Let's be real. Gaining admission into the top 20 universities in the USA is no small feat. In fact, it’s borderline impossible for most people unless you're extraordinarily rich, well-connected, or an absolute prodigy. For everyone else, even a strong combination of academic excellence, extracurriculars, and great essays might not suffice. Let’s break down why it’s so challenging and what (if anything) can increase your chances.

1. Money Talks (and Sometimes Shouts)

Many elite universities in the US have need-aware policies for international students, which means your ability to pay plays a significant role in your admission decision. While some of these universities are need-blind (e.g., Harvard, Yale, Princeton), most others consider your financial situation when deciding whether to admit you.

If your family is willing to shell out upwards of $70,000 a year without expecting financial aid, you’ve just given yourself a bit of an edge. Some applicants even go as far as “donating a building” or leveraging alumni connections to grease the wheels. It’s not something that’s publicly acknowledged, but in a cutthroat environment where acceptance rates hover around 5% or less, every edge counts.

2. Extracurricular Excellence is Mandatory

Being a straight-A student alone won’t cut it. Top universities are looking for well-rounded candidates, and this is where extracurriculars come in. If you’ve represented your country in sports, participated in international Olympiads, won national-level awards, or started your own impactful social initiative, you might catch their eye.

But even this is no guarantee. Imagine thousands of applications, each with a list of impressive achievements—international medals, research publications, internships at top companies, and more. Your participation in local or state-level competitions might suddenly seem insignificant in comparison.

3. Being a Prodigy Helps

If you’re truly exceptional in your field—whether it’s math, science, art, or even entrepreneurship—you stand a better chance. Some students get into MIT or Stanford not because they have perfect SAT scores or immaculate GPAs, but because they’re published authors at 15, have founded successful startups, or have discovered a new theorem.

These candidates are not just smart—they’re prodigious. And if that’s not you, then it’s probably wise to lower your expectations a little.

4. Luck: The Silent Factor

Even if you’ve got the grades, extracurriculars, and recommendations, you still need luck on your side. Why? Because the sheer volume of highly qualified applicants means admissions officers sometimes make decisions based on intangibles.

Let’s say you and 10 other applicants have nearly identical academic records and extracurricular profiles. One tiny thing—an essay that resonates deeply with the admissions officer, or a recommendation letter that stands out—might be the deciding factor. It’s a bit like winning the lottery: skill and preparation matter, but so does timing and chance.

5. Have a Backup Plan

If you’ve read this far and still feel confident, that’s great! But remember, the road to a top 20 university is filled with rejection letters. Consider applying to some slightly lower-ranked universities with excellent programs in your desired field.

Schools like the University of Washington, Georgia Tech, or UIUC might not carry the same global prestige as MIT or Stanford, but they are highly respected and much more accessible. For many students, these universities provide a better fit and a less overwhelming environment.

6. Maybe Skip Undergrad Altogether?

If finances are a concern, or if you don’t have a long list of international achievements, consider doing your undergrad in your home country or a more affordable destination (Canada, Europe, etc.). You can then aim for a top-tier university for your master’s or Ph.D. program, where the competition might be slightly less fierce and financial aid more accessible.

7. Focus on What You Truly Want

Don’t let prestige alone guide your choices. Many students get into top universities and realize it’s not the fairytale they imagined. The pressure can be immense, the competition relentless, and the experience overwhelming. Instead, look for schools that align with your interests, offer solid support, and provide a well-rounded experience.

Final Thoughts

It’s not impossible to get into the top 20 universities, but it’s close to it for most applicants. Make sure you understand what you’re signing up for, weigh the costs (both literal and figurative), and have a clear vision of what you want out of your education.

If you’re still up for the challenge—good luck! If not, remember: there’s more than one path to success, and it doesn’t always have to pass through the gates of the Ivy League.