The reputed universities bring a lot of benefits. However, it is too difficult to get into them. They get too choosy and bring a rigorous selection process. Most top universities are located in the US and are known for research opportunities and academic excellence. It is too difficult to get into Ivy League schools. Some universities mentioned in this article do not belong to the Ivy League, Still, they have challenging selection processes and among the list of most difficult university to get into in the world.
What Is The Most Difficult University To Get Into In The World?
Harvard University tops the list of most difficult university to get into in the world. It has an acceptance rate of 3.2%, as of 2023. The other top universities are Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, Stanford University, and Yale University.
Harvard University
In Harvard University, the students must send all their possible achievements to Harvard University, which will help them get in. It was founded in 1636. It gives individual attention to every applicant and is the oldest university in the US. The applicants must submit School reports, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and supplemental materials.
The applicant must score 35 on ACT, 1580 on SAT, and more than or equal to a 4.18 GPA. Otherwise, he/she will get rejected. The acceptance rate, as of 2023, is 3.2%. According to the official website, only 1,984 out of 61,221 applicants get admitted for 2026. Most students are from the Middle Atlantic.
Other Difficult Universities To Get Into In The World
The following are the other such universities across the globe:
- Stanford University
It was founded in 1885. The most important text is the high school transcript. However, their selection process does not depend on any numerical formula. Thus, the university, located in California, does not have minimum requirements for the AP, honors, or GPA, according to the official website.
However, half of the selected applicants scored 34 or 35 on ACT and between 1470 and 1570 on SAT. The acceptance rate is 4%.
- Princeton University
Princeton University, located in New Jersey, was founded in 1746. The acceptance rate in this private university is 4%. More than or equal to a 3.9 GPA is required to get admitted here. Similarly, an ACT of score 35 and SAT of 1570 is required. It is too difficult to get into this institution, though its acceptance rate is more than that of Harvard University.
- Yale University
The applicant must have a GPA equal to or more than 4.14. Yale University was founded in 1701 and is located in Connecticut. The overall acceptance rate according to 2023 is 5.9%. SAT score must be between 720 and 770, and the ACT score must be between 33 to 35. International students go through the same application requirements as local students.
- Columbia University
Columbia University, established in 1754, is located in New York City. It has an overall acceptance rate of 7%, as of 2023. ACT score must be 34 or 35, and SAT score must be between 1440 and 1570. However, the university will look into the applicant’s standardized exam scores if they choose to submit them.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT got established in 186. The minimum SAT score must be 1570 and the ACT score must be 36. The overall acceptance rate in this institute is 4%. No quotas or alumni relations get considered here. Every application gets assessed uniquely, and the selection process is student-centered in this giant private university in Cambridge
- California Institute Of Technology
It was called ‘Throop University’ since its establishment in 1891. It got its current name in 1920. It has a 6.7% acceptance rate as of 2023. It does not consider the SAT and ACT scores at all. However, it requires an English proficiency test. The applicant must have resilience, creativity, single-minded determination, a love of math, and a collaborative spirit.
- London School of Economics and Political Science
Founded in 1895, LSE has an overall acceptance rate of 8%, and that for international students is 5.6%. The GPA must be more than 3.5 and SAT must be 1,510. It is a public research university. The applicant must present the English language qualification if he/she has a first language other than English. Outstanding academic performance and A-level grades are considered here.
Conclusion
Though the universities mentioned in this article are too difficult to get into, the candidates must not get demotivated. They must go ahead and apply. But, the big decision requires some time. The candidates must consider the cost of living, location, and more before applying. These universities can be eye-opening and eye-watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which University Is The Most Elite/Prestigious In The World?
Harvard University is the most elite. Then we have the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of Oxford.
- Which University Has Produced The Most Well-Known Personalities?
New York University has produced the most well-known personalities. The other such universities are the University Of California, Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, and Brown University.
