20 Best College Prep Schools in the U.S. for Ivy League Admissions

Why Choosing an Ivy League Feeder School Can Boost Your Child’s College Admissions Chances

While Ivy League admittance is never guaranteed, data informs us that certain college prep schools offer advantages that separate their students from the competition. These advantages, such as an elite faculty, advanced coursework, state-of-the-art facilities, and broad alumni bases, bolster overall student success. As a result, today, many feeder schools have built-in relationships with prestigious admissions departments because of their reputation for producing top-notch applicants.

How to Get Into the Top U.S. College Prep Schools That Feed Into the Ivy League

Here are three best practices for you to follow as you begin your journey into one of top college prep schools in the U.S.:

1. Start by building a strong academic foundation

The first step to working your way into the top college prep schools in the U.S. is to demonstrate outstanding intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. By earning top grades in your core subjects and seeking out opportunities for additional enrichment, such as summer or after-school programs, you will build a skillset that can thrive in competitive academic environments.

2. Make yourself a well-rounded applicant

The top college prep admissions officers in the U.S. are looking for candidates that have diverse experiences and skill sets. The best way to make yourself a competitive applicant is to invest deeply in both your academic and extracurricular enrichment. Admissions officers are looking for students who can withstand the rigor of their historic institutions, while also contributing to the overall vibrancy of the community. The earlier you begin to demonstrate your talents in this way, the better!

3. Prepare for your admissions essays and interviews early and earnestly.

This is where things get exciting! As the saying goes, first impressions are lasting ones. The first opportunity you’ll have to make a strong impression on your dream college prep school will be through your admissions essays and interviews. Approach these opportunities earnestly by giving yourself time to craft and polish how you present yourself, verbally and through writing.

Now that we’ve mapped out how to secure a spot at one of the top Ivy League feeder schools in the U.S., take a look at the graphic below to see how these schools compare in placing students into the Ivy League.

Top U.S. College Prep Schools by Ivy League Placement (2020–2024)

1. Phillips Academy Andover – approx. 221 students
2. Choate Rosemary Hall – approx. 212 students
3. The Lawrenceville School – approx. 179 students
4. Deerfield Academy – approx. 170 students
5. Noble and Greenough School – approx. 159 students
6. The Hotchkiss School – approx. 116 students
7. The Taft School – approx. 110 students
8. Groton School – approx. 93 students
9. Milton Academy – approx. 75 students
10. Concord Academy – approx. 71 students
11. Phillips Exeter Academy – approx. 70 students
12. Blair Academy – approx. 67 students
13. Middlesex School – approx. 66 students
14. St. Andrew’s School – approx. 58 students
15. Thacher School – approx. 57 students
16. Cate School – approx. 50 students
17. Northfield Mount Hermon – approx. 41 students
18. Loomis Chaffee School – approx. 40 students
19. Kent School – approx. 23 students
20. Emma Willard School – approx. 21 students
21. St. George’s School – approx. 20 students
22. St. Mark’s School – approx. 14 students

*Note: The data represented on this list is not exhaustive – there are several factors to consider, including school size and data reporting methodology. This list is intended to be used as a guide – not a strict indicator of the value of a college prep school’s education. The data is approximate and was sourced from each school’s admission profiles and college matriculation publications. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which U.S. private high school sends the most students to the Ivy League?

Our research shows that between 2020 and 2024, Phillips Academy Andover sent approximately 220 students to Ivy League institutions. Choate Rosemary Hall followed closely with around 210 students, and The Lawrenceville School placed approximately 180 students during the same period. Please note that there are several factors to consider when examining this data, including school size and their data reporting methodology, and that every student has unique qualifications that determine their successes.

2. Does attending one of these school’s guarantee my child’s admission to an Ivy League school?

While attending one of the schools above doesn’t necessarily guarantee admission to an Ivy League institution, their strong track records as feeder schools means that your child will have all the resources they need to optimize their chances of earning a seat at one. These schools offer expert college counseling, rigorous academics, and alumni networks that run deeply through each sector of the U.S. economy.

3. How competitive is admission into the top U.S. college prep schools for Ivy League admission?

Admission into the top U.S. college prep schools for Ivy League admission is highly competitive. For example, the acceptance rates for the top 5 U.S. college prep schools on our list are as follows: Phillips Academy Andover 13%, Choate Rosemary Hall 11%, The Lawrenceville School 18%, Deerfield Academy 17%, and Nobles and Greenough 16%. While applicant pools are competitive, gaining admission into these institutions can be achieved through early preparation and expert guidance.

4. When and how should we start preparing for admission into the top U.S. college prep schools for Ivy League placement?

Students and families should begin laying the groundwork for their admission as early as 5th and 6th grade. By enrolling in academic enrichment programs, beginning standardized test prep, and building a well-rounded resumé through participation in extracurricular activities, students give themselves the opportunity to stand out in a highly competitive admissions pool and demonstrate the curiosity, character, and commitment that top college prep schools seek.

Key Reminders

1. Feeder Schools offer a Competitive Edge

While admission into the Ivy League is never fully guaranteed, the top U.S. college prep schools host a number of advantages that bolster their students' chances of gaining those coveted seats.

2. It’s never too early to be prepared! 

Admission into the top U.S. college prep schools is highly competitive, but not impossible. The earlier you begin your preparation process, the better positioned you will be during your admissions process.

3. You don’t have to walk this journey alone

At Crimson Education, we prepare our scholars to make their Ivy League dreams a reality.

From writing your standout private school application essay, to finalizing and submitting your applications, you want to ensure your materials are top-notch. Reach out to our team of experts to begin your college prep journey today!

Related Reads:

• A Complete Guide to Applying to Phillips Exeter Academy From a Former Student
• Common 10 Private High School Interview Questions (With Answers) You Can Expect in 2025