I Hate the Ivy League: Riffs and Rants on Elite Education

by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell has long relished the opportunity to skewer the upper echelons of higher education, from the institution of U.S. News & World Report’s Best College rankings to the LSATs to the luxe Bowdoin College cafeteria. I Hate the Ivy League: Riffs and Rants on Elite Education, upends the traditional thinking around how education should work and tries to get to the bottom of why we often reward the wrong people. The higher education system follows a hierarchy that was created to primarily benefit top-tier, elite, well-off students, but Gladwell wants to find out how we can do a better job at educating the middle and make education more affordable, fair, and open to all.
Why is Gladwell so obsessed with American education? The foreword and afterword of I Hate the Ivy League explains, framing this carefully curated selection of Revisionist History episodes. If you’ve never listened to Revisionist History, this collection is a thoughtful introduction to the long-running podcast, and if you’re already a fan, it allows for careful re-examination of the important issues at hand: how do we really determine what matters most when it comes to educating our children?

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Education, Sociology, Psychology, Essays, Politics

6 pages, Audible Audio

Published July 12, 2022

About the author

Malcolm Timothy Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996. He has published seven books. He is also the host of the podcast Revisionist History and co-founder of the podcast company Pushkin Industries.
Gladwell's writings often deal with the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences, such as sociology and psychology, and make frequent and extended use of academic work. Gladwell was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm Gladwell is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoy reading him and enjoy his podcast, Revisionist History. I appreciate the ways that he finds patterns and new ways of seeing things.

The “chapters” in this audiobook, I Hate the Ivy Leagues, include episodes drawn from Revisionist History and, like his previous work, happily turns things on its head. His basic thesis is that the US educational system, as opposed to the Canadian system where he was educated, is one that overinvests in wealthy, privileged students, so that privilege is maintained and expanded. As a result:

– Poor students have significant barriers making it difficult for them to enter the Ivys, that have little to do with intelligence, determination, or grit, and more to do with social barriers.

– It makes more sense to invest in average students than the top ones (think soccer rather than basketball.

– Philanthropists are more likely to give to extremely wealthy schools where they are unlikely to make a significant difference rather than small, poor schools where contributions can make a huge difference (see the last bullet).

– The college rankings of the US World and News Report reward reputation and large endowments. Reputation appears to be a function of endowment size rather than variables with more apparent relationships to the task of educating students. (And US World and News Report should find someone else to serve as their spokesperson.)

– Schools that want to increase their rankings could best do so by refusing admission to poor, Black, and nontraditional students – and by building posh dorms.

– Voting lotteries for high school Student Senates can open leadership opportunities for a broader of students (and perspectives) than more traditional elections.

These and other ideas are central to Gladwell’s book. If you enjoy having your world shaken up, even somewhat, you will enjoy this “book.”

[Brianna Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says this is a rant, and boy oh boy, it is. But I LOVE Gladwell's rants because they are emotional (clearly he cares about generating change in America's higher education system) and very logical. He had me laughing and shaking my head in frustration. Great combo.

It's incredibly disheartening that the US News and World Reports ranking of colleges/universities is based strictly on the college's endowment, the wealth of their students, the race of their students, the test scores of their students, and the graduation rates. Money and whiteness trumps equity, diversity, and greater access. Very sad.

However, through the different interviews, I got a sense that maybe change will come. I hope so.

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is thought provoking and a very good way to view problem sets in higher education. I did deduct 1 star because there is clearly a liberal bias in the approach and Gladwell takes full advantage of editing and ambush to pull the consumer to his side. Bowdoin chooses to spend its money on food; Vasser spends it on poorer students. Is Vasser correct? Is Bowdoin wrong? Gladwell shapes it so that you are on board with him but if you stop to think about it you are really looking at value judgments. Should the student body eat terrible food so 8 more students can attend for free? Should they eat dog food if it means 16 can go for free? The more I think about some of these arguments I can’t help but to think of how much the financial aid and tax systems promote ridiculous spending and fail to control costs—all making higher ED less accessible to those that need access.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. As always, I enjoyed Malcolm Gladwell’s musings about our crazy American education system. His discussions and ideas get me thinking.

[Madison Gamma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stuff! But I will forever love the Ivy League (go big red)

[Anna Tramposch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook. Really great critique of higher ed and its elitism ranging from endowment, standardized tests, exam styles, rankings, pure brand value. All of it.

[Tena Edlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Information: 5. How it infuriated me and made me want to rant to every human forced to listen to me: 1. Average: 3. The system is seriously messed up, and I’m not sure it can ever be fixed. My basic takeaway is to continue what I’m doing and remind kids to choose the school that is right for them and for their values.

[Bob Wallner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have specific socio-political beliefs, but I truly don't consider myself an active proponent of socio-political issues, especially those that veer toward the left. I tend to identify closer with conservatism than I do to liberal views. I believe those who have; should be allowed not penalized or told what they must do with their wealth. I believe institutions that are established to meet the needs of the upper echelon should be allowed to do so without interference. I believe that business owners who have specific socio-political views should reap the fruits of their views or perish by them. (Think the challenges presented by MyPillow owner on one end and Budweiser's marketing on the other end).

With that being said why would someone who considers himself a conservative be interested in hearing about the sociopolitical evils associated with prestigious schools and general school policy? He makes you think. Without knowing Malcolm Gladwell's political views directly, he provides compelling and empirical evidence to support arguments that are 180 degrees for my opinion. His arguments are well researched and well stated but more importantly, they are fascinating.

I never believed that I would about the various practices of schools such as Stanford, Harvard, Princeton and Yale, but Gladwell not only does an excellent job laying out his argument about why these policies and procedures are harmful to society as a whole, but he makes me care. Whether it is a fine dining campus, great attorneys coming from institutes other than the big 14, or historically black university competition, Gladwell's stories create interest and make me care! The book isn't making me change my views in one swoop, but it is giving me something to think about and it challenges my own beliefs. I truly think it's healthy to listen to counterpoints to your beliefs to help you grow.

Short I loved this book and would recommend it highly!

[Aaron Carlberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

BAHHHH, I got snookered...or it was my fault for not reading.

This isn't new, it is a rehashing of a few episodes of the Revisionist History podcast.

BAHHHH. I'm a dummy! I have already heard everything in this book.

[Ashley Gyurik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually hate Malcolm Gladwell, but I loved this book.

[Mmtimes4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Malcolm Gladwell has long relished the opportunity to skewer the upper echelons of higher education, from the institution of U.S. News & World Report’s Best College rankings to the LSATs to the luxe Bowdoin College cafeteria. I Hate the Ivy League: Riffs and Rants on Elite Education, upends the traditional thinking around how education should work and tries to get to the bottom of why we often reward the wrong people. The higher education system follows a hierarchy that was created to primarily benefit top-tier, elite, well-off students, but Gladwell wants to find out how we can do a better job at educating the middle and make education more affordable, fair, and open to all.
Why is Gladwell so obsessed with American education? The foreword and afterword of I Hate the Ivy League explains, framing this carefully curated selection of Revisionist History episodes. If you’ve never listened to Revisionist History, this collection is a thoughtful introduction to the long-running podcast, and if you’re already a fan, it allows for careful re-examination of the important issues at hand: how do we really determine what matters most when it comes to educating our children? GR description

I listened to this from the recommendation of my daughter. I found it very interesting and informative.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not just about the Ivy League. It’s about how messed up the prestige of US elite schools is. It’s about advocating for equality in education rather than chasing the elite. I have a high school senior who is working on her college applications while I read this book. It completely validates our approach of finding the best fit rather than pushing her to get into the hardest school she can get into.

[reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

disappointing,,, but not surprising

[julia ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5/5⭐️

Very thought-provoking and insightful critique of American higher education its obsession with meritocracy. I particularly enjoyed Gladwell’s witty remarks :D

[Lauren Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a firm believer in public education, I was curious to hear his perspective on the growing inequality in colleges. The book can be summed up in Gladwell’s final lines: “Education needs to be affordable, fair, and open to all…(we need to realize) how ludicrous & feverish our attachment to education has become.”

[Megan Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually a compilation of podcasts from Malcom Gladwell all about education.

I was turned off by the title, I didn’t think this book was for me but oh boy it was fascinating.

If you have ever been concerned/ a part of/ or thought about the higher education system in the US, this is a must listen.

[Nikhil Math]

YESS!!! I am always so happy to hear someone speak about this. Ivy leagues (and anything along the same vein) are a disease for society. Society is a soccer game. We become better by enabling the weakest among us, rather than promoting the well off.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Listened to it as an audiobook. Read by the author + his audiobooks are always the best. Seemed like it was a collection of reporting/ podcasts he’d previously done.

[Melanie Purres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this perspective on higher education in America. The insights on the rating systems, lack of diversity, privilege were quite validating. There is a lot of craziness and I think this should be one of the required readings (along with Seligo’s Who Gets in and Why among others) early on for parents who consider their children may head to institutions for higher education.

In the end however, I am left with one question not addressed: how to pursue higher education outside of the merry go round that Gladwell explores. The only answer so far is to choose a different country.

[Maggie Gately · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about me is I cannot read in the car. It makes me car sick. Another thing about me is I love to read and it is what gives me the most entertainment out of everything else. ANOTHER thing about me is I do not let car sickness stop me, I have a friend for that. That friend is named Malcolm Gladwell. And that friend is one of my road trip secret weapons. My parents and I always (without fail) listen to an audiobook when we roadtrip. This past roadtrip was to Maine (it took 10 hours). Now, we are all pretty scattered with our friend Malcom. Some of us have read this but others haven't so we struggled this time around with finding which book to listen to. BUT then we saw this book... AND THANK GOD BECAUSE LOOK AT THE STARS AND SEE THAT IS 5 AND REALIZE HOW AWESOME AND WHIMSICAL THAT IS!!!! Malcom Gladwell is so smart and he loves to learn and discover and it is so clear through his writing and his voice (his audiobooks are always top tier). I just loved this book. I learned so much and I was so entertained. I mean who doesn't love hearing someone absolutely make a fool of the Stanford president by just asking him simple questions (if that offends you I am sorry, but also don't hate the player hate the game)???? I learned more about those who have to overcome extreme circumstances to go to elite schools, how dumb the college rankings are, discovered some colleges that should be more popular, gained more of an understanding on my own privilege, and my hatred of standardized tests was rectified! Who couldn't love that? Ahhhh the sweet sweet feeling of feeling like your brain grew 50x bigger... Maggie approved.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I LOATHE podcasts but if there was ever a podcast I’d consider, it’s this guy’s. (He knows his sh-t.)
I didn’t know this book was basically a collection of some of the author’s podcast episodes in elite education. I guess that explains why it is only available as an audiobook. 😂
As someone who did not attend an “elite” university and was rejected by three (one undergraduate, two graduate), I have some “hate” for these schools as well. (I’m not bitter.) the perpetuation of wealth and admission is kind of sick, and he outlines this well.
I loved loved loved the chapters on the LSAT and law school. And I loved his solution to the elitist law school mentality! That can also be applied to undergrad and grad schools as well. (Please? 🙏🏼)

[Adia Keene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before I say anything else, I want to emphasize again that I agree with Gladwell’s premise — elite higher education in the US is skewed towards selecting a particular type of student, and this type of student is not the only type that is likely to succeed. Maybe I’m slightly less convinced by the idea that Americans are “too emotional” about education, but it’s not something I scoff at.

Chapter 4, which covers the decline in black teachers post-Brown v Board, and Chapter 8 (US News) are fantastic.

But I have the following list of gripes.

- Describing empirical studies and hypotheses: He speaks entirely in qualitative terms, which is all good and well, but does not give enough of the actual data for the audience to develop their own opinion. He speaks of very subjective outcome variables as if they are the only possible variables (eg, number citations as evidence of a good paper, some undisclosed regressions as evidence of a good lawyer).

- Bad faith interviews: The ones that grind my gears the most are the interview with John Hennessy and the interview with LSAC. He enters these interviews with a premise, asks his interviewees questions, then voice overs as if it is a forgone conclusion that the audience should also find his interviewee ridiculous. He doesn’t even entertain the fact that an audience member might be intrigued or — heavens forbid — convinced by his interviewees. Also, the one really weak interviewee (head of US News) was so flustered it was basically a beat down— and I could tell Gladwell enjoyed that. :)

- Propping up anecdotal idols: On the flip side, Gladwell makes the assumption that his anecdotal prop interviews are convincing, and doesn’t push those interviewees to prove their hypotheses to the same extent.

- Lackluster solutions: In response to the problem of LSATs limiting the type of students that go to top law schools, Gladwell proposes non-disclosure in the recruitment process. “Don’t ask don’t tell where you went to school” could be its own book because it generates so many follow up questions. It also makes the assumption that the major advantage of a top law school is disclosure in the actual application process (rather than OCR, networking opportunities, exposure to elite circles and jobs). If that is true, the onus is on Gladwell to prove it.

- Shallow exploration of good topics: As someone who has amateurishly written in favor of random lotteries (Google: “Adia Keene Reason for Randomness” if you want a good laugh), he fails to even scratch the surface on the rich scholarship with justifications and real world examples for this approach, opting instead to talk about why charismatic students should not be assumed to be good leaders. I’m assuming the same is true for topics that I have not researched before.

I know what you’re thinking — “Adia, if you wanted all of this you should’ve picked up a real book.” I did, years ago — it’s called “The Inequality Machine” by Paul Tough. It’s fantastic and you should all read it.

[Robert Newkirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title intrigued me from the first time I saw it on audible. Having attended MIT for undergrad and receiving a B.S. degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, I figured I would be the perfect critic of this book. Gladwell was dead on. Having spent four years basking in the middle of the Ivy League fever, knowing what capabilities I had received that the rest of the world may have been lacking. Everyone viewed me as "Oh, you went to MIT..." Yet, this elite education prohibited me from decisions I probably should have made in life that I didn't because of the perception, would a MIT grad make that decision? And I hated that. Yet I have to live with it. Should I just accept it and move on. And Gladwell's comparison between Harvard's physics department and Dillard University's (an HBCU) physics department was spot on. Did attending an Ivy League school versus an HBCU culprit me or crippled me? I am still ironing out that comparison...

[Adam Kynaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Malcolm. How I love you.

This guy’s specialty is thinking of the connections that none of us make. He is truly a thought leader and we are so lucky he’s willing to write it down for us😂😂. He doesn’t just have interesting ideas, they are all backed up by meticulous research. His books are amazing, and this audio compilation Is no exception. In fact, this is definitely my favorite work of his to date.

This isn’t just about the Ivy League, this is commentary on meritocracy as a whole. And it is awesome. Have you ever wondered how much other people’s opinions matter? The answer is not at all, and this holds true at every level of society he considered. If only some of these ideas were implemented, we’d be so much better off. Unfortunately, like y of his ideas, they’ll be briefly considered then largely ignored.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even as a non-audiobook person, I really enjoyed the format - a collection of podcast interview clips. The content was interesting and gave me a lot to think about. I think the reason I'm giving 4 out of 5 stars is because while the perspective was interesting, I don't have a sense of how we can solve these problems. They're discussed as big systemic issues and some "actions" are not in my grasp (e.g., I don't donate $100k+ to schools). I've already gone to undergrad, so it doesn't help me there... Maybe the action for me is to remember this if I pursue a masters, or to encourage kids in my family to go elsewhere.

[Courtney Cameron-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable, informative read. If you’re a fan of Malcolm Gladwell, this book won’t disappoint. Fair warning to friends, I’ll be talking about this book for a while. Malcolm exposes some of the fundamental absurdities and inequities within the American educational system and most notably, within our standards of college ranking. Malcolm pokes holes in everything you think you know about the predictive value of standardized testing and its real-world relevance. He also exposes the insidious lingering effects of poorly orchestrated integration efforts following Brown v. Board of Education and argues that integration should’ve begun with teachers, not students. I especially appreciated the chapter where Malcolm delved into the arbitrary considerations driving US News & World Report’s college ranking system. This is one of those books that will stick with you and challenge you to reimagine education in America.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Hate the Ivy League is a nonfiction book of essays of Malcolm Gladwell’s opinion on the higher education system in the US. He discusses how schools like Vasser have to pick and choose which aspects they’ll pursue and how this impacts them further. He also takes the LSAT, and discusses frustrations regarding tests being timed despite the end goal focused on accuracy not efficiency.

He’s a great author and I really love his books - they’re all fascinating and he has interesting takes. Highly recommend this for a light, funny read with substance.

[Gabby C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dedicating this read to my Hillhouse family, I love you all. Now on to the audiobook: what I didn’t realize going into this was that it really just is a mashup of Gladwell’s podcast when we covered educational issues. I think it was well done as a podcast, but could have been fine tuned in book format to condense some of the repetition that occurred when breaking topics into multiple episodes or whatever unit podcasts come in lol - and that’s saying a lot that I want an already short book to be even shorter. I also think that in making this into a book, I would have loved to see a little more distillation and finality of what should be taken from each section and how to apply these learnings in practice. These two points are what keep this from being a five star book for me, but truly it is a remarkable work and worth a listen for those in, adjacent to, or interested in the educational field, regardless of the age of the students in question, though obviously there is a significant slant towards higher education.

[Julie Houseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will give 5 stars to everything Gladwell has ever written. This book is essentially the collection of several of Gladwell's Revisionist History podcast where he tackles topics on higher education ranging from Brown vs. the Board of Education to the LSAT to the college rankings found in US News and World Report. As always, Gladwell's arguments are compelling, and I truly appreciate his critique of the United States' view of higher education. A great listen!

[Martish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agree with Malcolm Gladwell on most of these topics. It’s utterly obscene that our elite universities are sitting on vast tax free endowments while many families have been snookered into mortgaging their futures for a name brand college education. I say this as a graduate of a university consistently ranked in the US News Top 25 National Universities. Higher education is broken in this country.