Hardest colleges to get into in California
Top 10 colleges in California with the lowest acceptance rates
What are the hardest colleges to get into in California? We've got you covered. We've compiled a national college database and have created a list of the hardest universities to get into in California below. These are the hardest 4 year colleges to get into in California, and sometimes some of the hardest colleges to get into in the US. You could even say these are the best colleges in California. We also include each college's median SAT and ACT scores so that you can see where you're most competitive. Read on to find out more.
Acceptance rates and test scores are for students who applied to start college in fall 2024, from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard unless an entry names the school's own figures. SAT section scores and ACT scores are medians for enrolled first-year students who submitted them, and an SAT total is the two section medians added together. Published , updated .
Table of contents
11.Conclusion
California Institute of Technology acceptance rate
California Institute of Technology accepted 2.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
No SAT scores for California Institute of Technology are available for fall 2024.
California Institute of Technology neither requires nor recommends SAT or ACT scores.
Stanford University acceptance rate
Stanford University accepted 3.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
At Stanford University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1550.
- SAT math: 790
- SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at Stanford University is 35.
Stanford University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Pomona College acceptance rate
Pomona College accepted 7.1% of applicants for fall 2024.
At Pomona College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
- SAT math: 780
- SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at Pomona College is 34.
Pomona College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
University of California Los Angeles acceptance rate
University of California Los Angeles accepted 9% of applicants for fall 2024.
No SAT scores for University of California Los Angeles are available for fall 2024.
University of California Los Angeles neither requires nor recommends SAT or ACT scores.
Claremont McKenna College acceptance rate
Claremont McKenna College accepted 9.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
At Claremont McKenna College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1530.
- SAT math: 780
- SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Claremont McKenna College is 34.
Claremont McKenna College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
University of Southern California acceptance rate
University of Southern California accepted 9.8% of applicants for fall 2024.
At University of Southern California, the median SAT section scores add up to 1500.
- SAT math: 770
- SAT reading/writing: 730
The median ACT composite score at University of Southern California is 33.
University of Southern California considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
University of California, Berkeley acceptance rate
University of California, Berkeley accepted 11% of applicants for fall 2024.
No SAT scores for University of California, Berkeley are available for fall 2024.
University of California, Berkeley neither requires nor recommends SAT or ACT scores.
Harvey Mudd College acceptance rate
Harvey Mudd College accepted 12.7% of applicants for fall 2024.
At Harvey Mudd College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
- SAT math: 790
- SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Harvey Mudd College is 35.
Harvey Mudd College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Pitzer College acceptance rate
Pitzer College accepted 25.2% of applicants for fall 2024.
No SAT scores for Pitzer College are available for fall 2024.
Pitzer College neither requires nor recommends SAT or ACT scores.
University of California San Diego acceptance rate
University of California San Diego accepted 26.7% of applicants for fall 2024.
No SAT scores for University of California San Diego are available for fall 2024.
University of California San Diego neither requires nor recommends SAT or ACT scores.
Conclusion
Getting into any college is an accomplishment, but these schools are arguably the hardest to get into in California. Knowledge is power, and we hope this list gives you the key data you need to make a decision on where you should apply. You will want to be above the median SAT or ACT score, and have a strong GPA with good extracurriculars. Good luck!
Need more information on colleges in California? Check out our other posts:
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