Hardest colleges in the world to get into?

So, I'm curious about colleges not only in the US, but globally. What are some of the hardest colleges to get into worldwide? It might be cool to consider some international options.

Globally, several institutions are known for their rigorous admission processes, where competition is extreme and acceptance rates are low. Here are a handful of them:

1. Harvard University (United States): Known globally, Harvard is often on top as the hardest to get into. An Ivy League school with a rich legacy and strong visitation programs, Harvard has extremely competitive admission criteria.

2. Stanford University (United States): Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and famed for its engineering, computer science, and business programs, Stanford University has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US.

3. University of Oxford (United Kingdom): One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It offers rigorous academic programs and is known for demanding high standards from prospective candidates.

4. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom): Like Oxford, getting into Cambridge requires exceptional academic grades, as well as strong performance in their unique admission assessments and interviews.

5. Tokyo University (Japan): Highly reputed for its research input and output, Tokyo University accepts only a small percentage of applicants each year. It's especially well-regarded in the fields of engineering and natural sciences.

6. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) (India): These autonomous public institutes are highly selective, only admitting a small fraction of the approximately 1 million students who attempt the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) each year. IITs are renowned for their engineering and technology programs.

Remember that admission to these universities requires a strong academic record, outstanding standardized test scores (if applicable), powerful letters of recommendation, impressive extracurriculars, and a meaningful personal essay. For international students, language proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS are also often a required part of the application process.

Before deciding to apply to any of these schools, make sure to research what each university values in their applicants, understand the culture of the institutions, and consider whether you would be a good fit there. It's also essential to have balance in your college list, which includes reach, match, and safety schools.