What’s the Hardest College To Get Into in the World?

The most famous Ivy League university has one of the lowest acceptance rates anywhere: just around 3 percent.

Harvard University expects near-perfect test scores, standout leadership skills, and a college essay that shows deep intellectual curiosity. Its admissions team looks for students who not only excel academically but also elevate the campus culture.

Stanford is not part of the Ivy League, but it's just as hard to get into. With an acceptance rate under 4 percent, Stanford values innovation, initiative, and strong performance in STEM subjects.

It offers a high-quality education and experiential learning opportunities in California's Silicon Valley.

One of the most selective Ivy League colleges, Columbia sits in the heart of New York City. Its core curriculum and competitive edge draw applicants from all over the world.

Columbia's admissions officers look for students with exceptional grades, stellar SAT scores, and an affinity for academic excellence.

Caltech is a small private research university with a laser focus on science and engineering. With an undergraduate admission rate around 3 percent in recent years, this institute of technology demands more than just strong test scores.

Admitted students often show deep interest in research and demonstrate unique problem-solving abilities.

MIT ranks high among the best colleges globally, especially in computer science and STEM fields. It has one of the lowest acceptance rates in higher education, roughly 4.5 percent in the most recent data. MIT's admissions team prioritizes creativity, collaborative spirit, and outstanding academic records.

Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Its selective admissions process includes interviews, academic tests, and personal statements.

The university sees fewer applications than U.S. schools, but Oxford's standards are uncompromising.

Tsinghua is China's top university and a global leader in science, engineering, and political thought.

It has an extremely low acceptance rate for domestic applicants (often well under 1 percent in top provinces) and a higher but still competitive rate for international applicants (roughly 10 to 15 percent).

Students accepted here have top ACT scores or their international equivalents.

This Ivy League university in New Jersey is renowned for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and academic rigor. Princeton requires students to fulfill general education distribution requirements and has a strong focus on independent research.

Its acceptance rate remains under 4 percent, making it a highly selective college.

Yale balances academic excellence with a commitment to the arts, leadership, and public service. As one of the most prestigious colleges in the Ivy League, it maintains a low acceptance rate and admits students who impress across multiple disciplines.

Though not a traditional liberal arts or STEM-focused institution, Juilliard is the hardest college to get into for performing arts.

Located in New York City, it accepts around 9 percent of applicants. Admissions officers judge talent through live auditions, making it a uniquely selective university.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.