<p>I don’t necessarily think this is a problem. Not everyone cares about urban vs. rural, or core vs. open curriculum. All of the Ivies have moderate-size undergraduate populations (not tiny like Amherst, not gigantic like Michigan), strength in a wide variety of liberal arts fields, a culture that values hard work and achievement, vibrant student organizations, terrific alumni networks, excellent graduate school placement, and national/international name recognition. They also have in common their membership in the league itself, which reflects their commitment not to elevate sports above other types of achievement.</p>
<p>If those are your main priorities in a college, then all 8 Ivies qualify.</p>