Understanding college admissions: which is toughest?

As I'm putting together a college list, I'm trying to gauge the difficulty of certain schools. Has anyone got any clear info on which colleges are typically the most difficult to get into? I know there are plenty of factors at play here, but just trying to get a broad understanding. Thanks!

Sure, happy to help you navigate this. College "difficulty" in terms of admissions typically correlates with the school's selectivity, that is, how many students they accept relative to how many apply.

Here are a few examples:

1. Stanford University: Known for its low admit rate, Stanford is one of the hardest universities to get into. For the most recent class, the admit rate was about 4.3%.

2. Harvard University: Harvard is another top-tier university with a very low admission rate. For the class of 2025, Harvard's acceptance rate was about 3.6%.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT, particularly for students interested in STEM fields, is incredibly selective with a 4.5% acceptance rate for the most recent class.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Known for its intensive STEM programs, Caltech's acceptance rate for the most recent class was about 3%.

Remember, these figures can fluctuate from year to year, but these universities consistently remain among the most selective. The number of applications they receive versus the relatively small number of spots in each incoming class contributes to their "difficulty" in terms of admissions.

Keep in mind that just because a school is extremely selective doesn't mean it's impossible to get in. Strong grades, high test scores (where required), unique extracurriculars, and compelling essays all contribute to a competitive application. Also, note that the importance of fit - finding a school where you will thrive and succeed - should not be underestimated and should play a significant role in making your college list.