What defines selective schools?

Hi there! I'm starting to research colleges, and I keep hearing about 'selective schools'. Can someone clarify what this term means, and maybe give some examples of these types of schools?

Hello! In the context of college admissions, the term "selective schools" refers to colleges or universities that are particularly competitive in their admissions process. The selectivity of a school is often measured by its acceptance rate, with lower acceptance rates indicating higher selectivity. However, it's important to note that selectivity isn't just about the acceptance rate but also the strength of the admitted students' academic profiles, such as their test scores, GPA, class rank, and rigorous coursework.

Selective schools are known for their strong reputations, high-quality education, and vibrant campus communities, attracting a large number of applicants each year. As a result, they only admit a smaller percentage of students, making the admissions process more competitive. Some examples of selective schools in the United States are the Ivy League institutions—Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Penn, and Cornell—along with other prestigious schools like Stanford, MIT, Caltech, Duke, and the University of Chicago.

Keep in mind that selectivity can vary from one institution to another, and there are many excellent schools beyond the commonly-cited names. When researching colleges, it's essential to consider an array of factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial aid, rather than basing your decision solely on selectivity.

Ultimately, the key is to find schools that align with your interests, goals, and strengths, and where you believe you'll be successful and happy. Remember to include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools in your college list to ensure you have a well-balanced range of options.