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Some schools have a reputation for being selective, meaning that they admit a limited number of students from a large number of applications. But just because “everyone wants to go there” doesn’t mean a school is the right choice for you.
Take a realistic look at your own interests and needs — including your academic record, your career goals, and everything else you want out of college life. Then see which options provide the best all-around fit. For example, you might decide it makes sense to spend a year or two strengthening your academic skills in a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution. On the other hand, you might decide that working side by side with other top students in a selective college is just what you need to keep your own sharp focus.
Remember that selectivity goes both ways. College may have a lot of applicants to choose from, but you also have a lot of options for colleges to apply to — now is the time for you to be selective, too.
What Makes a College Selective?
More selective colleges accept the lowest percentages of applicants but graduate the highest percentages of students — meaning that while it may be hard to get in, you have a better chance of graduating on time. Some less competitive schools improve their graduation rates by offering academic supports and other programs that help students stay in school and succeed in their courses.
Type of College
|
% of Colleges
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% of Students Enrolled in College
|
Details |
| Nonselective colleges |
5.6
|
4
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- Require evidence of graduation from an accredited high school.
- Some also require a certain number of high school units.
|
| Less selective colleges |
13.4
|
8
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- Median SAT scores below 500.
- Median ACT scores below 21.
- Require entrance examinations but do not report median scores.
- Admit students with high school grade averages below C.
- Admit students who rank in the top 65 percent of their graduating class.
- Accept 85 percent or more of their applicants.
|
| Selective colleges |
47.7
|
41.5
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- Median SAT scores 500-572.
- Median ACT scores 21-23.
- Admit students with minimum high school grades from C to B-.
- Admit students in the top 50-65 percent of their graduating class.
- Accept 75-85 percent of applicants.
|
| Very selective colleges |
19.8
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24.9
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- Median SAT scores 573-619.
- Median ACT scores 24-26.
- Admit students with minimum high school grade averages of B-.
- Admit students who rank in the top 35-50 percent of their graduating class.
- Accept 50-75 percent of applicants.
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| Highly selective colleges |
7.7
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12.9
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- Median SAT scores 620-654.
- Median ACT scores 27-28.
- Admit students with high school grade averages of B to B+.
- Admit students in the top 20-35 percent of their graduating class.
- Accept 34-50 percent of applicants.
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| Most selective colleges |
5.8
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7.9
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- Median SAT scores 655-800.
- Median ACT scores 29.
- Admit students with high school grade averages of B+ to A.
- Admit students in the top 10-20 percent of their graduating class.
- Accept fewer than 34 percent of applicants.
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Selectivity rankings from Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges
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Know Your Options 
