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Hardest colleges to get into in New York

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Top 10 colleges in New York with the lowest acceptance rates

What are the hardest colleges to get into in New York? 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 New York below. These are the hardest 4 year colleges to get into in New York, and sometimes some of the hardest colleges to get into in the US. You could even say these are the best colleges in New York. 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 .

Columbia University in the City of New York acceptance rate

Columbia University in the City of New York accepted 4% of applicants for fall 2024.
Columbia University in the City of New York
At Columbia University in the City of New York, the median SAT section scores add up to 1550.
  • SAT math: 790
  • SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at Columbia University in the City of New York is 35.
Columbia University in the City of New York considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Barnard College acceptance rate

Barnard College accepted 8.8% of applicants for fall 2024.
Barnard College
At Barnard College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1520.
  • SAT math: 770
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Barnard College is 34.
Barnard College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Cornell University acceptance rate

Cornell University accepted 8.8% of applicants for fall 2024.
Cornell University
At Cornell University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
  • SAT math: 790
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Cornell University is 34.
Cornell University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

New York University acceptance rate

New York University accepted 9.2% of applicants for fall 2024.
New York University
At New York University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1520.
  • SAT math: 780
  • SAT reading/writing: 740
The median ACT composite score at New York University is 34.
New York University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Hamilton College acceptance rate

Hamilton College accepted 13.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
Hamilton College
At Hamilton College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1500.
  • SAT math: 760
  • SAT reading/writing: 740
The median ACT composite score at Hamilton College is 34.
Hamilton College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Colgate University acceptance rate

Colgate University accepted 13.9% of applicants for fall 2024.
Colgate University
At Colgate University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1500.
  • SAT math: 760
  • SAT reading/writing: 740
The median ACT composite score at Colgate University is 34.
Colgate University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Vassar College acceptance rate

Vassar College accepted 18.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
Vassar College
At Vassar College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1500.
  • SAT math: 750
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Vassar College is 33.
Vassar College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

The Cooper Union acceptance rate

The Cooper Union accepted 20.7% of applicants for fall 2024.
The Cooper Union
Ajay Suresh / Flickr / "The Cooper Union's Foundation Building - North Side" / CC BY 2.0
At The Cooper Union, the median SAT section scores add up to 1410.
  • SAT math: 705
  • SAT reading/writing: 705
The median ACT composite score at The Cooper Union is 31.
The Cooper Union considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Skidmore College acceptance rate

Skidmore College accepted 21.1% of applicants for fall 2024.
Skidmore College
At Skidmore College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1390.
  • SAT math: 680
  • SAT reading/writing: 710
The median ACT composite score at Skidmore College is 32.
Skidmore College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Binghamton University acceptance rate

Binghamton University accepted 38.6% of applicants for fall 2024.
Binghamton University
At Binghamton University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1410.
  • SAT math: 710
  • SAT reading/writing: 700
The median ACT composite score at Binghamton University is 32.
Binghamton University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.

Conclusion

Getting into any college is an accomplishment, but these schools are arguably the hardest to get into in New York. 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!
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