Hardest colleges to get into?

Hey guys, I recently saw a CBS News article about the hardest colleges to get into. What do you think are the top ones these days? Would love some insight as I start preparing my college list!

Hello! While the rankings can change slightly each year, there are some colleges that consistently rank as the hardest to get into due to their very low acceptance rates and high average test scores/grades of successful applicants. Here's a list of some of the most competitive colleges in the United States:

1. Harvard University

2. Stanford University

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

5. Yale University

6. Princeton University

7. University of Chicago

8. Columbia University

9. University of Pennsylvania

10. Duke University

Considerations like acceptance rate, test scores, and GPA provide a rough idea of their selectivity, but don't forget that these institutions use a holistic admissions approach. They evaluate applicants on factors such as extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendation letters in addition to academic metrics.

As you prepare your college list, it's important to not only focus on the most selective schools. Balance your list with a mix of reach, match, and safety schools based on your profile and preferences. Be realistic about your chances, and make sure you research each school to find out what they're looking for in their applicants and whether the school is a good fit for your personal interests and needs.

Good luck as you start your college search!