8 Ivy League Students Discuss Why Their Ivy Is The Best | THE CONVO

The Kickback is a unique online gathering for Ivy League students, hosted by Dom. It's more than a casual meet-up but not quite a party. The series aims to showcase the Ivy League experience in a new light. Every Monday, eight Ivy League students join a Zoom call to discuss a weekly topic, followed by a story session on Friday. The first topic is 'Why My Ivy League is the Best'. The cast includes students from Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Columbia, Yale, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. Dom introduces herself and the participants, setting the stage for an insightful conversation. The participants introduce themselves, sharing their names, hometowns, school years, and majors. The conversation is meant to be free-flowing, with Dom serving as a moderator rather than a representative of Penn.

The discussion delves into the contentious topic of Ivy League rankings, both academically and socially. The participants share their thoughts on which school they believe is ranked first and which might be at the bottom, sparking a debate on the merits and flaws of each institution. There's a mix of pride and humor as students defend their schools, with some acknowledging the stereotypes and memes associated with certain campuses. The conversation touches on the exclusivity of certain majors, the inclusivity of social scenes, and the unique aspects of each school's culture, such as Harvard's housing system and Princeton's grade deflation. The students also share personal anecdotes about their experiences, highlighting the diversity of perspectives within the Ivy League community.

The conversation shifts to the dynamics within each campus, focusing on social stratification and the impact of socio-economic and racial divisions. Students from various schools discuss the cliques and social groups that form, often influenced by factors such as housing systems, eating clubs, and the size of the campus. There's an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by low-income students and students of color, who sometimes feel outnumbered or excluded. The participants share personal stories of culture shock, the struggle to fit in, and the efforts to create a sense of community despite the divisions. The discussion reveals the complexities of campus life and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and break down barriers.

The participants explore how the geographical settings of their campuses influence campus life and the student experience. They discuss the integration of the campus with the surrounding town, the impact of nature on campus culture, and the perception of safety in different areas. Some campuses are described as being in the middle of nature, offering a serene environment, while others are situated in bustling cities, providing access to urban amenities. The conversation also touches on the racial stigma and gentrification issues in some cities, highlighting the complex relationship between the campus and the community it resides in.

The final part of the script wraps up the Kickback call with a summary of the US News rankings for the Ivy League schools, providing a comparison to the students' personal perspectives on their schools' standings. The rankings are presented from first to last, with Princeton at the top and Cornell at the bottom. The host invites viewers to leave questions for the students and promises to address them in the upcoming story session on Friday. The Kickback series is set to continue with its Monday-Friday schedule, offering a platform for Ivy League students to share their experiences and perspectives.