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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
    • 675
    #1 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: Harvard is a place where education is approached from a different perspective as the university values learning and curiosity more than recognition. Students at Harvard are so genuinely passionate about learning that they're able to achieve a level of thinking that not many people can achieve, which is metacognition: thinking about your thinking or learning process. The interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, as well as the passionate friends I have made, have allowed me to unleash my curiosity and creativity. Harvard is not only a school for intellects, it is a school for passionate people. People work hard, are determined, and believe in what they do. The most beautiful aspect about Harvard is the fact that hierarchy is not relevant. Professors do not brag about their awards and degrees, graduate and undergraduate students work together, and everyone is open to help each other. Harvard is a beautiful and intellectually stimulating place to study.
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,136
    #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 1,136 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 110
    #3 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: Caltech is a very work hard play hard mentality. Academically, it has the most rigorous and intense coursework I've ever experienced. Alumni agree that any job after graduation pales in comparison to the Caltech workload. The professors are amazingly competent, and it's treated as no big deal to take a course taught by a Nobel-prize winner. I would say the classes are very theoretical with an emphasis on proofs, so it's not very industry-oriented (unless you study computer programming). Socially, although there's no Greek life, all students are sorted into one of eight dorm houses, which are essentially fraternities. There are parties, you just need to know where to look for them. The food is terrible, eating out or cooking your own is both cheaper and tastier. The dorms are old, but no major issues. Caltech isn't perfect, but it'll challenge you academically and get you a good job after graduation.
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,466 Net Price
    • 1530-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 953
    #4 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Graduate Student: Yale University is basically the most beautiful school in the world, by far. I still can't believe just how gorgeous the place is. Sometimes when I'm walking around by myself on the old campus, I just want to pinch myself. It's pretty much the "Blue Steel" of colleges and universities. Funny story, but my African mom basically describes it in the following terms: "ohh, it all looks like Harry Potter's world! I bet this is where he really goes to school!".
    Read 953 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,053 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 407
    #5 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Junior: There are great courses offered, and the people coming together here bring a variety of fresh ideas. There are many opportunities to learn valuable and world-changing skills and knowledge. Although there are also mechanisms at play that pull students into archaic ways of thinking, unfulfilling lifestyles, and professions that have a net neutral or negative impact on society. I'd also like to see greater diversity among the faculty and greater embodiment of diversity among the students. It's time for pluralism! Active expression and communal valuing of diversity - not diversity that is only quietly present and not honored for its value.
    Read 407 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,302 Net Price
    • 1430-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 603
    #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 603 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,230 Net Price
    • 1490-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,148
    #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 1,148 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,156
    #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 1,156 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,824 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,198
    #9 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Senior: Vanderbilt is an incredible institution that clearly cares about their students! I've felt safe, supported and cared for all four years that I've been here. The students and faculty are kind, prolific, brilliant and compassionate.
    Read 1,198 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,168
    #10 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,168 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 960
    #11 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: I really like the school overall for its academics which friends of mine which have attended Brown agree with. Brown provides a good supply of diversity by providing need based scholarships to minorities in need. The campus is gorgeous with excellent historical forms of architecture. Its a very safe school with excellent Dorms and chill party scenes. Brown University is a very good school!
    Read 960 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,048
    #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 1,048 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,316
    #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 1,316 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 680
    #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 680 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,303 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 366
    #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 366 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 131
    #16 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: Attending Harvey Mudd College was a humbling experience. I was able to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics with peers who were similarly passionate. There are boundless opportunities to take courses both on campus or at any of the four other undergraduate Claremont Colleges that are all within a 1-mile radius, just a short walk or quick bike-ride away. I had the opportunity to pursue summer research projects and engage in a thesis project during my senior year. The campus encourages students to present their research across the nation at various conferences. It’s not uncommon for the department sponsoring your research project to also sponsor your attendance at research conferences including paying for hotel, airfare, and a food stipend! Last but most definitely not least, the advisors are passionate about your success and meet with students frequently. I personally met with my advisor on a weekly basis. I am grateful for this amazing undergraduate institution!
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,135 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute

    • 4 Year (Online)
    • 18
    #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 18 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
    • 1,247
    #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 1,247 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,066 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Claremont McKenna College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 413
    #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 413 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,712 Net Price
    • 1340-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,007
    #20 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: I love the community atmosphere. Everyone works together to expand on similar desires. Rice as a whole is a college that fuels specific passions! As a person living with a low-income, Rice is determined to help give me FULL FREE tuition to attend their campus because they see my potential. Rice is very specific in it's majors, and the one thing that may be open for improvement is the expansion of their courses to incorporate and be strong in all degree fields.
    Read 1,007 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,131 Net Price
    • 1490-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,397
    #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 1,397 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,777 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,813
    #22 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: Prepare to work hard - especially if you're in STEM. As an engineering major my life here is a never ending cycle of attending classes, working in lab, engineering project team related work, doing homework and crashing/going to bed at 1-2AM. It may seem rough to the outsider but if you're coming from a challenging high school (as I did) its a relatively seamless transition and I am infinitely happier here at Cornell! There is constantly something new happening from the range of amazing speakers visiting, cool things your classmates are creating/doing, Ithaca's quirky charm, your eccentric professors , etc... I came here expecting the competition to be intense and thank goodness its not ; there's a sense of general comradery amongst engineers. The motto 'any person, any study' is really true. They have just about every major allowing allotting the opportunity to study a great variety of fields. Fair warning about Ithaca; it gets REALLY cold! Invest in a warm coat!
    Read 1,813 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 269
    #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 269 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,519 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Swarthmore College

    • 4 Year
    • Swarthmore, PA
    • 388
    #24 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: Among the best undergrad programs on earth. The combination of intellectual students, excellent professors, the beautiful campus, and close proximity to Philly is unbeatable. Attending this college really feels like you're going to Hogwarts. Don't get me wrong - this is a rigorous school that will test you at every level, but comparably to other famously rigorous schools you'll likely have a lot more fun and it's 100% worth it. The undergraduate education that you get here (if you do it right and take interesting classes that fulfill your requirements) is highly multidisciplinary and truly prepares you to think about any subject deeply. The Quaker tradition, the history of this school, and the culture of critical thinker/intellectual students makes this a unique and valuable place - and one of the best educations around.
    Read 388 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,444 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 888
    #25 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: As a freshman at Tufts, I am constantly blown alway by endless opportunities available to undergraduate students at various academic departments, student-run organizations, and Tisch College of Civic Engagement. Students are here to learn from a wide range of perspectives and always listen carefully to one another to reexamine their thoughts. Even in today's political divisiveness, I find Tufts students relatively open-minded and tolerant to perspectives and thoughts that might be contrary to their own. Furthermore, as a student who plans on majoring in International Relations, I am always struck by how organized the program is here at Tufts. Professors and students are experts in their field, and I can easily see future diplomats and leading scholars in my classroom. There are conferences at the Fletcher school almost every week where leading scholars and researchers come and speak. I love Tufts!
    Read 888 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,449 Net Price
    • 1410-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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