Toughest state universities to get into - Any ideas?

Greetings! I'm doing a bit of research on state universities but I have a question - which are the hardest state universities to get into? How much more competitive are these compared to other state schools?

Hello! That's a great question. When it comes to public or state universities, some of the most competitive ones in terms of admission rates are often part of the University of California (UC) system. As an example, UC Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11.5% while UCLA is approximately 24%. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 17%, and University of Virginia (UVa) is approximately16.5%.

Many flagship public universities in states like Illinois (UIUC), Wisconsin (UW Madison), and Florida (UF) also have highly competitive admissions rates, especially for some of their more popular programs like engineering or business.

It's important to bear in mind that the level of competition at these institutions is relative to other state universities. There's a wide range of state schools with varying levels of selectivity. In the same state, you could have one public university with a 15% acceptance rate and another with an 80% acceptance rate.

Another factor contributing to the competitiveness of these schools is the sheer volume of applications they receive each year. This is particularly true for the UC system, which receives tens of thousands of applications per year due to its size, reputation, and large in-state applicant pool.

For a more accurate estimation of selectivity, you might want to look at their average admitted student's GPA and test scores, in addition to the acceptance rate. However, remember that admission does not solely depend on these numeric factors, as several other elements like extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are taken into account during holistic admission review processes. Not to mention, different programs may have different levels of selectivity within the same school.

So, it's always a good idea to do some research on the specific programs you're interested in at these universities. Plus, remember, the "toughest" or most competitive school may not necessarily be the best fit for you depending on your academic interests, personal goals, and desired campus environment.