<p>So xiggi did not say or imply that “1 percent of mush is mush”, right? So much for that paraphrase, whatever his opinion of PA.</p>
<p>As to circularity, that is a rather vague comment from xiggi that he has not made sense of so far. </p>
<p>PA does not stabilize the rankings by just “lagging”. It DIGESTS the fluctuating numerical data over time and in relation to other factors (again, you do not respond to the point that padad and I have raised, that PA aggregates a host of factors not otherwise included in the USNews formula). For instance, if Harvard announces it is expanding its financial aid, or Princeton cancels Early Decision, this causes some jump in particular numbers, but the PA ratings can account for this in a less knee-jerk fashion in both the short and the long term.</p>