List of the most competitive colleges?

Hey all, just out of curiosity, what are some of the most competitive colleges to get into? Not just in terms of acceptance rate, but overall applicant competitiveness? Greatly appreciate any insights!

There are many colleges in the United States that are highly competitive, where applicants generally need strong grades, rigorous coursework, impressive extracurriculars, and compelling essays to increase their odds of admission. I'll list some below:

1. Harvard University - Known for being the oldest university in the United States and one of the most prestigious, admission at Harvard is extremely competitive.

2. Stanford University - Located in California's Silicon Valley, Stanford is well-known for its rigorous academics and influential alumni in disciplines like tech and entrepreneurship.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Renowned for science, engineering, and technology, competitiveness for admission is high.

4. Princeton University - Another Ivy League institution known for rigorous academics and strong programs across all disciplines.

5. Columbia University - Noted for its thriving community in New York City and strong programs in a plethora of fields.

6. Yale University - Another Ivy League institution with an array of robust programs and world-class faculty.

7. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Another institution known for its strength in the natural sciences and engineering.

8. University of Chicago - Located in the heart of Chicago, it's known for rigorous academics and great economics and social sciences programs.

9. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) - Known for its strong programs, particularly in business and nursing.

10. Brown University - Known for a distinctive open curriculum that allows students to design a personalized course of study.

11. Dartmouth College - Known for strong programs in a rural and close-knit community setting.

These are just some examples. Each of them looks at a number of factors beyond acceptance rate, such as student grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, to make an admission decision. It's important to remember that while these schools are competitive, there are many great institutions in the U.S. and around the world where students can receive a quality education.