What Are the Hardest Colleges to Get into in Pennsylvania?

The University of Pennsylvania stands as Pennsylvania's most selective college, with an acceptance rate around 6%. As an Ivy League institution, UPenn typically requires exceptional academic credentials, including a GPA above 3.9 and SAT scores above 1500. Students accepted to UPenn generally rank in the top 5% of their high school class and demonstrate significant leadership and extracurricular achievements.

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh ranks as Pennsylvania's second most competitive school, accepting approximately 15% of applicants. CMU particularly excels in computer science, engineering, and arts programs. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores above 1460 and maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher, along with demonstrated excellence in their chosen field of study.

Swarthmore College, located near Philadelphia, maintains highly selective admissions with an acceptance rate around 9%. This prestigious liberal arts college seeks students with outstanding academic records, typically including SAT scores above 1440 and GPAs above 3.9. Swarthmore values intellectual curiosity and community involvement in its admissions decisions.

Haverford College competes as another highly selective institution in Pennsylvania, accepting roughly 16% of applicants. Successful candidates usually present SAT scores above 1450 and GPAs above 3.8. Haverford's holistic admissions process heavily weighs personal character and intellectual engagement beyond just numbers.

Lehigh University rounds out Pennsylvania's most competitive schools with an acceptance rate near 32%. Though slightly less selective than the others mentioned, Lehigh maintains high standards, typically admitting students with SAT scores above 1365 and GPAs above 3.7. The university particularly values demonstrated interest and fit with their academic programs.