Hardest School to Get into in the World: Top 10 List

Imagine spending years perfecting your GPA, acing standardized tests, and pouring your heart into extracurriculars—only to find yourself competing against tens of thousands of students for just a handful of spots. That’s the reality at some of the world’s most selective universities and the current hardest school to get into.

The admissions standards at these schools are incredibly rigorous, and only the best of the best students are admitted. These schools can afford to be highly selective about who they choose to admit because of the high number of applications they receive for only a few available seats.

What To Take Away from This List

  • The hardest universities to get into have acceptance rates below 5%, meaning only a small fraction of applicants secure a spot.
  • Ivy League schools and top technical institutes dominate the list due to their rigorous academic standards and global reputation.
  • Competitive applicants showcase stellar GPAs, top standardized test scores, leadership in extracurriculars, and unique personal achievements.
  • Schools assess more than just academics—personal essays, recommendation letters, and demonstrated passion can set applicants apart.
  • While challenging, gaining admission is possible with early preparation, strategic applications, and a compelling personal story.

The 2023 list of hardest schools to get into contains the same schools as 2022, but with quite a bit of movement up and down the list. Currently, Harvard University topped the list with a whopping 3% acceptance rate in 2023!

Around the world, here are the hardest schools to get into.

College # of Applications in 2023 # of Students Accepted in 2023 Acceptance Rate in 2023
Harvard University  56,937  1,708 3.0%
California Institute of Technology  13,107  434 3.3%
Minerva University  9,856  394 4.0%
Stanford University  53,733  2,149 4.0%
Columbia University in the City of New York  57,613  2,496 4.3%
Princeton University  39,644  1,786 4.5%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology  26,904  1,345 5.0%
University of Chicago  38,631  1,931 5.0%
Yale University  51,803  2,590 5.0%
Brown University  51,316  2,642 5.2%

Why Are These Colleges and Universities Hard to Get Into?

As you will see in the list, most of the world’s most demanding universities to get into have been around for several decades. They have built their prestigious reputation slowly and steadily by focusing on academic excellence, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities. All faculty members are highly accomplished and hand-picked for excellence and recognition in their field. Another factor all of these universities have in common is their world-famous alumni.

At the moment, all of the world’s hardest universities to get into are located in the U.S. Of these, Ivy League schools with their low admission rates regularly earn the top spots on this list. Each offers high-quality education and, as a result, looks for high academic requirements among its applications. The combination of these factors results in competitive acceptance rates.

While these schools are incredibly competitive, don’t let the numbers discourage you. If you’re passionate, prepared, and persistent, you could be among the few who earn a coveted acceptance letter.

No origination fees or prepayment penalties

Fixed rates from 3.70% - 8.75% APR with auto-debit

Learn More

What Do These Top Hardest Colleges Have in Common

Aside from receiving thousands of applications from well-rounded students, these highly selective higher education institutions also have some other things in common:

  • 8 of the 10 colleges on this list are also on the top 10 best colleges
  • 5 on this list are Ivy League Schools
  • The University of Chicago is the only school on this list that isn’t on the east or west coasts of the United States
  • Almost every school on this list looks for a 34 or higher on the ACT or a 1,490 or higher on the SAT
    • Minerva University doesn’t release their students’ test averages, however.
  • Every school on this list is a private not-for-profit.
  • Every school on this list, except Minerva University, has a Carnegie classification of Doctoral/Research Universities – Extensive.

Top 10 Hardest Universities to Get into In The World

1. HARVARD UNIVERSITY (3.0% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user Ian Lamont

Harvard is synonymous with prestige, producing U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and world leaders. Its ultra-competitive admissions process requires near-perfect academic records, leadership, and standout personal essays.

2. CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (3.3% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user Tobin

Caltech’s rigorous STEM programs and small student body make it highly selective. Successful applicants boast top test scores (ACT 35-36, SAT 1540-1590) and a strong passion for research and innovation.

3. MINERVA UNIVERSITY (4.0% Acceptance Rate)

Unlike traditional universities, Minerva’s global curriculum and online-first model make it unique. Admissions focus on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability rather than standardized test scores.

4. STANFORD UNIVERSITY (4.0% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user Michael Estigoy

A tech industry powerhouse, Stanford seeks students who excel academically and demonstrate innovation, leadership, and impact beyond the classroom. Its alumni include Nobel laureates and Silicon Valley titans.

5. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY (4.3% Acceptance Rate)

Columbia University in the City of New York - Best Medium-sized Colleges

Alex Proimos – Walking Through Columbia University

Columbia values holistic applications, considering academic rigor, extracurriculars, and unique personal experiences. Strong leadership and a passion for contributing to the school community are crucial.

6. PRINCETON UNIVERSITY (4.5% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user Jon Niola

Princeton offers generous financial aid and prioritizes students with strong academic records, AP coursework, and meaningful extracurriculars. It seeks applicants committed to academic excellence and service.

7. MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (5.0% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user Stacey Kizer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the leading technical colleges in the US. Some of Silicon Valley’s most well-known IT giants are graduates. MIT focuses on collaboration and problem-solving skills. Strong math and science foundations, along with hands-on innovation, give applicants an edge.

8. UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (5.0% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user Don Burkett

Known for its intellectual rigor, UChicago values students who embrace inquiry, critical thinking, and strong academic performance. Unique personal essays help applicants stand out.

9. YALE UNIVERSITY (5.0% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user m01229

Yale evaluates applicants beyond academics, focusing on personal essays and recommendations to assess a student’s potential contribution to campus life and intellectual growth.

10. BROWN UNIVERSITY (5.2% Acceptance Rate)

Flickr user thurdl01

The 7th oldest institution of education in the United States (founded in 1764), Brown has produced Nobel prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of the U.S. Congress. Brown favors creativity and independence in applicants. It values problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and self-expression over rigid academic formulas.

How To Get Into the Hardest Schools

Gaining admission to the world’s most selective universities requires more than just academic excellence. It takes a well-rounded profile, and knowledge of what these institutions are looking for in applicants. Here are key steps to improve your chances of acceptance.

  • Excel Academically. Aim for top grades, AP/honors courses, and standardized test scores (if required). Most elite schools expect GPAs above 4.0 and SAT scores near 1500+.
  • Stand Out Beyond Grades. These universities want well-rounded students with leadership roles, unique extracurricular activities, and tangible achievements in their field of interest.
  • A Compelling Personal Story. Your essays should reflect passion, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. Schools want to see what makes you unique.
  • Strong Letters of Recommendation. Choose recommenders who can speak to your character, impact, and academic achievements with detail and confidence.
  • Demonstrate Interest and Fit. Show your understanding about the school and why it aligns with your goals. If possible, visit campuses, attend virtual events, or engage with professors.
  • Apply Strategically. Consider Early Decision or Early Action options, which often offer higher acceptance rates.
  • Prepare for Interviews. Some schools require interviews—treat them as a chance to showcase personality, interests, and how you align with the institution.

Finding the Best Fit School for You

The list of the world’s hardest universities to get into may seem overwhelming. However, don’t let the low acceptance rates discourage you from applying. With resilience and effort, you could be one of the few students accepted. The key is to research ahead of time and create a shortlist of the universities you’re interested in attending. Take note of their admissions criteria and work consistently to meet those requirements. You’ve got this!

Are you dreaming of attending one of these top-tier universities? Take the first step today by using College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool. See your chances of admission, explore financial aid options, and build a roadmap to your dream school!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.