges and universities that are just as great and have a higher acceptance rate? Ivies aren’t the only schools out there, and these 10 schools, according to the Fiske Guide to Colleges: Beyond the Ivies, are just as academically outstanding.
Amherst College
This private liberal arts school may be small, it enrolled 1,785 students in 2013, but it’s one of the top-ranked schools in the country. It’s also exclusively undergraduate.
Duke University
Duke is a private research university located in North Carolina. Not only does it have excellent academics, but I’m sure you’re familiar with Duke’s athletic reputation as well.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT is known for its prowess in the fields of physical sciences and engineering. It may be as difficult to get into as an Ivy, but if you want to major in the sciences, it’s certainly worth some consideration.
Pomona College
Located in Southern California, Pomona College is a liberal arts school that focuses on the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Stanford University
A leading research and teaching university, Stanford is another well-known California school. Not only does it feature great academics, but it has one of the most unique college mascots: a tree.
Swarthmore College
This unique college focuses on liberal arts and engineering curriculum. It also has a noted Honor’s Program and strives to integrate ethical and social responsibility into all programs.
University of Chicago
This is a private research university in the heart of one of the Midwest’s biggest cities. Its location offers many cultural benefits and allows for a different educational experience than you might get in a traditional college town.
Wellesley College
Noted as the top liberal arts college for women, Wellesley may be a school you’ve not heard of, but it’s definitely one you should consider.
Wesleyan College
The second women’s-only college on the list is Wesleyan. Another private liberal arts college, Wesleyan recently added the option for students to take an additional class over winter break so they could experience a class that may be higher in demand during the semester.
Williams College
A four-year liberal arts college, Williams offers more than 30 majors in 24 different departments. It also is the number one liberal arts college in the United States according to a recent ranking.
Image from williams.edu
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