2024 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America

• New Orleans, LA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,651 reviews

Freshman: Tulane University is so fun and lively. The classes are interesting and valuable, and the professors are very passionate and care about their students' success. The campus environment is amazing, and there is an abundance of student resources. The city of New Orleans is a blast, and uptown New Orleans is relatively safe. I may be biased as a student at Tulane, but I genuinely believe it is the best university, and I am so happy with my decision to attend. Tulane University is a community, and I encourage anyone interested to apply. Roll Wave!... Read 1,651 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $45,048

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  147 reviews

Alum: My relationship with Harvey Mudd is quite messy and convoluted. No single experience will suffice to describe in its entirety; however, hopefully there is something helpful to you in my description! Let's begin. One thing I will say, Harvey Mudd is very difficult. I assume you already know this if you are looking into it, but I want to stress that you will most definitely be challenged. There are many classes to get through, and they are very rigorous. There were a lot sleepless nights, several of which spent in the engineering basement. The constant flow of problem sets, quizzes, midterms and projects will keep you busy to say the least! That being said, there is a wonderful support system at Mudd. Being in graduate school now, I really miss the accessibility to professors and student tutors. Mudd does a really amazing job of fostering collaboration with fellow peers and you guys will grow very close from all the shared struggle. I miss spending every night with them studying!... Read 147 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $33,838

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  111 reviews

Freshman: Stanbridge takes pride in making sure that their students succeed and I can agree. Although it is only my first term, all the professors and advisors that I have met have been very helpful. Some improvements that can be made are with parking and technical difficulties. Despite the expansion of the overflow lot across the street, parking is still very difficult to find considering that there are so many cohorts on campus at one time. In my honest opinion, the Edverum website can be improved by being able to see your grades for all your classes on one page. Another thing that should be changed is where we can see all the assignments that are due during the week all on one page too. These two enhancements can help create an efficient workspace for students. On the other hand, I wish the communication was better between the staff and students. Other than that, I would recommend this school to others!... Read 111 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $36,905

• SAT range —

• Grinnell, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  439 reviews

Junior: I like to describe myself as an extroverted introvert - I like to socialize and hang out with friends, but I don't like being surrounded by large crowds on a regular basis, like in big universities. Grinnell, in that regard, is amazing. I met many of my close friends here and I am really grateful for all of them. Academically speaking, Grinnell is incredibly rigorous. If you are up to the challenge and are willing to put in the effort to keep your GPA high (yes that will inevitably be harder here than most other colleges), then you're in for a great, challenging, yet rewarding journey that will take you really far whether it be in the corporate or the academic spheres. That being said, one thing I would like to see change is Grinnell's needless focus on their luxurious endowment of 2+ billion dollars. Though that is a lot of money, barely any of it is going towards the students' benefit in my and many of my friends' experiences. Don't let the endowment talks sway your college choice!... Read 439 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $37,423

• SAT range 1370-1530

• West Point, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  466 reviews

Junior: Even though the past year has been tough because of COVID restrictions, I have had overall a pretty good time at West Point. The people here are mainly what makes it worth it--I've made friends that I know will last a lifetime. There are also endless opportunities (both during the semester and summer), especially if you want to get involved with research as an undergraduate. I have been able to publish my research in well known journals and conduct research alongside experts professors in the field I hope to pursue graduate school. The academics are not too hard, but it is very hit or miss in the core classes, because the instructors are randomly assigned and you don't get to choose. You might end up with someone not that great. However, in the upper division classes in the major, instructors are amazing and passionate about the subject. I really enjoy most parts about West Point and I look forward to commissioning as an army officer!... Read 466 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price —

• SAT range 1200-1440

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,513 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,513 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  428 reviews

Sophomore: Incredible students. They are all approachable, motivated, and conscientious. The resources presented to the students are off the charts. CMC pays you to take internships. If you need business attire, the school will cover it. If you want to travel to look at Grad Schools, the school will cover the cost. They take you on "Networking Treks" every few months, where you meet with Alumni and talk about your career paths. The food is great (you can eat from all 5 dining halls). If you take advantage of the schools resources and opportunities, you will be extremely successful. Because CMC students are confident, learning is collaborative, not competitive. Student engagement is not only encouraged, but expected. If you yearn to be in an environment of students who prioritize proactivity, CMC is the school that will put you on the path to success.... Read 428 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,059 reviews

Sophomore: I am starting to find my place at Tufts. The campus is vibrant and inclusive, and I appreciate the presence of identity houses that celebrate diversity and provide a strong sense of community. The range of on-campus activities is incredible, offering endless opportunities for personal growth and connection. Thanks to these activities, I had the chance to meet individuals who, like me, were low-income first-generation students and people of color. Building this network of these individuals allowed me to form genuine friendships and find myself a support system that understood my challenge. At times, I struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate compared to the academically accomplished majority of the student body, many of whom came from privileged backgrounds both racially and economically. But now, I am determined to no longer compare myself to others. I aim to embrace my own Tufts experience!... Read 1,059 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  469 reviews

Alum: Barnard is very unique, as it’s an undergraduate college of Columbia University (yes, that makes it an Ivy League) but also a tight-knit women’s college. The Columbia Daily Spectator calls it “the only women’s college in the Ivy League.” Lots of recruited athletes at Columbia can go to Barnard instead of CC (Columbia College). A lot of friends were recruited CU athletes at Barnard. It’s also different from other women’s colleges because it feels like a women’s dorm at Columbia. It’s sooo integrated and feels co-Ed! The leaders of most Columbia clubs are Barnard women tbh. It can be annoying to constantly explain to people that Barnard is 100% integrated with the other schools at CU though. The internships at Barnard are INSANE. I was a history major and got internships at top investment banks, big tech companies, famous TV shows and more. It was so easy to get a good job, in part because Barnard alums are obsessed with hiring other Barnard students. NYC was also so fun to be in.... Read 469 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $28,366

• SAT range 1380-1550

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,259 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Georgetown University as a Freshman has been phenomenal. The very first month has been the most memorable. Due to how open the community was, I was able to meet new people every single day and also, I was able to find my long-life friends immediately! The community was so diverse that I had never heard a single negative comment. It was purely all just having fun and sharing honest thoughts. Now, throughout the school year, as a Freshman, I went through many obstacles. One of the most common ones is sickness. However, because of the flexibility that the professors had, I was able to succeed in class. Georgetown's flexibility and resources are so great that even though I was sick some days, I still had a smile on my face. Although it's only my first year, I can definitely say that I started off with no regrets.... Read 1,259 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $23,049

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Laurinburg, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  171 reviews

Niche User: The tour I got was amazing! I got to see all aspect of the school and inside of the dorms. I got to tour the whole campus which helped me see all the good and bad part of the school. I love the way the school has different things for any and everyone. In the school itself, you feel like a family. Its not just a school you're going to for 4 years, you meet people you'll be friends with for the rest of your life... Read 171 reviews

• grade C

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $19,862

• SAT range 780-1150

• Usaf Academy, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  286 reviews

Alum: The Air Force Academy challenges you and makes you better in every way possible. Cadets sacrifice many traditional college experiences compared to their peers at civilian colleges, but the unique opportunities the cadets get are unlike any other!... Read 286 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price —

• SAT range 1210-1490

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  3,993 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 3,993 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,647 reviews

Junior: To start, living on my own in the city has been an authentic experience that has helped me grow as a young adult, taking on new responsibilities and meeting different people! Overall, college is what you make it. There are so many resources and opportunities, some clearly offered and pushed, and some just found by research or who you know (so be friendly and make connections!). Regarding classes, my professors are very inspiring, with expertise and experience. With the educational aspect, you'll learn the concrete information (rules and details of a concept) by studying and reading; you have to put in your own effort if you want to learn, either on your own time out of class, or for an assignment. Discussions and work in class with the professor are more on the abstract side of things, regarding ideals and philosophies, making you think about the world around you and how you can make a positive impact. Content and work differs by class, but your education relies on your effort!... Read 5,647 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,558 reviews

Alum: I am thankful for my undergraduate experience at Washington University in St. Louis. The college has great connections for post-grad opportunities in multiple fields - business, medicine, research, engineering. I was easily able to switch between the Arts & Sciences program and the Business School at the end of my sophomore year. There is a huge focus on medicine, so even for other career paths there are healthcare adjacent offerings (e.g. Healthcare Management, Bio Medical Engineering, Global Health, Psychology/Neuroscience/Philosophy). The brand name and resources do carry for other non-health related professions too. The classwork can be tough so it's best you find out which paths are a good fit for you in terms of academic rigor, class size, and teaching style. Your counselors can help with this. Good size of the school - not too big to get lost, but not too small to know everyone and the campus is very very beautiful! I suggest visiting and talking to alum to learn more!... Read 1,558 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,592 reviews

Freshman: I have the pleasure of attending Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and overall, my experience has been extremely positive. Emory is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. The university boasts an impressive faculty, a plethora of academic programs, and a vibrant campus community. However, I do believe there is room for Emory to improve in a couple of areas. The administrative processes, at times, can be a bit cumbersome and bureaucratic. Streamlining these processes would alleviate some frustrations for both students and faculty. Additionally, while Emory has a multitude of extracurricular activities, there is a need for more community engagement opportunities that connect students with the surrounding Atlanta area.... Read 1,592 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,367

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Middlebury, VT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  523 reviews

Senior: Middlebury's location offers a unique experience to students where you are connected to nature, the community and your studies. I come from a big city, so the remote location terrified me, but I learned how valuable community and environment are through my studies in Middlebury. Professors have been so gracious and understanding throughout my four years, and made higher education so fun and inviting. As a Black person and an international student, I was also nervous about the demographics of Middlebury, but I quickly found my people and have made such strong bonds here. I have felt financially supported, academically challenged, and constantly inspired during my time in Middlebury. The change that I hope to see in Middlebury is and increase in the wages of staff members of the community. The workers here do so much for the community and deserve to be fairly compensated for their it.... Read 523 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,958

• SAT range 1380-1530

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,465 reviews

Alum: I went to CMU for undergraduate and graduate school. As an undergraduate science major, I often had trouble completing my assignments despite being the valedictorian of my high school. Many years later I realized the school was trying to teach us how to problem solve, learn things on our own, and get used to the feeling of being lost. In another word, they were training us to be leaders and pioneers. In hindsight, I wish we had career and academic counselors assigned to each student at CMU so we could talk to someone when we were struggling. Tepper was an entirely difference experience. It was hard work, but I got excellent career support and I didn't feel as lost as I did at Mellon College of Science. My Tepper education went a long way in helping me to pass all three levels of CFA exams on my first try. Thank Goodness! After six years at CMU, I was completely prepared to tackle any projects that came my way. I guess all that hard work was worth it.... Read 1,465 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $37,450

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Clinton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  484 reviews

Freshman: It's an amazing campus with beautiful and kind professors, students, staff, etc. Everyone is willing to help you and no one leaves you hanging. I'd really recommend checking out this college to see if it's for you!... Read 484 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $26,803

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Colorado Springs, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  790 reviews

Sophomore: I like Colorado College, and the block plan and small size really intrigued me into coming here, even though I'm not a native Coloradan. It's definitely a great location if you love the outdoors. Those are the main reasons I chose this school. I quickly learned that I could fit in here! However, from being here for two months, I have noticed some of the struggles the area and the school has, including housing and crime. Many cities have these issues, but CC in the Greater Colorado Springs area has tried to fix them to a degree, but there's clearly still work to be done... Not to be too pessimistic, however, I will say though that I've met many really nice people on CC's campus, especially the students, although I do tend to see the liberal and privileged side of things in a simple classroom environment often. I would say for this school to truly be diverse as they say, CC needs more diverse viewpoints as a whole. For now, CC has an amazing mathematics department, and that's my major.... Read 790 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $30,200

• SAT range —

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  4,412 reviews

Freshman: In my experience at University of California Berkeley, the blissful nature encompassing the university had me feeling included in the school. The nature is like my second home and Berkeley is covered with them. During my visit to Berkeley, my family and I went to many places such as the cities and stores that surrounded the buildings. My sibling’s dormitory had a great access to the town’s parking and coffee shops. While in Berkeley, my sibling reminded me that everybody is not here to “compete with you,” but you build a community to help everyone through troubled times. I can relate to this since my high school is competitive in sports and education. Moreover, through my sibling’s experience, I should compete against myself because I know myself, my interests, and have the ability to overcome obstacles. As the saying goes by Mandela, “It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” I would love to expand the university’s art programs because UC Berkeley has chances to improve!... Read 4,412 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  96 reviews

Junior: Nothing could have prepared me for how amazing Cooper Union actually was. Not only am I attending this university with a very close friend of mine from high school, I’ve been able to make life long friends with people who are just as passionate and motivated as I am. The opportunities that Cooper Union offers are seemingly endless and guaranteed fruitful. The faculty are among some of the best and most innovative practicing architects who use their own experience to validate their methodology in teaching in profound ways. Additionally, the resources they offer the students to get better connected amongst each other, the faculty, and the school as a whole. Although I have had my fair share of love-hate moments with my courses and my assignments, I am well aware that the school is teaching me things that I never thought I’d be able to be exposed to.... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $20,757

• SAT range 1330-1500

• Notre Dame, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,411 reviews

Alum: Best decision I ever made. Extraordinary undergraduate engagement through inspired teaching and mentoring. Lifelong friendships with faculty and peers. A commitment to reasoned discourse. Study abroad encouraged and facilitated even if pre med. Gorgeous campus. Inclusive residential life. Brilliant yet helpful classmates from every state and over 100 countries. I still regularly talk to my roommates 34 years later. Unparalleled sports with far reaching esprit de corps. As an undergraduate English Philosophy Pre Med Major whose now a Pediatric Psychiatrist, I would love to do it all again. When I occasionally go back to campus I love perusing the bookstore stacks to see what kids are reading these days in the disciplines. I remain grateful they have not abandoned their mission to form young people to be a force for good in the world. When I talk to current students, they give me hope.... Read 1,411 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $30,513

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,166 reviews

Sophomore: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Georgia Tech. The campus is beautiful, there are plenty of community engagements, and the environment is friendly. Of course, let this not distract from the fact that Georgia Tech is a school that requires a lot of discipline. The library will be your deep friend as you get assignments complete. All in all, however, this school is far from impossible; there were some days I had enough time to play basketball for four hours after class! If you manage your time, stay focused, and find a community, you'll have an absolute blast at Georgia Tech.... Read 2,166 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $17,360

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  623 reviews

Sophomore: As a sophomore, my knowledge may be slightly limited, but my experience with Wellesley College has been pretty good! It's a lovely campus with beautiful older buildings, small classes, and friendly students. Although the social life may be limited, I enjoy the smaller campus personally gives more of a sense of community. But I will say the dining hall food requires attention, the food served is often repetitive and gets bland quickly. Though I believe it might be because of limited resources, but that should not leave to being served chicken nuggets and fries three to four times a week. The faculty are nice and for the most part approachable, and willing to help out! There is opportunities to get involved, either through organizations or work-study. And research opportunities are available through faculty, professors (mainly in the sciences) have positions in personal labs. And various programs are available for research during the summer! Overall, so far so good and enjoying my time!... Read 623 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $21,862

• SAT range 1400-1540