What are some of the most selective universities in the world?

I'm curious about which universities have the lowest acceptance rates and are known for being extremely selective. Are there any standout schools that are particularly difficult to get into, regardless of the location?

Sure, some of the most selective universities globally, known for their low acceptance rates and rigorous admission standards include:

1. Stanford University (USA): Known for its rigorous selection process, it sits at or near the top as one of the world's most selective universities with an acceptance rate commonly below 5%.

2. Harvard University (USA): Harvard, being one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the US, is notorious for its low acceptance rate, typically in the range of 3-5%.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech, USA): Caltech is known for admitting a small number of students each year, typically boasting a low single-digit acceptance rate.

4. University of Oxford (UK): Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally and is particularly selective, particularly for its famed humanities programs.

5. University of Cambridge (UK): Like Oxford, Cambridge has a long history and has an incredibly rigorous selection process, especially well-known for programs in the sciences.

6. University of Tokyo (Japan): The University of Tokyo is the most selective university in Japan and prides itself on admitting a student body with strong academic prowess.

7. École Normale Supérieure (ENS, France): This Paris-based institution is small but prestigious, known for producing numerous Fields Medalists and Nobel laureates. It has a highly rigorous selection process.

These universities all are known for their strenuous admissions processes and are very selective indeed. All of these universities look for students who have achieved high levels of academic success, displayed significant leadership or community involvement, and can bring something unique to the campus community. They like to see a 'spike' in an applicant, a particular area where the student has displayed a high level of achievement or interest.

That said, remember that a university's selectivity doesn't necessarily determine its quality or if it's the right fit for you. Take the time to learn about each institution and what it offers to ensure it aligns with your academic and personal goals.