Hardest colleges to get into: the top 20?

I'm a high school junior and I'm beginning the college admissions process. I know some schools are incredibly competitive, so I'm curious to know about the top 20 hardest colleges to get into. It'll help me assess my chances and maybe even motivate me to work harder. Your insights are appreciated!

The top 20 hardest colleges to get into can vary from year to year, but the following list comprises some of the most consistently selective schools in the U.S. based on acceptance rates and the strength of admitted students. Keep in mind that each college has its individual selection criteria and focuses on different factors during the admission process.

1. Stanford University

2. Harvard University

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

4. Princeton University

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

6. University of Chicago

7. Yale University

8. Columbia University

9. Brown University

10. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

11. Dartmouth College

12. Duke University

13. Northwestern University

14. Johns Hopkins University

15. Vanderbilt University

16. Rice University

17. Washington University in St. Louis

18. Pomona College

19. Claremont McKenna College

20. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

These colleges have rigorous and competitive admission processes, as they seek students with exceptional academic achievements, talents, and extracurricular involvement. While it's great to aim high, it's also essential to apply to a mix of colleges, including reach, match, and safety schools, to ensure you have options when acceptance letters come in.

To give yourself the best chance of securing a spot at one of these top-tier institutions, focus on not only maintaining a strong academic record, but also developing a well-rounded or "spiked" extracurricular profile. If you're passionate about a specific field or activity, dedicate yourself to growing within that domain and becoming a leader within that space. Additionally, when application season comes around, invest time into crafting thoughtful essays that showcase your unique voice, experiences, and goals.

Best of luck with the college admissions process!