World's Most Desired Colleges

This is slightly different, but I'm quite curious. I know some colleges are popular across the globe but are there any lists or resources about the most popular colleges worldwide that students universally aspire to get into?

There isn't a definitive list comparing the popularity of colleges worldwide as desired choices among students due to the vast differences in cultures, individual aspirations, and educational goals across different regions. However, there are several universities renowned globally, often making it to the top of world university rankings.

Universities usually preferred by students across the globe tend to be those recognized for their academic rigor, research, and high rankings. Some of these globally recognized institutions include Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and University of Cambridge. These schools often have extensive global research collaborations and alumni networks, giving them a strong international presence

That said, specific aspirations and fields of study can dramatically shift this perspective. For example, aspiring artists might aspire to attend Central Saint Martins in London, a world-renowned art and design college. On the other hand, students eager to lead developments in technology might aim for institutions recognized for their strength in that area, like Carnegie Mellon University or California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Remember that the 'popularity' of a university doesn't always correlate to its 'fit' for a particular student. The best college for a student is one that helps them to achieve their academic, personal, and career goals, which may not always be the most universally desired one. This is one of the reasons why having a good college list that balances reach, target, and safety schools to ensure a diverse and fitting set of options is so important in the application process. While it's natural to be curious about the most popular and prestigious schools, it's important to focus on finding the right fit for one's individual needs and aspirations.