With so many colleges to choose from, selecting the right place can be somewhat of a headache. There are several factors to consider when approaching the application process and these generally include your ideal destinations, availability of courses, and college reputation. And, it comes as no surprise that selective colleges such as those part of the Ivy League are more revered than others. After all, they offer several perks to their students and are regarded as the best in their class. But, with the rise in popularity comes more of a rigmarole to getting in and succeeding within selective schools.
In saying so, the short answer to the question above is yes. For the long answer, we have outlined how selective colleges are more difficult from the application process right through to graduation to give you a better idea of the requirements needed to excel within one of these colleges.
There is more local competition to get in
Every year more and more students are leaving school and vying for a spot in some of the top selective colleges across the country. The numbers continue to rise and it doesn’t make it any easier that the percentages of applications receiving admission into these schools are not increasing. In saying so, the odds of local students getting the nod to attend a selective college are significantly lower than they were ten years ago. These figures are bolstered by the fact that local students aren’t just in competition with other US residents anymore either, something we elaborate on below:
International applicants are on the rise
There are many reasons young adults seek to study abroad, such as receiving a more reputable education or securing a job in a country they wish to start a family in. Today, selective colleges in the US are becoming more appealing to students across the globe and these colleges are becoming more inclined to admit international students they believe will bring value to their institutions. This makes it all the more difficult to wiggle through the application and secure a seat in the lecture hall.
College reputation is front and center
Selective colleges, particularly those in the Ivy League, have made a name for themselves as the top colleges in the country. Whether it be the specific academic courses available, access to top-quality facilities, and sourcing of recognized lecturers who are the best in their fields, selective colleges have revered reputations and require students to uphold their particular standards. As a result, students who receive the go-ahead to attend a selective college will have to continue to impress their institutions year in and year out if they wish to stick with the college, something that can be tremendously difficult during a time where we are still finding our feet.
Courses are specialized
Beyond setting the academic standards bar high, many selective colleges pride themselves in offering specialized courses tailored to distinct student skillsets. Some colleges offer reputable music courses designed to hone their students’ artistic skills while others may be specifically intended to serve as a platform to enter the US Navy, demanding incredibly high academic standards as well as requiring students to participate in physical and medical examinations.
These are but a few indications that selective colleges are more difficult from the application process to succeeding within the institutions. Knowledge of what separates selective colleges from others will help you make a more informed academic choice.
