A new survey of upcoming college students and their families, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the ultimate dream school. (Photo: Yahoo News)
A new survey of upcoming college students and their families, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the ultimate dream school, with an acceptance rate of just under 4%.
However, it is not only one of the most difficult schools to get into but also one of the most expensive — tuition and fees, room and board, and other student expenses totaling more than $79,000 this year.
READ ALSO: Understanding Your College Acceptance And Financial Aid Letters – Here’s How!
Top 10 dream Colleges and Universities
As named by upcoming college students applying to college
The list shows the top 10 dream schools as named by students applying to college in 2023.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. Harvard College
4. New York University
5. University of California – Los Angeles
6. Princeton University
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. Columbia University
9. University of Michigan
10. University of Texas – Austin
The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief, Robert Franek, says most colleges at the top of students’ wish lists are “perennial favorites.” They’re also among the most competitive: Stanford’s acceptance rate is just under 4%, while Harvard’s is around 3%.
Following the pandemic, a small group of universities, including many in the Ivy League, saw a record-breaking increase in applications this season, according to a Common Application report.
Despite a nationwide decline in enrollment, application volume has increased by 30% since the 2019-20 school year.
National College Decision Day is Approaching
As acceptance letters arrive, upcoming college students have only a few weeks to plan their next steps before National College Decision Day on May 1, when high school seniors must choose which college they will attend.
They must then pay a nonrefundable deposit to secure a seat at the school of their choice.
The biggest issue, however, is how they will pay for their degree. According to The Princeton Review, 98% of families believe financial aid is required to pay for college, and 82% believe it is “extremely” or “very” necessary.
Don’t base your decision solely on the sticker price
Nonetheless, “never dismiss an expensive school based solely on its sticker price,” Franek advised. Consider the financial assistance available, as private schools typically have more money to spend.
READ ALSO: Continuation of Application for Student Loan Forgiveness: What You Must Know
