While some may see Ivy Plus as a business-networking opportunity, the tip-off to its real appeal is that about 75 percent of attendees are single. Its premise is that like attracts like, that in the big heartless city there is a place where a potential mate will understand your allusions to Andrew Marvell, or at least Sex Week at Yale…

Ben Pike, a 2006 Georgetown graduate, was settled into a copper-colored sofa in the back of Gates lounge. He said he hoped to meet New York women who were more than merely gorgeous. “I’ve been in the city three years and dated girls who are legitimate models, and that gets old,” said Mr. Pike, who works in private equity. “I have high standards. I’ve met people who are really smart but don’t have it together socially, and people who are fun but may not offer more mentally.” The total package, he explained, is tough to find.