World's most competitive colleges to get into - Can someone share a list?

I'm trying to set some long-term goals for myself, and for that, I want to know which colleges I should be aiming for. Does anybody have information on the top 10 hardest colleges to get into globally? What makes them so competitive?

Sure, I'd be happy to share a list for you! Please note that the level of competitiveness isn't just about the acceptance rate, it's also largely due to the high caliber of applicants. Here are some of the most competitive colleges globally:

1. Stanford University: Notable for its rigorous academic curriculum, it also has a low acceptance rate due to the high volume of competitive applicants.

2. Harvard University: Known for its strong programs across disciplines and reputation for excellence. Many applicants have top-notch academic and extracurricular profiles, making admissions very competitive.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Particularly renowned for its STEM programs, it attracts a large number of extremely talented and academically strong applicants.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): A small, highly focused science and engineering research institution making competition intense for the few spots available.

5. University of Cambridge: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, known for its rigorous academic programs and selectivity.

6. University of Oxford: Similar to Cambridge, the competition is fierce because of its academic prestige and reputation for excellence.

7. Princeton University: Offers a range of programs and is selective due to highly qualified applicants and limited spots.

8. University of Chicago: Known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on intellectual life which attracts high-caliber applicants worldwide.

9. Columbia University: Renowned for its strong programs, particularly in humanities and social sciences. Its location in New York City is also a major attraction for applicants.

10. Yale University: Famous for its undergraduate residential college system and law school, it receives applications from many high-achieving students.

These schools are competitive because of their academic rigor, exceptional faculty, research opportunities, and reputation. A high number of applicants means that, even among applicants with exceptional academic and extracurricular profiles, only a small percentage can be accepted. So, focusing not only on grades but also on unique experiences and interests, as well as demonstrating a 'spike' or area of special expertise, can be beneficial in standing out in these highly competitive applicant pools.