<p>BUT at the same time, rankings might be useful for more obscure majors and for identifying safeties that fit well academically.</p>
<p>Don’t touch Gourman or Rugg’s for standard majors (econ, bio, English, poli sci), but if you’re interested in religious studies or egyptology, you’re going to be looking at fewer schools that have the resources for those programs. (Incidentally, both Chicago and Brown have excellent religious studies and egyptology programs). </p>
<p>What about urban planning? Penn is the only elite school I know to offer it as a major.</p>
<p>The other idea is to find lower ranked schools that might be “known” for a few things. For example, UCSD has an excellent sociology department, and one my friend turned down offers from “higher” schools to go to.</p>