Ever wondered what it’s like to play the lottery but with your GPA, test scores, and essays on the line? That’s pretty much the vibe of Ivy League acceptance rates. These numbers are legendary for being jaw-droppingly low, sparking excitement, stress, and endless “what if” conversations in high school hallways worldwide. Out of hundreds of thousands of dreamers who apply each year, only a tiny fraction get the golden ticket, making Ivy League acceptance rates a mix of mystery, math, and magic.

Ivy League acceptance rates hit record lows for the Class of 2028, with Harvard at 3.6% and Yale at 3.7%. Unprecedented applications, small class sizes, and holistic admissions demand students excel academically, lead meaningfully, and stand out authentically.