Take Notes! Here Are the Schools and Programs to Consider If You’re Dreaming of the Ivies

Every application season, we often hear the same question:
“Can art students really get into Ivy League schools?”
The answer is — absolutely yes, and it’s happening more often than you think.

Many universities you may assume are “for STEM or liberal arts students only” are, in fact, actively seeking creative minds with strong ideas and expressive power. At Green Apple Art Centre (GAAC), we’ve seen countless students open the doors to top-tier universities through a combination of artistry, academics, and communication skills.

01

Real Stories: How Art Became the Key to Elite Admissions

Many of our students have entered Ivy League and other top global universities through interdisciplinary creativity and unique perspectives.

Alisa — Exploring “Touch and Sensation” in the Digital Era

One of our alumni, Alisa, focused her portfolio on “Bodily Perception and the Loss of Touch in the Digital Age.”
Through installations and textile experimentation, she explored the relationship between human senses and technology — a concept so compelling that she was accepted early by Columbia University.

Before that, Alisa attended the Cornell Fashion + Business Summer Program, where she demonstrated exceptional research and creative thinking.
That experience also helped her gain admission to Cornell University’s Fashion Management program.

Cross-Disciplinary Success

Another GAAC student was admitted to the RISD + Brown University Dual Degree Program, blending visual arts with social science research in a five-year academic track.

We also had a student who combined architectural modeling and cultural studies to develop a project exploring “space and identity,” earning an offer from the Cornell Architecture Program.

All these success stories share a common truth:

In the age of AI and global connectivity, art is no longer an isolated skill — it’s an integrative way of thinking. The true “Ivy-level art student” is someone who can move seamlessly between creative expression and academic inquiry.

02

Why Does GAAC Produce So Many Ivy League Students?

It all comes down to our philosophy:

We don’t just teach art — we cultivate thinking, communication, and platform skills.

At GAAC, students don’t just learn how to create; they learn how to make their work seen, understood, and remembered.

The Three Core Competencies We Emphasize

  1. Critical Thinking
    Students learn to research, analyze, question, and articulate their ideas — building a strong conceptual foundation for creation.

  2. Communication & Expression
    Through writing, speaking, and visual storytelling, students learn to present their ideas clearly and persuasively.

  3. Platform Readiness
    Students gain real-world exposure through hands-on projects, exhibitions, and collaborations, developing both creative and professional presence.

03

Want to Take a Smarter Path to the Ivies?

If you’re ready to stand out in your college applications and aim for the world’s top schools,
Green Apple Art Centre (GAAC) can help you strategize every step with over 20 years of expertise in art and academic planning.

Whether you’re applying for Fall 2025 or Fall 2026, we can help you:

  • Develop a customized academic and application plan

  • Build a distinctive, research-based portfolio

  • Strengthen your creative and analytical abilities

  • Craft a compelling “Art + Academics” personal narrative