2024 Hardest Colleges to Get Into

It's no secret that there are some colleges out there that are more difficult to get into than others. These schools, often referred to as “the hardest to get into colleges,” usually have some of the most rigorous admissions processes and require a certain level of excellence from their applicants.

What Makes Certain Colleges More Difficult to Gain Entry?

The main factor that makes colleges hard to get into is their selective admissions process. These schools typically receive more applicants than they have spots available, which means that they have to be very selective in who they accept. Additionally, many hard-to-get-into colleges have high academic requirements for admission. This can mean higher minimum GPA or test scores for admission. Finally, the cost of attending these colleges is often significantly higher than other schools, meaning students who are accepted will have to commit to taking on substantial debt.

So, if you're interested in attending one of these hard-to-get-into colleges, what can you do to give yourself the best chance of admission? To start, focus on building a strong extracurricular profile. Colleges want to know that you’re passionate and engaged outside of the classroom and will be a contributing member of the college community. Additionally, dedicate some time to researching colleges and learning what they’re looking for in an applicant. This will help you determine which schools are the best fit for you and make sure that you’re applying to the right ones.

When submitting an application, be sure to tell a story that conveys who you are and why you want to attend the school. Showing the admissions committee who you are as an individual will help them understand why you would be a great fit for the college. Finally, get strong recommendations from your teachers, counselors, and other mentors. These letters of recommendation can help to bolster your application and demonstrate to the admissions committee why you're a competitive applicant.

What Is the hardest college to get into?

Hampshire College

If you're up for an extreme challenge, look no further than Hampshire College. Although it ranks at #154 on our best colleges overall ranking, it tops the list of hardest to get into colleges, accepting less than 2% of all applicants. Known as a small, private liberal arts college, it has just 1,233 students and offers approximately 70 different majors - particularly well known for its creative writing and computer software programs. Although exclusive, the price of admission is far from affordable, coming in at $50,030 per year - which is one of the more expensive colleges in all of America.

Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music takes the second slot on our list of hardest to get into colleges. It offers the best education for aspiring musicians and composers, with an acceptance rate of just 4%. This elite school has just 171 students, and offers many specialties like instrumental and vocal performance, composition, and theory. With a mission that focuses on performance and training, it's no wonder why it's so hard to get in.

Stanford University

Coming in third is Stanford University, with an acceptance rate of 4%, and ranks at #2 in our list of best colleges overall. Its student body is large and diverse, with over 20,000 students hailing from nearly every state and overseas. Despite the large size, Stanford offers small class sizes and provides its students with the best educational opportunities and world-class facilities. With a tuition price of $52,857 per year, it's one of the more expensive universities, but it's well worth the price of admission.

Harvard University

Harvard University is at number four with an acceptance rate of a mere 5%, making it one of the most prestigious colleges in the entire country. With 41,987 students, it is the largest university on our list, and offers its students a comprehensive curriculum. With its long and storied history, attending Harvard is an experience that you can't replicate anywhere else. Tied for third in our overall best colleges ranking, its tuition is also a pricey $47,730 per year.

Pacific Oaks College

Finally, rounding out the list of hardest to get into colleges is Pacific Oaks College. This small, private college located in Pasadena, CA has an acceptance rate of just 5%, and only 1,651 students. Its programs focus on providing its students with a humanistic and experience-based approach to learning. Tuition here is quite affordable at just $13,478 per year, making it a great choice for those who want an elite education at a discounted price.

Are Hard To Get Into Colleges Right For You?

Although it can be appealing to pursue colleges that are hard to get into, partly due to job opportunities but also due to the feeling of exclusivity, prospective students should take note that these generally come with a very expensive price tag.

So in conclusion, applying to colleges with challenging admission requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. By leveraging extracurriculars, researching schools, telling your story, and getting good recommendation letters, you can give yourself a better chance of being accepted. With the right amount of effort and determination, practically every college is accessible to any student, but we recommend using caution in your search to not overexert on a focus that may not return as much value in return for gaining admission.