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Colleges of Distinction is a trusted resource for guidance counselors, parents, students, and hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. We help students find the right college using our four distinctions.

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Engaged Students

You’ll have every opportunity to take an active part in your learning.

Great Teaching

Academic innovation goes hand-in-hand with personalized learning.

Vibrant Communities

Speakers, seminars, unique films, and artistic events—you name it, these schools have it.

Successful Outcomes

You’ll be equipped to find better solutions in both the workplace and the world at large.

Advice for students

Pomona College campus with red-roof tiles

The Hardest Colleges to Get Into in California (2026)

Tyson Schritter / COO Colleges of Distinction

Written by: Tyson Schritter, COO Colleges of Distinction | What is Colleges of Distinction? Last updated: February 2026. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database (2023–24). California is home to some of the most competitive colleges and universities in the country. From elite private research institutions to highly selective public flagships, admission […]

What Makes a Great College Application Essay (and How to Write One)

Katie Creel / College Admissions Expert at Colleges of Distinction »

Your college application is your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are. Use these strategies to execute an essay that will make you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

The Ultimate College Application Checklist (2026 Edition)

Nathan Wilgeroth

There are so many components to a college application that it may be hard to keep track of everything you need. Here’s a quick and easy list of all the components you’ll want to consider. Use this as a foundation for a checklist to ensure that you’re well on your way to a completed application!

You’re about to head off to college, and experience so many exciting things. But that also means you’ll need money to support you along the way. Luckily, a lot of companies and organizations want to help you— they offer various grant and scholarship opportunities for students like you. To get you started, we have devised a mega list of scholarships you may be eligible for.

SCHOLARSHIPS MEGA LIST

Pay Less for College!

Most middle and upper-middle income families are surprised to learn that with a little planning, they can significantly lower out-of-pocket college costs, maximize grants and scholarships, and minimize debt.

We’re teaming up with SMARTTRACK® College Funding, the nation’s leader in developing strategic college funding plans, to assist our clients with the financial piece of college planning. They’ve helped over 250,000 families affordably reduce the cost of higher education, often by tens of thousands of dollars per year.

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