The U.S. News surveyed, regardless of ranking category, that the 100 colleges and universities listed here are among the most selective, based on the fall 2019 entering class. To be accepted into a college, you usually have to meet the school’s minimum GPA, and SAT/ACT score requirements.
However, some admission colleges have much lower acceptance rates than others. College or university If you’re looking for a school with a low acceptance rate, you may want to consider one of the colleges on this list. These schools had the lowest acceptance rates in 2021.
Colleges With The Lowest Acceptance Rates 2021
10. Brown University
Brown University is always near the top of the list. It is often considered the most difficult school to get into. The acceptance rate at Brown was a mere 8.6 percent in 2021, making it one of the colleges with the lowest acceptance rates in the nation. But that doesn’t mean that getting into Brown is impossible.
There are plenty of students who overcome the odds and are accepted each year. If you’re interested in attending Brown, you’ll need to have an excellent academic record and be well-rounded in your interests and activities.
You’ll also need to submit a strong application essay and letters of recommendation. If you’re hoping to attend one of the most selective colleges in America, Brown University should be on your list.
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- SAT Range: 1420-1550
- ACT Range: 32-35
9. Alice Lloyd College
Alice Lloyd College is one of the colleges in the United States with the lowest acceptance rates. In 2021, the college had an acceptance rate of only 14%. Only 8% of applicants to Alice Lloyd College are accepted.
Alice Lloyd College is a highly sought-after school despite its low acceptance rate. In 2021, the college had over 6,000 applications for only 860 spots. The college has a long history of academic excellence and offers students a unique experience that cannot be found at other schools.
Students accepted to Alice Lloyd College can expect to receive a quality education that will prepare them for their future. The faculty at the college is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and provides them with the resources they need to be successful.
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- SAT Range: 870-1030
- ACT Range: 18-23
8. Yale University
Yale University is one of the most selective colleges in the United States; with an acceptance rate of only 6.3% for the class of 2021, it is still possible to get into Yale with a bit of effort. However, several colleges have much lower acceptance rates, so if Yale is your top choice, be sure to apply to a few schools with much lower rates.
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- SAT Range: 1460-1570
- ACT Range: 33-35
7. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of only 8.4% for the class of 2021. The university has a long history of academic excellence and is home to many famous alumni, including President Barack Obama and Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman. The University of Chicago is known for its rigorous academic standards and focus on teaching rather than research.
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- SAT Range: 1470-1570
- ACT Range: 33-35
6. Princeton University
Princeton University is one to consider. With an acceptance rate of 7.1%, it’s one of the most selective colleges in the country. However, if you’re not accepted into Princeton, don’t worry – there are plenty of other great schools with similarly low acceptance rates.
For example, Yale University has an acceptance rate of 6.3%, Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, and Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 5.7%. So if you’re looking for a highly selective school, these are some excellent places to start your search!.
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- SAT Range: 1440-1570
- ACT Range: 32-35
5. California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Established in 1891, Caltech is one of the world’s leading science and engineering universities and has been ranked as one of the top colleges in the United States.
In terms of admission rates, Caltech is one of the most selective colleges in the country, with an acceptance rate of just 8.3% for the class of 2021. However, Caltech offers an excellent education with a wealth of research and hands-on learning opportunities for students who are accepted.
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- SAT Range: 1530-1580
- ACT Range: 35-36
4. Harvard University
Many colleges and universities in the United States have the lowest acceptance rates, but only a select few. Harvard University is one of these institutions. To be accepted into Harvard, students must have excellent grades and standardized test scores. As a result, the school has an acceptance rate of 5.2%, making it one of the most selective colleges in the country.
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- SAT Range: 1460-1580
- ACT Range: 33-35
3. Curtis Institute of Music
Curtis Institute of Music is a renowned music conservatory located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Curtis Institute of Music has a low acceptance rate, accepting only 7% of applicants in 2021. Curtis Institute of Music is highly selective and only admits students who demonstrate exceptional talent in music.
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- SAT Range: —
- ACT Range: —
2. Columbia University
Columbia University is often at the top of the list. However, many people don’t know that Columbia University is also one of the most selective schools in the country. In fact, according to a recent study by The Princeton Review, Columbia University has the sixth-lowest acceptance rate in the country.
But what does this mean for students hoping to attend Columbia University? First, it means that you’ll need to have stellar grades and SAT/ACT scores if you want a chance of being accepted. It also means that you’ll need to submit a robust application with well-written and thought-provoking essays.
If you’re looking for a school with a lower acceptance rate, then be sure to check out some of the other colleges on The Princeton Review’s list.
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- SAT Range: 1450-1560
- ACT Range: 33-35
1. Stanford University
Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. Stanford is known for its academic strength, wealth, proximity to Silicon Valley, and ranking as one of its top universities.
The university has the lowest acceptance rate in the country among Ivy League schools and is ranked third in the world by U.S. News & World Report. Applicants need to have stellar grades and test scores to be accepted. Stanford offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, and students can choose from over 60 different graduate programs.
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- SAT Range: 1420-1570
- ACT Range: 32-35
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