Because the Frequent App debuted in 1998, making use of to a number of faculties without delay has been simpler than ever. It has additionally made it much more tough to get into some universities.
Stacker used the newest knowledge from the Nationwide Heart for Training Statistics to rank the 25 hardest faculties to get into within the U.S. Faculties are ranked based mostly on 2022 acceptance charges and supplemental check rating knowledge is included when accessible . Ranked universities are restricted to those who have at the very least 500 undergraduates. On-line universities will not be included.
Earlier than the Web, highschool college students sometimes utilized to a small collection of faculties and mailed particular person kinds. However the Frequent App, now utilized by greater than 1,000 faculties, incorporates a single app that serves as a platform for standardized essay prompts and the submission of transcripts and check scores. Particular person faculties might resolve so as to add extra elements, similar to brief reply questions; However usually, highschool college students save time by not having to fill out a number of purposes.
In the course of the 2021-2022 season, college students on common utilized to 6 faculties, in comparison with about 4 in 2013-2014. College students who rating above 1500 on the SAT have a tendency to use to most colleges, together with essentially the most selective ones. Consequently, essentially the most prestigious faculties are receiving extra certified candidates than earlier than. Harvard College's acceptance fee in 1991 was 17%; at present, it’s within the single digits.
What makes an applicant aggressive for essentially the most selective faculties within the nation? Historically, a robust GPA and standardized check rating laid the inspiration for different concerns, together with essay power, extracurricular participation, and interview success.
Nevertheless, in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, extra faculties, even essentially the most selective ones, have eradicated the requirement to submit ACT or SAT scores. For the 2022-23 utility season, solely 2 in 5 (43%) candidates included check scores.
However test-optional admissions insurance policies are actually being rolled again. Dartmouth Faculty, Yale College and Brown College are among the many faculties that can make up required standardized check scores for the upcoming utility season.
Learn on to find essentially the most selective universities within the US.
