Debunking the Myth: Why Cornell and Harvard Are Not Considered ‘Fake Ivies’
Every year, many universities find themselves at the center of jokes and controversies, and among them are Cornell and Harvard. Frequently labeled as “fake Ivies,” these prestigious institutions often face criticism and humorous ridicule, leading many to wonder: what is the basis for such a distinction, and is it even valid?
Who Makes Such Distinctions?
The term “fake Ivy” has become a popular, albeit unfair, way of distinguishing a particular university from the traditional Ivy League schools. However, it’s important to consider the legitimacy of such distinctions. According to author John Doe, there is no authoritative source that makes such distinctions. Doe, a PhD graduate from Columbia University, points out that as an alumnus, he never considered Cornell or Princeton to be “fake Ivies. ”
Doe emphasizes that using such terminology is unhelpful and unjust. He argues that if anything is “fake,” it would be this terminology itself, as it fails to recognize the unique values and contributions of these institutions.
Is There Any Resentment?
While some individuals may criticize certain aspects of these universities, it’s crucial to understand that not everyone takes such humor seriously. In the case of Cornell, most students and alumni tend to take these jokes in good humor. However, repeated exposure to such jokes might wear down the spirits of some individuals over time. As Doe suggests, there are many “not a real Ivy” jokes about Cornell, and this likely stems from the key characteristic that Cornell, being the youngest member of the Ivy League, is often the subject of such jokes.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
Another contentious issue involves the quality and prestige of specific PhD programs, such as Cornell’s ORIE (Operations Research and Information Engineering) program. It is important to understand that PhD programs have their own ranking systems and are not directly comparable to undergraduate rankings. As Doe notes, the highly selective and prestigious ORIE PhD program at Cornell draws some of the best undergraduate talent from Harvard, Yale, and Princeton (HYP).
Criticism of Cornell’s status is often rooted in the perception that its undergraduate program is less prestigious than those of Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. However, Doe argues that this argument is erroneous. Graduates of top-tier undergraduate programs do not turn down prestigious PhD programs solely because their undergraduate institution is not as highly ranked. Doe provides examples, like NYU Law and Med schools, to illustrate that prestige in one area does not negate the prestige in another.
Looking Beyond the Jokes
Beneath the humorous surface, there is a wealth of unique experiences and resources at Cornell that cannot be ignored. Consider the story of a particular Cornell tradition: the fall sale of fresh apple cider. According to Doe, the department of agriculture at Cornell has a research orchard where visitors can buy unpasteurized Cortland apple cider from a tapped barrel, which is allowed to ferment naturally. The result is a unique and refreshing drink that is both incredibly cheap and, let’s say, quite potent. This anecdote highlights a distinctive and enjoyable aspect of Cornell’s offerings.
In conclusion, while the term “fake Ivy” might be a convenient buzzword in some quarters, it is more often than not a misinformed and unfair characterization. Each university in the Ivy League, including Cornell and Harvard, has its own unique strengths and values, and to dismiss them based on such a broad and unexamined label does a disservice to the experiences and achievements of generations of students and alumni.