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2019 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the hardest colleges to get into ranking based on acceptance rates and SAT/ACT test scores using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Compare the most selective colleges with the lowest acceptance rates and highest SAT/ACT test scores. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 659
    1 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
    Read 659 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,205 Net Price
    • 1430-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,125
    2 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
    Read 1,125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,695 Net Price
    • 1380-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 108
    3 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: If you like science and tech, this is the place to go. Small school makes professors, research, work study, and other opportunities more available. You learn to work with others to get through the academics which are tough, but you ultimately come out with a great sense of accomplishment. It is not the right school for everyone but if you want to major in science or engineering, it would be hard to find a better place.
    Read 108 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,839 Net Price
    • 1510-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 940
    4 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Works Here: Yale is a highly diverse university with exceptionally friendly and helpful faculty, staff, and students. The food is beyond exceptional, taking sustainability, food waste, health, and nutrition in mind when it comes to every dish. I'm always learning new things each time I step foot on campus. I can't say enough about this place!
    Read 940 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,319 Net Price
    • 1420-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 401
    5 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: Classes at Princeton are superb in all regards. Faculty to student ratios are very low, so students can receive a significant amount of attention from world-class professors and extremely helpful teacher assistants. The amount of resources dedicated to each student is unmatched. The alumni system is very structured, ensuring a connected student body with those in industry or academia. The campus is beautiful, showing off a gothic architecture juxtaposed with modern designs. The local area is a safe, cozy college town. The university is within an hour of New York and Philadelphia by train, but there are countless activities, clubs, and organizations to stay busy on campus. The food is relatively good and healthy. Some of the dorm conditions could be improved, but regardless the university does provide adequate housing and space for all students.
    Read 401 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,732 Net Price
    • 1400-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 598
    6 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: There were some crucial facts about MIT which made me to apply to it. Here are they:
    1. My first choice is chemical engineering and I always adored to conduct researches in laboratories. Therefore, when I applied to colleges first of all I looked if they have a good undergraduate research opportunities. In MIT with the help UROP I could start researching even from freshman class.
    2. Its pass no record style of educating freshmen. There is no grading in the first semester. Instead, one gets "Pass" or "Fail" in his or her transcript. It allows students not to stress too much on grades, but explore the university and majors.
    3. Of course it is the best university in the field of chemical engineering. Top notch professors, smart peers and the best laboratories makes MIT unique.
    4. It's financially available for all international students. MIT's need blind policy makes it affordable for all who want to attend it.

    I hope it helps!
    Read 598 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,576 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,132
    7 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,068 Net Price
    • 1450-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,130
    8 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    Read 1,130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,973 Net Price
    • 1410-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,189
    9 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Graduate Student: I am admitted to the school of nursing in preparation mode for classes to begin. The organization of the program is excellent with details, ease of navigation, accessible to staff and professiors, and the provide so many resources for your success! They have thought of everything, so I can prepare to the fullest and once on campus, I will be able to focus on learning and achieving my degree.
    Read 1,189 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,150 Net Price
    • 1420-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,155
    10 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: The University of Pennsylvania has been my top choice school, and I am very satisfied with my experience so far. I am most impressed by the stylistically varied yet unified campus architecture, the quality of professors and extracurricular activities, and the times I spent at Locust Walk.
    Few reviews of Penn can be written without mentioning Locust Walk. It serves as the central walkway for several dorms, dining options, and significant locations. At the same time, it is a hub for students of all majors and interests and a vibrant representation of Penn's life and culture. The Walk continues to be a wonderful addition to my college experience.
    At the same time, I appreciate Penn's dedication to development. Every year, new constructions, programs, and extracurricular opportunities arise, and I enjoy being part of such a community. I would recommend Penn to anyone who loves challenges, immersive experiences, and diverse social connections.
    Read 1,155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,944 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 950
    11 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: Brown University is an amazing place to go for undergrad. There's simply nowhere else that I'd rather spend four years learning and growing as a person. The open curriculum allows for lots of exploration and risk-taking in the classroom, and this culture bleeds into student life as well. The environment here is very relaxed and collaborative, and the students here are kind, accepting, and fun. And coming from a SoCal kid, the weather isn't even that bad! I've only been at Brown for one year, but I'm so glad I made the choice to come here when I was deciding between colleges last April.
    Read 950 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,264 Net Price
    • 1370-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,042
    12 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,042 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,950 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,294
    13 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: Northwestern is that rare institution occupying an incredibly unique space within higher education. It's home to world-class academics and one of the nation's most impressive alumni rosters, but carries about half the pretense or snobbery you might find at any other elite university. It's home to top-notch arts & sciences, but has the added benefit of having a number of highly specialized programs, including its prestigious journalism program; a top-ranked music school; one of the nation's most productive theater departments; and a robust engineering school.

    Add to all that its utterly romantic setting on the shores of Lake Michigan in one of the best college towns in America (Evanston!) and you get Northwestern — a truly remarkable place that shaped my life over the course of four years. It isn't perfect, and those four years were filled with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but the friendships forged and experiences made at Northwestern are truly priceless (forgive the cliche).
    Read 1,294 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,326 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 675
    14 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: Dartmouth is simply wonderful. It has such a wonderfully cozy and collaborative atmosphere, which combined with the unparalleled focus on undergraduate students makes it the best college there is. The only thing people should be aware of is that there will be a large number of wealthy students, so be prepared to face some new socioeconomic diversity. Overall, it is such a safe and fun college set in a beautiful part of the country!
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,177 Net Price
    • 1350-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 361
    15 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 361 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,140 Net Price
    • 1340-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 129
    16 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Junior: Academics at Harvey Mudd are exceptional. It is rigorous and not always rewarding, but at the end of the day, you learn a lot. Plenty of exciting classes to take, both at Mudd and at the other 5Cs. Mudders are easy to get along with. Only major issue with Mudd is the lack of grade inflation which can hurt your chances of getting into a top Grad school program. Getting a job after graduating from Mudd is easier and very rewarding.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,460 Net Price
    • 1420-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute

    • 4 Year (Online)
    • 16
    17 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: Minerva is just an amazing school. It's the true definition of defying the norms, which other top institutions teach yet never practice. Somehow, this is crazy! But Minerva takes the lead for providing an extra ordinary education, as far as I have heard from the current students while, as an admitted student, I feel like Minerva is home to all the greatness in academics and all college life.

    Fun fact; we recently created a WhatsApp group for the admitted students and in a few minutes, when I checked the group members, we had country codes from +1, +2..., +3.., +4.., +5.., +6..., +7..., +8... to +9.. what does this mean apart from creating an inclusive world out of the diversity that Minerva brings upon.

    By the way, is there something better than having the world as your campus??? Somebody tell me that! Because, unless there is, Minerva is then just a guardian angel to the brightest minds in the world.
    Read 16 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • NG
      Academics
    • 2% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,450 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,231
    18 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Graduate Student: I am a first year graduate student in their online Museum Studies program. So far, I love everything about Johns Hopkins University. My professors have been very attentive and answer all my questions quickly, the work is very relevant and there are so many resources to help me. JHU's admissions office and academic advisors have been in constant contact with me, making sure I was all set for the semester. My student alumni ambassador is a wonderful person who has been helping me with JHU on a personally experienced level as she has graduated from the same program. I am proud to be a part of the JHU community!
    Read 1,231 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,352 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Claremont McKenna College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 411
    19 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: Where do I begin, I have so much to say about how much I love this school. When I first came to Claremont McKenna, I feared that it would be difficult to make friends as it is such a small school. However, the first day shocked me completely. Everyone was so freaking nice, like unbelievably nice. In the last 3 months of being here, I know about 250/360 kids in my class, and of course a lot of upperclassmen. The party scene here is exactly what I want from a school ,inclusivity, but everyone definitely shares a work hard, play hard mentality. We know how to party, but we also know how to be the scholarly students we got in here for being. The party scene truly is spectacular. The dining hall food is amazing. Sports teams are great as 1/3 of the student body participates in sports There are pretty much a million ways to get involved on campus. I want to continue rambling about how much I love it here, but I also have an econ quiz tomorrow, but I hope that helps. S'GO STAGTHENAS!
    Read 411 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,527 Net Price
    • 1320-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 994
    20 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: Rice is incredible. The people are so friendly and collaborative, and the residential college system gives you an automatic support system and built-in friends/family. While people are smart, the atmosphere is close-knit and not cutthroat, which I've come to realize is hugely important when I hear my friends at other top universities talk about the pressure and competition they suffer through. The academics aren't easy- especially the STEM programs, which are structured to be some of the most rigorous in the country, but that's why we have such a good reputation and ease with post-graduation placements. Compared to other colleges, there's a lot of freedom with social life/partying and distribution requirements. Overall, the campus is beautiful and quality of life (dorms/food/area) very high. I love Rice and wouldn't go anywhere else!
    Read 994 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,061 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,377
    21 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Senior: WashU has opened up a lot of doors for me in terms of career exploration and pursuit. They have fantastic opportunities for research, community engagement, and intellectual pursuit. I think that they prepare their students well for life post-graduation, but I do think that the school needs to work on its accessibility to students from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds!
    Read 1,377 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,824 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,792
    22 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: I love the environment and community, and the hidden cafes and delis are a delight to find and sample. The slope, rivers, gorges, lakes, waterfalls, and trails are soothing when the semester gets hectic, and there's no shortage of available activities, clubs, events, and things to do on campus! The winter is harsh but its gorgeous to see, and the overall environment is very friendly.
    Read 1,792 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,014 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 263
    23 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: Amherst is simply an amazing institution. The student body here is top notch academically, yet friendly, not cutthroat. The professors are genuinely available, almost 24/7, and have an interest in seeing their students succeed. Make no mistake, the academic environment is rigorous - for the most part the student body is made of of academic "1%-ers," and the pace and expectation is what you'd expect from that.
    The town of Amherst is a quintessential beautiful Northeastern college town.
    People are super successful coming out of Amherst. The acceptances to top medical, law and other graduate schools each year is mind-blowing. Same with people going into finance/Wall Street.
    All in all, Amherst is a magical place to spend 4 years!
    Read 263 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,055 Net Price
    • 1360-1555 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Swarthmore College

    • 4 Year
    • Swarthmore, PA
    • 384
    24 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: One semester into Swarthmore and I feel as if I am a completely different person. I have just grown so much here and been forced to think in ways that are much different than the ways high school necessitated from me. I discovered that I am actually more of an extrovert and less of an introvert; This epiphany dawned upon me after the realization that I could, at Swarthmore, engage in deep and lengthy conversations with other students. While individual achievement was emphasized at my High School, I've managed to develop new networking skills with the principle of never working alone and achieving together. Another thing that stands out about my experience at Swarthmore is that I haven't had the chance yet to operate once again under a cynical mindset, everybody is so nice here. I've learned to trust people again!
    Read 384 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,641 Net Price
    • 1305-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 882
    25 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: I'm a current Tufts 1+4 Fellow. I took a bridge year to learn Spanish, experience a different country and culture, and give back to the international community. After graduating high school and before beginning university I spent a year in Cuenca, Ecuador. I lived with a wonderful host family and volunteered with two different local organizations, a government branch and a tech startup. The 1+4 Program is unique because Tufts covers all costs for students on financial aid. Thank you Tufts!
    Read 882 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,076 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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