Visiting the Ivy Leagues Pt. 1 – 7/5/25

Ever since having an older sister (which is all of my existence), it’s safe to say that I know more about universities than my classmates. She’s going into senior year next year, and she’s been thinking about the colleges/universities she wants to apply to. Overhearing her and our parents’ conversations, it got me thinking; ‘what will I do about college?’ 

We’re visiting New York this summer, and will travel all over the north of the East Coast. So far, I’ve seen the Met , Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Lady Liberty on Ellis Island, and so much more! Not only that but also top universities including Harvard University, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Brown University, and Columbia University. 

New York’s skyline!

All of these colleges are unbelievable with their academic rigor, beautiful architecture, and genial professors. My sister is working with the head of the CS department at Columbia University, and I have heard she is beyond kind and is willing to help anyone, on top of being amazing in her field (obviously, she’s the head). 

The first university we visited was Harvard, where I look up to, not only because of Gilmore Girls, but because of me thinking, “Wow, the people surrounding me got into Harvard! This place is amazing.” The architecture is beautiful, and I love that it’s separated by the Charles River into two parts for the different majors and buildings. Now, I’m pretty young. I’m going into the 8th grade, but that means I only have 5 years, and seeing these colleges really makes my dreams come true. 

I took a picture with the statue of John Harvard!

After seeing Harvard, my family and I went on a tour to MIT, another beautiful, academic rigorous university that lives up to its name. I definitely think that the “Infinite Corridor” was my favorite place, with so many places to hang up posters and more about clubs and different opportunities. Not only does it provide a great education, but it also shows that students can really fit into communities without pressure. 

Yesterday, I visited another Ivy League after Harvard and Columbia, which was Brown University. After knowing that the Hermione Granger went there, I was ecstatic. Not only is it about that, but also the freedom of the students and the charming buildings and architecture. It was great to know about the open curriculum (a curriculum that doesn’t pressure students into taking required classes and also doesn’t put failed grades in transcripts) because that reassured me. I absolutely loved Providence and Brown University as much as I loved Harvard, Columbia and MIT.

Me in front of the Brown University Gate

All in all, my sister and I have visited many colleges so far and we have many more university tours left to go in this coming summer! I’ve loved every college so far, from Barnard near Columbia University, to the School of Engineering at MIT. I have more parts coming to go, so if you enjoyed this post, go ahead and like it and look forward to my next one!