<p>I think the Ivy League schools have long ago reached there zenith of how well they educated their students. I’d argue this occurred around the late mid 19th century to early 20th century. But that’s not the point.</p>
<p>I believe the Ivy League schools have lost what made them special ages ago. I think now they only survive by the legacy of once they once had. And in today’s world there are schools much better to intend for the purpose of education.</p>
<p>If you intend to point out all the people who have made great accomplishments who have recently graduated ask yourself this: Are they successful because of the education they received, or are they successful because of the reputation they recieved graduating from an Ivy League school.</p>
<p>i don’t know much about the quality of education at different universities, but i can sort of see what you’re saying. when people at my school apply for colleges, they will tell you that the prestige of the school is important to them. however, there is a reason for this. i’m sure there are educational advantages that come from the age and reputation of the ivies (i.e. professors that want to teach there, resources for students, majors, alumni network)</p>
<p>I think that the prestige definitely does have some benefits. I’d rather go to Yale and be taught by Sidney Altman, for example, than go to another college where I’d be taught by someone who studied Altman’s discoveries.</p>
<p>Ivy League is a broad term. If you’re referring to Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, I would argue that, in fact, reputation carries much less weight than it used to (full disclosure: I’m graduating from Princeton this year). With an increase in the importance of science and engineering, much of the “qualitative” aspects that gave the Ivy League “mystique” have disappeared.</p>
<p>I would still argue that the Harvard, Princeton, and Yale are not obsolete; in fact, I suspect that their importance will rise in the upcoming years. I think that these school’s fantastic financial aid policies will draw some of the best kids away from state schools and even many liberal arts colleges. I should note that I’ve definitely seen an increasing resentment against students in the Ivy League (particularly because the college admissions process has become so institutionalized that Ivy Leaguers are seen as competitive grade-grubbers).</p>
<p>Also, reputation will only carry someone so far–if you look at many of the best physicists and biologists of this decade, many of them (a disproportionate amount) came from the Ivy League. I don’t think an unearned reputation can carry someone very far in science.</p>
<p>no i don’t think so. i mean it may seem that way since now adays they aren’t the only ones who can produce world class scholars.</p>
<p>i think the ivys are in a transitional period, it may seem like they’re falling behind but these schools haven’t lasted as long as they have without knowing how the game works. i think in a few years or so it’ll become clear what i’m trying to say.</p>