You expect it will be difficult to get into some of the more prestigious universities. There are, however, a few schools that are notoriously hard to get into because they are so competitive. Only the best of the best are accepted, and their admissions standards are extremely rigorous.
Due to the high number of applications they receive for the few available seats, these universities are able to be highly selective about who they choose to admit. Stanford, the hardest school to get into in the world, receives on average over 55,000 applications per year. Less than 2,200 students are admitted out of these thousands of applications. 3.9% is a very low admission rate.
Harvard University:
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Harvard is a private Ivy League research university with a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence. Founded in 1636, Harvard offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including law, medicine, business, and engineering.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech):
Located in Pasadena, California, USA, Caltech is a private research university that specializes in science and engineering. Founded in 1891, Caltech has a small student body but a high faculty-to-student ratio and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of science and engineering.
Stanford University:
Located in Stanford, California, USA, Stanford is a private research university that is known for its innovation and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1885, Stanford offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including business, law, engineering, medicine, and humanities.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, MIT is a private research university that is known for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology. Founded in 1861, MIT offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including engineering, science, architecture, and humanities.
University of Oxford:
Located in Oxford, UK, Oxford is a collegiate research university that is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Founded in 1096, Oxford offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
University of Cambridge:
Located in Cambridge, UK, Cambridge is a collegiate research university that is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Founded in 1209, Cambridge offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Princeton University:
Located in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, Princeton is a private Ivy League research university that is known for its undergraduate program and focus on undergraduate teaching. Founded in 1746, Princeton offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including engineering, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Yale University:
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, Yale is a private Ivy League research university that is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education. Founded in 1701, Yale offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including law, medicine, business, and arts and sciences.
Columbia University:
Located in New York City, USA, Columbia is a private Ivy League research university that is known for its strong research programs and diverse student body. Founded in 1754, Columbia offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including law, medicine, business, and arts and sciences.
Imperial College London:
Located in London, UK, Imperial College London is a public research university that is known for its excellence in science, engineering, and medicine. Founded in 1907, Imperial College offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including engineering, science, medicine, and business.
Final Thoughts On The World’s Hardest Universities To Get Into
It may seem impossible to get into the world’s hardest universities. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply despite those low acceptance rates. If you work hard and are determined, you might be one of those select few students accepted. It’s important to do your homework in advance and shortlist the universities you’d like to attend. Take note of their admissions criteria and strive to meet them consistently. It’s possible!