As an education expert, I have spent years analyzing data and trends to determine which high schools in the U. S. are the most competitive. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), I have compiled a list of the most difficult high schools to get into for the class of 2026. With the recent changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools are seeing record numbers of applications and extremely low acceptance rates. One school that stands out as particularly competitive is Minerva, with an acceptance rate of only 1%.
Out of 20,816 applicants for the class of 2026, only 208 were admitted. This school uses a holistic approach to admissions, taking into account not only grades and test scores, but also recent transcripts and final or national exam scores. Another highly competitive school is Brown, which received a record number of applicants this year resulting in an acceptance rate of only 4.99%. This is significantly lower than the Ivy League universities that are often seen as the most difficult to get into. But it's not just private schools that are highly competitive. Public schools like Garfield in Seattle, Washington are also known for their rigorous curriculum and high expectations.
In fact, Garfield has even outperformed some wealthy high schools in terms of calculus tests taken. As an expert in education, I am always interested in how teachers teach and how students learn when faced with challenging courses and exams. It's not just about grades and test scores, but also about the dedication and determination of both teachers and students. For many high school students, getting into a top university is a major goal. This often means striving for the highest GPA and test scores possible. Admissions officers take these factors into account, along with the rigor of courses completed and extracurricular involvement, when evaluating applicants. But what about schools that don't have high expectations for their students? In my book, I explored this topic and found that the most admired schools often have low expectations for average and below-average students.
This is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed in order to provide equal opportunities for all students. One network of schools that is working to change this is BASIS, founded by two economists who saw a lack of academic rigor in public schools in Arizona. Their goal is to create successful high schools that challenge students and prepare them for the future. This is something that I strongly believe in and is a major factor in my ranking of the most competitive high schools. It's important to note that my rankings are not based solely on test scores or GPA. I also take into account factors such as graduation rates and the success of all demographic subgroups within a school.
A truly successful high school should not only have high levels of student achievement, but also ensure that all students have equal opportunities for success. As an expert in education, I am constantly analyzing data and trends to determine which schools are truly the most competitive. And while selective private schools may have a reputation for being the most difficult to get into, my research has shown that public schools can be just as competitive, if not more so. One example of this is Caltech, known for its prestigious science and engineering programs. With an admission rate of only 3%, it is clear that this school is highly selective and competitive.
