Ivy League Numerology

The numbers behind the nation's top universities

By Stephanie Dempsey
Provided by Tarot.com

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    Ivy League schools have always been revered for their superior educational offerings and exacting standards. If you're thinking of applying to one of these schools -- or you're already an alum -- take a deeper look through the lens of numerology. The Dominant Impression Number describes the school's philosophy toward education, as well as the kind of students it attracts. To discover a college's atmosphere and social dynamic, consider its Vowel Vibration Number. A school's image is embodied by its Base Vibration Number, and lets you know what it expects from its students.

    Brown University
    With a Dominant Impression Number 9, Brown University prides itself on idealism and humanitarian principles. This is a school that stresses putting mankind ahead of selfish interests. Students who attend Brown will be expected to be imaginative people who are unafraid to challenge the status quo. Brown is a school that puts open-mindedness ahead of tradition. This school's atmosphere is stimulating and adventurous, but it can sometimes attract ridicule because of its lack of focus.

    Brown has a Vowel Vibration Number of 3, which means that behind its image of goodwill, it has a spirit of fun. Students lured to this school for their idealism will have a lot more fun than they anticipated, thanks to its diverse student body and variety of amusements. Artistic pursuits like dance, music, theater, film and painting are all encouraged here.

    The name Brown University has a Base Vibration Number 6, which means it has a reputation for being warm, caring and compassionate. This touchy-feely reputation attracts students who seek education with a personal touch. People seeking a more businesslike relationship to their school should probably look elsewhere, as Brown treats its students more like family than paying customers.

    Columbia University
    Dominated by the Number 2, Columbia University stresses education as a precious commodity. This school has a serious sense of purpose: Namely, to prepare its students to handle the world's problems with thought, preparation and intelligence. Anyone who goes to this university should be prepared to buckle down and work, as their professors will expect nothing less than the best. Columbia is a school that thinks of itself as a cornerstone of civilization, and emphasizes decorum in all it does.

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      The Vowel Vibration of Columbia is 7, indicating that behind its emphasis on serious study lies a true commitment to intellectual excellence. People attending this school will be treated with cool detachment and efficiency. As far as social life is concerned, Columbia students will immerse themselves in cultural pursuits that stimulate the intellect, like concerts, museums and plays.

      With a Base Vibration Number of 6, Columbia projects an image of paternalism. It has a reputation for being a stern but fair taskmaster. This imposing reputation attracts applicants who are eager to achieve status through hard work and discipline. People who want a more casual relationship with their school should apply to other institutions, as Columbia has high expectations of its students.

      Cornell University
      The name Cornell University carries a Dominant Impression Number 7. This is a school that prides itself on intellectual excellence and boasts of having the best and brightest students in the world. Students who go to Cornell are expected to experiment, explore and reflect. Unconventional thinking is encouraged at this university, provided students base their theories on well-documented research. Students with only a cursory knowledge of a particular subject are expected to keep quiet, listen and learn until they achieve master status.

      With a Vowel Vibration of 8, Cornell deeply desires strength, power and financial capability. It seeks to achieve these things by cultivating intellectual excellence. Therefore, students who attend Cornell will be pushed to find a use for their knowledge that is both practical and lucrative. Social activities are aimed at achieving fame, status and influence, and political organizations, fraternities and sororities have great popularity.

      Cornell University has a Base Vibration Number of 8, which means the school projects an image of power and prestige. This distinction attracts applicants who are intent on taking the fast track to success. Students who prize knowledge for knowledge's sake may want to look at other schools, as there will be a strong emphasis on tailoring studies around a specific goal or profession.

      Dartmouth College
      With a Dominant Impression Number of 8, Dartmouth puts a strong emphasis on power and prestige. It prides itself on being one of the most competitive schools in the world, and distains rivals that can't live up to its stellar reputation. Students attending Dartmouth will be asked to distinguish themselves as hard-working, capable superstars. This college intends to challenge its pupils, and is prepared to reward the best with high-paying jobs and professional prestige. A stellar scholar who is seeking greatness -- and willing to work for it -- would find a welcome home here.

      Dartmouth has a Vowel Vibration of 8, which means what you see is what you get. This school's atmosphere is hyper-charged with overachievers. Students who can't take pressure will sink to the bottom, but the ones who thrive on challenge will rise to the top. As far as social pursuits are concerned, competitive activities like sports, debate clubs and contests of skill will be very popular.

      A Base Vibration Number of 9 means Dartmouth projects an image of enlightenment and humanitarianism. This image attracts applicants who want to make a difference in the world. Dartmouth graduates are often thought of as idealistic visionaries. Students who seek a more common-sense approach to education should look at other schools, as Dartmouth pushes its students to push past the boundaries of conventional thinking.

      Harvard University
      Harvard's Dominant Impression Number is 9, meaning it emphasizes the humanitarian ideal. Harvard seeks to bring the world together through education and enlightenment. As far as this university is concerned, people with superior knowledge and talent should be working to better the lives of less fortunate human beings. This school encourages its students to pursue paths that will make the world a better place, believing its graduates are a reflection of its own values.

      With a Vowel Vibration of 8, students can expect an atmosphere of intensity at Harvard. The student body is comprised of people who are either very wealthy or extremely talented -- there is no middle ground. This air of exceptionality makes for a very competitive campus. As far as extracurricular activities are concerned, pursuits aimed at bettering oneself like playing music, leaning foreign languages and playing team sports are all highly favored.

      Not surprisingly, Harvard has a Base Vibration Number of 1, which means it projects itself as the premiere educational institution in the world. This reputation attracts students who are accomplished and purpose-driven. Students who aren't yet decided on which path they'd like to take should apply elsewhere; Harvard wants its students to have clearly defined and very ambitious goals.

      Princeton University
      With a Dominant Impression Number of 6, Princeton puts a strong emphasis on warmth, nurturing and peace. This university sees itself as a haven from life's unpleasantness, providing students with a comfortable place to learn, grow and explore. There is a strong emphasis on beauty here, which is why Princeton takes great pains to maintain an attractive campus. Students who go to Princeton are expected to be kind and tolerant; all points of view are to be respected at this prominent institution.

      Princeton's Vowel Vibration Number is 8, meaning the atmosphere is a lot more intense than it appears. Students may be surprised to discover how competitive their peers are, and will have to work to stay at the top of their classes. Power and prestige are what motivates these pupils; studying subjects just for the sake of knowledge is frowned upon. People will be expected to find a practical use for their studies once they graduate.

      A Base Vibration Number of 7 means Princeton projects an image of mystery and scholarship. This university promotes itself as an exalted institution of higher learning whose offerings are beyond the reach of average students. Refinement is the watchword of Princeton; students seeking a rowdy good time should probably apply to other schools. Although Princeton has no problem with its students having fun, it expects them to comport themselves with dignity.

      University of Pennsylvania
      The University of Pennsylvania's Dominant Impression Number is 2. That means it sees education as a means to build lasting bonds and institutions. Adaptability is the name of the game here; U. Penn prides itself on teaching its students survival skills. This school attracts pupils who want their experiences outside the classroom to be as meaningful as the ones inside. Students who go to the University of Pennsylvania are expected to treat their education like a serious commitment.

      A Vowel Vibration Number of 8 means that U. Penn is a very competitive school. Despite the administration's emphasis on harmony and cooperation, students may find their peers are highly competitive. Parties will take a back seat to heavy reading assignments and long papers. When it comes to social activities, sports are the name of the game, as well as competitive pursuits like chess and debate clubs.

      With a Base Vibration Number of 3, U. Penn projects an air of intellectual curiosity. This school is a lot more accessible than its Ivy League counterparts, treating education more like an adventure than a one-way ticket to Country Club Land. Pupils seeking a school that is steeped in time-honored tradition should look elsewhere, as this university prefers to be on the cutting edge. As far as the University of Pennsylvania is concerned, innovation is more important than convention.

      Yale University
      Yale's Dominant Impression Number is 7, which means it is on a perpetual quest for knowledge and information. Students who go to this university will be urged to seek truth and wisdom at all costs. Offbeat thinking and unconventional attitudes are not only accepted at Yale; they are encouraged. This school prides itself on having an exceptional student body that is always on the edge of discovery, whether it's in the area of art, science or philosophy. Pupils are viewed as snowflakes: each is uniquely perfect.

      With a Vowel Vibration Number of 3, Yale University has a youthful, excited energy that is both captivating and exhausting. Students will find themselves swept up in a tide of clubs, sports and parties. There is an atmosphere of excited vivacity that makes it easy to start projects, but hard to see them through to completion. People who are undisciplined and scattered may find it difficult to thrive at Yale.

      Yale has a Base Vibration Number of 4, which means it exudes an image of serene capability. This university prizes serviceability over style; therefore, its campus isn't as eye-catching as most. However, it does provide a good value for its money, putting an emphasis on superior teachers and state-of-the-art research facilities. Students seeking inspiration in the forms of gorgeous landscaping, graceful architecture and attractive dormitories should probably apply elsewhere.

      About the Author
      Stephanie Dempsey is an accomplished author, Feng Shui practitioner and astrologer. She has contributed to several New Age titles, including "Your Birthday Sign through Time: A Chronicle of the Forces that Shape Your Destiny" and the upcoming "Love Signs and You: The Ultimate Astrological Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships". She holds a degree in Feng Shui from the Mountain Institute of Tribeca in New York City.