College selectivity is a measure of how difficult it is for students to get admitted. Much of the anxiety about "getting in" comes from students who are applying to a few colleges that admit few students.

A Selective College Is Simply a College That Does Not Admit Everyone

Selectivity is measured by the percentage of students who are admitted. The lower the percentage, the more selective the school is. Essentially, most colleges are selective to some degree. A small group of highly selective schools admits less than a third of applicants.

Most Colleges Admit Most of Their Applicants

Your chances at the vast majority of colleges may actually be quite promising. Most colleges accept more than half of their applicants. The average acceptance rate for all four-year colleges in the U.S. is about 66 percent (or two thirds of applicants), according to a 2017 report from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.

The Headlines Are About a Small Number of Highly Selective Colleges

Out of the some 2,000 accredited four-year colleges featured on CollegeData, only about 50 of them routinely admit fewer than 30 percent of applicants. If your heart is set on one of these colleges, it is a good idea to include some well-researched backup schools on your college list. You may very well be attending one of them.

Colleges Can Be Selective in Other Ways

Selectivity isn't always based on the admission rate. It sometimes depends on other factors.

• If your grades and test scores fall below the average qualifications of admitted students, that school will be more difficult for you to get into.
• Applying to a public college out of state may lower your chances. Such colleges give preference to state residents and sometimes to applicants from neighboring states.

Applying to Selective Colleges Doesn't Have to Lead to Tragedy

You may want to try your luck with some highly selective colleges. But you should be fully prepared to receive letters that begin: "We are sorry to inform you..." If you also apply to selective colleges for which you are a good fit, however, you are likely to get more than a few letters that begin: "Congratulations!"