<p>Rankings are based on the assumption that one size fits all, and that is why they are total nonsense.</p>
<p>Figure out what’s important to you, and use those criteria for your own college search. Do you crave small class sizes? Look at LACs. Do you want a huge variety of classes? Look at big state Us. Do you want to be far away from home? Do you want a Greek life? Do you want a big sports scene? Do you want to study a particular less-common subject? What’s the budget, and what kind of FA do you need? Do you thirst after prestige? How important is the style of architecture on campus? What about the political environment? Study abroad opportunities or interesting internships? How important are your parents’ preferences?</p>
<p>No school is strong in all these areas. The only person who can “rank” schools for you is you, based on your own criteria and diligent research.</p>