Hardest university courses to get into?

Hi, I'm a rising junior year and I’ve been thinking about majors. Which ones are said to be the hardest to get into? I've heard some STEM fields can be crazy competitive. Are there any others that are notorious for how selective they are?

Yes, you're right that some STEM fields can be incredibly competitive, especially at top-tier universities. For example, Computer Science, at schools like Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), are notorious for their selectivity. The CS programs at these schools often lean heavily towards students with exceptional academic achievement and demonstrated interest in the field such as coding competitions, internships, or significant project work.

However, it's not just STEM fields. Some other notoriously competitive majors include programs in Business/Finance at Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), or Stern (New York University); economics at Harvard or Stanford, and pre-med programs at Johns Hopkins and Harvard.

Selectivity can often be attributed to the strength and reputation of the program, the school's overall ranking, the resources available, and the opportunities the program can offer in terms of internships, research, and job placement after graduation.

Remember, it's not just about getting into the 'most selective' program, but about finding the right fit for you where you'll be successful and happy. It's to your benefit to investigate the type of learning environment you thrive in, the resources you need, and the experiences you want to have during your college years. Doing so can help you negotiate the balance between program selectivity and finding a suitable environment for your growth and development.