Prestigious, renowned and strenuous are words frequently used to describe the conventional image of the Ivy League as an entity.

While accurate, each of the eight schools that now belong to the original four-school football conference are distinct in their own right, justifiably unique in their academic programs, campus climates, traditions and student bodies.

In a month-long stay at each of these prestigious institutions, Sean-Michael Green explores what makes these universities special and unequivocally subject to stereotypes — both advantageous and adverse to their respective reputations.

Beginning in Ithaca, N.Y. at Cornell and concluding at graduation in Princeton, N.J. at Princeton, readers develop a comparative understanding of how some of America’s most highly qualified students deal with stress, respect lecturers of differing political ideologies, throw successful (or unsuccessful) fraternity parties, become involved with secret societies, maintain exceptional study and workout routines, reside in and assimilate to urban environments, value their distinct history and prestige, and embrace traditions throughout the year.

Overall, The Things I Learned In College presents an engaging and entertaining reading experience that uncovers the enigma of the Ivy League while exposing the aspects that make each institution unique and unrivaled.