<p>Slightly disappointed in the lower ranking, especially with what one would assume to be a positive with the recent gains from the Engineering school, but I have heard a lot of challenges to the USNWR methodology. Check Tulane’s CC board where a little thing like Katrina skewed the graduation rates and knocked them down…MANY pegs. Didn’t mean the school was any worse, but the methodology takes four years to work off that graduation rate. (Then again, wanna tempt fate with the next 'cane?)</p>
<p>Not sure what the cause is with Smith’s lower ranking with both applications and yield going up, but rather than fight it, let’s just make Smith a better school. Let’s share with all the high powered prospects investigating Smith on CC what a great school Smith is… and that when they come and add their smarts to the place, the rankings are sure to go up. </p>
<p>Any prospect interested in “a women’s school without boys”, this Dad, and many on this board can help you decide if Smith is for you.</p>