What are the most difficult university programs to get into?

I'm trying to figure out which university programs are known for being super difficult to get accepted into. I'm really interested in competitive fields and want to know what I should aim for. Any insights on this would be appreciated!

Getting accepted into highly competitive university programs calls for demonstrating academic prowess and deep commitment to your field. Here's a list of some notoriously selective areas:

1. Medical Programs: These can include BS/MD programs, which offer a streamlined path from undergraduate studies directly to medical school. Schools like Brown University's Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) or Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program tend to have single-digit acceptance rates due to their comprehensive packages.

2. Business/Finance Programs: The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the Sloan School of Management at MIT are examples of business programs that have required GPA and standardized test scores in the top tier to even be considered.

3. Engineering Programs: MIT, Caltech, and Stanford's School of Engineering are known for their extremely competitive programs as they get applications from the best and the brightest around the world.

4. Computer Science Programs: Again, schools like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University are at the forefront of the tech wave and, as a result, their CS programs have become increasingly difficult to gain acceptance.

5. Performing Arts Programs: For those interested in the arts, top programs like the Juilliard School for Music, Dance, and Drama, and Tisch School of the Arts at New York University receive far more applicants than they can admit. These programs often demand a potent mix of academic prowess and artistic talent, making them super challenging to get into.

Each of these programs sets high expectations for their applicants in terms of academics, extracurricular achievement, and often specific skills relevant to the field. Planning early, choosing the right high school courses, engaging in meaningful extracurriculars, and highlighting your passion for your chosen field in your application will all help you aim towards success in these competitive fields. Good luck on your journey!