Skip to Main Content

2020 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.

1 – 25 of 1,664
Hardest to Get Into
1,664 results

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

  1. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 693 reviews
    #1 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: I loved the campus and the teachers, especially my professors. I really got a chance to connect with them while on campus! I loved their teaching methods; they really let us explore the topics we covered, by ourselves, and with our own interest. They gave us constructive criticism and we gladly grew and flourished in that environment. I would like to change one though, and that is the parking on campus. Harvard has a major parking problem, and that should really be taken a look at.
    Read 693 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
    • 1,152 reviews
    #2 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: Stanford is the greatest place on earth. I feel so at home here and love everything about the campus and life here. The weather is amazing (no snow! or freezing temperatures), people are happier than many other schools, and you have the freedom and flexibility to study anything and switch your major around.
    Read 1,152 Reviews

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

  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 611 reviews
    #3 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none. There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
    Read 611 Reviews

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

  4. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 117 reviews
    #4 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: I loved visiting caltech! I loved the campus, it was so beautiful. The houses each had their own personality, and cool traditions! I got to play tennis on the courts there and stay with some other girls in the houses themselves. We staying in flemming house and spent a lot of time in the common room! We also were able to tour the academic facilities and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is associated with Caltech and it was truly inspiring to see. We were given the opportunity to see current projects in JPL like the 2020 mars rover! I cannot wait to apply!
    Read 117 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
    • 963 reviews
    #5 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Freshman: An amazing school with so many different positive qualities about it! There's also a lot of balance - Greek life doesn't dominate but it's still there and pretty open to most people. Academics are challenging/rigorous but so captivating that you're motivated to work hard. There is a variety of social, political, economic, religious views represented on campus and yet almost everyone is respectful and open about getting to know about why you think the way you do. To cut a long story short - best college in the world, and I couldn't be happier.
    Read 963 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
    • 423 reviews
    #6 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: I greatly enjoy the overall ambience of Princeton University. The University truly offers a high quality education, especially as a result of its wonderful professors, some of which are Nobel Laureates. Moreover, the University's network allows for extensive connection between current and graduated students. This leads to great opportunities that would not necessarily be available elsewhere. Lastly, I really believe the Bridge Year program instills a humble nature in students through introducing the opportunity to volunteer for a year abroad. Doing so allows students to mature and experience other cultures prior to embarking on a difficult, yet rewarding task of attending Princeton University.
    Read 423 Reviews

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

  7. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,160 reviews
    #7 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: The University of Chicago has an incredibly welcoming and yet challenging atmosphere that is unlike any other. The Core Curriculum introduces truly applicable frameworks for critical thinking that can the applied in a diverse curriculum. At UChicago you can attend your Physics lecture in the morning, work on your film project until you participate in a religious discussion in the afternoon and rehearse with your traditional African music group in the evening. In spite of the lack of affordability, UChicago does offer various ways of financing, including generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships. However, Uchicago is not need bling to international applicants, which is likely to discourage low-income international students to apply.
    Read 1,160 Reviews

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

  8. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,172 reviews
    #8 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Graduate Student: Columbia University is wholly committed to the academic well-being and personhood of their students inside and outside of studies. Through their active communication and care in students' academic lives, professors are engaged and ready to help their students succeed in their ideological pursuits. Moreover, the Health and Wellness Center approaches health from a holistic perspective, offering mental health services such as therapy sessions, acupuncture, pet therapy day, snacks, and more. Specifically for the Mailman School of Public Health, they require all students to fulfill the Self, Social, and Global Awareness course that evaluates the self and how it fits into societal constructs so that students are prepared to go forth courageously in their social justice work. The Mailman school also invites students to engage in their Grand Rounds where all medical school students share their work and ideas to create a more thought-provoking environment.
    Read 1,172 Reviews

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

  9. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 977 reviews
    #9 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
    Read 977 Reviews

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

  12. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,188 reviews
    #10 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: I attended the University of Pennsylvania as an exchange student during the 2017-2018 academic year. It is one of the most meaningful years of my time as a college undergraduate. I want to cite three reasons why I consider UPenn a very good university; its location and campus, its resources and extracurricular, and its prestigious academic atmosphere.

    UPenn is located in Philadelphia, a city with a lot to do, whether the goal is leisure and entertainment or career advancement and research for a project. But the campus itself is beautiful and busy enough to trap you. There is always something going on, especially if you commit to activities and clubs that interest you. And lastly, everything from your classmates to the professor bring alive that feeling that gives UPenn its cannon as an Ivy League; beyond academic excellence, its people are friendly, intellectually curious, driven, and serviceable, willing to share their passions and desire to grow with others.
    Read 1,188 Reviews

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

  13. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,334 reviews
    #11 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Alum: Northwestern is a well-balanced school--top notch academics, great arts programs, amazing engineering and science facilities, in a minor city (Evanston) and very close to a major one (Chicago), and even a bit of sports culture. NU students tend to be fun-loving, driven and ambitious, both in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. It's definitely a work-hard-play-hard atmosphere when you're on campus, and while there is danger in this as you can easily over-extend yourself (and many students do at some point), it makes for a fulfilling four years.
    Read 1,334 Reviews

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

  14. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,221 reviews
    #12 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: What I love about Vanderbilt is the commitment to creating a meaningful & memorable experience. Ever since stepping foot on campus - when I was met by my freshman Head of House and the Move Crew - I've been supported and welcomed. I've been encouraged to pursue my interests in and outside of the classroom and attended countless events.

    Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get involved in, especially with the weight of academics on our shoulders, but not everyone experiences this the same way. One of my favorite things is the identity centers like the Women's Center, Black Cultural Center and KC Potter (LGBTQ) Center who provide students with fun and informative programming and the comforts of home. Plus, can you ever go wrong living at an arboretum?

    I mean this honestly (but always a little ironically), Anchor Down!
    Read 1,221 Reviews

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

  15. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,068 reviews
    #13 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
    Read 1,068 Reviews

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

  16. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 371 reviews
    #14 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 371 Reviews

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

  17. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 683 reviews
    #15 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 683 Reviews

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

  18. Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute

    • 4 Year (Online)
    • 21 reviews
    #16 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 21 Reviews

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

  19. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,262 reviews
    #17 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: The campus is beautiful and they put a big focus on their students. I love how the campus is not far from many exciting things in Baltimore like the Inner Harbor, which is full of great stores, food, and other attractions. The dorms at the college are great, and the walks to class are not too bad. There are so many amazing clubs you can be a part of, which is great if you want to be involved while you are at college!
    Read 1,262 Reviews

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

  22. Swarthmore College

    • 4 Year
    • Swarthmore, PA
    • 393 reviews
    #18 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 393 Reviews

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

  23. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,018 reviews
    #19 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Sophomore: The culture at Rice is amazing! We are a diverse community of scholars who value collaboration, not cut-throat competition. We value what known as a "culture of care," and I believe this makes us unique from all other elite schools. The professors are amazing, classes push you and challenge former beliefs, and the community becomes family. Rice University is an amazing place, even with intense academics.
    Read 1,018 Reviews

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

  24. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,841 reviews
    #20 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 1,841 Reviews

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

  25. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,420 reviews
    #21 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: This school defines that you can not put a price on the education you receive. Every student is driven, focused, and goal oriented, so the competitive environment pushes you just as hard as the professors! The campus is extremely safe and beautiful and the research opportunities you receive are unlike any other!
    Read 1,420 Reviews

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

  26. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 131 reviews
    #22 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?

  29. Claremont McKenna College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 414 reviews
    #23 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 414 Reviews

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

  30. Amherst College

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 274 reviews
    #24 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Niche User: Our tour guide was well trained. He waited for someone to leave the dorms to have them tell the group what the best thing was about Amherst. The Dean was very intelligent and knowledgeable and gave a great information session presentation to the group. It is a small liberal arts college which is academically based and hard to get into. A mini Harvard that was scaled down. A shuttle transports you to the other 5 colleges connected with Amherst (University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Smith College, Mount-Holyoke College and Hampshire College). If accepted into any one of these colleges, you can attend classes, sports, activities at any of these colleges if they offer something that you are interested in. A nice feature to have offered because all of a sudden there is a larger area of interest, sports and activities to choose from. Making it almost impossible not to have something that you are looking for or interested in which can happen at small schools with limited choices.
    Read 274 Reviews

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

  31. Williams College

    • 4 Year
    • Williamstown, MA
    • 277 reviews
    #25 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

    Senior: Williams is an excellent school- you just have to know what you're getting into and what's great about it.
    Exceptional attention from world renowned faculty (6:1 student faculty really shows-- I have a lab with 3 other students and a professor). Also faculty go out of their way to make themselves available to students outside of classes.
    The other big advantage of Williams is the alumni relations. Williams beats out Harvard/Yale/etc in how committed alumni are to helping students out.
    Williams has a strong athletic community and a strong artsy community. Almost everyone engages in outdoor activities in one form or another (varsity sports, hiking in the Berkshires, skiing, tennis...). Small school, so you know the names of almost everyone on campus, and enriches the experience.
    Williams is definitely a different type of academic experience, and it's def not a huge party school.
    The school is incredibly supportive and will support you in any interests.
    Read 277 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,380 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  33. Find College Scholarships 
  • 1 of 67