<p>We did not look at the USNWR rankings, either, although we had an idea of the type of school my D 1. liked 2. could get into. In the end, the small liberal arts colleges made her most comfortable. As for judging teaching, she attended classes at each of her “finalists” to determine which learning environment best served her. She discounted one (highly respected) school because she felt the classes weren’t challenging enough.</p>
<p>It wasn’t a perfect approach, but I felt as though we did as much research as we could have. Fortunately for my D (and for us!), her ultimate choice still seems like a perfect match.</p>