IVY LEAGUE COLLEGES

Origin and History of Ivy League

Ivy League schools are considered to be the most prestigious of all colleges in the United States.
These schools are primarily located in the northwestern part of the country. There are eight total colleges that are considered to be Ivy League. Of all institutions of higher learning, these elite schools are considered to be the most outstanding and the most sought-after in terms of acceptance and graduation.

The Origin of the term Ivy League

The term 'Ivy League' was initiated in October 1933 by Stanley Woodward, New York Herald Tribune sports reporter, using "ivy colleges" to describe schools with exercise programs.
The word was coined when the schools called for the formal formation of an athletic league for "ivy colleges" in 1936. When the 'Ivy League' was formed in 1946, they worried that national entertainment would attract attention to athletes representing schools, especially the football. As college football was televised, the Ivy League strengthened the university's commitment to sports regulations.
The eight presidents entered into an agreement ``for the purpose of reaffirming their intention of continuing intercollegiate football in such a way as to maintain the values of the game, while keeping it in fitting proportion to the main purposes of academic life.'' Although February 1954 is the founding date of the Ivy League, the competition between the eight schools did not officially begin until the 1956-57 season when the founder adopted the rule of round-robin.

How the Ivy League Was Formed

Although Ivy League is well known for its high academic standards with strict admission, the Ivy League is actually a college athletic contest between eight private schools.
This term was first used in 1954 when the NCAA Athletics Conference was formed, especially for basketball.
Today, the term 'Ivy League' is widely used and is not associated with sports. For this reason, many people mistaken that prestigious private universities like MIT or Stanford are Ivy League schools.

Although the term ‘Ivy League’ is rooted in football, the League leads academic meetings among many scholars and demonstrates leadership.
Ivy League is no longer limited to athletics but is now used in America to represent a long-established school and educational philosophy.
With their long history, Ivy League schools, they still compete for sports as well as in academics. As a result, Ivy League graduates are very proud and loyal to their school even after graduating.