<p>I, too, would like to know on what basis your rankings are founded. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Pitt 56th (alongside Boston University) in the Best National Universities category. ([National</a> Universities Rankings - Best Colleges - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-universities-rankings/page+3]National”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-universities-rankings/page+3)). In this same category, Drexel is ranked 88th, and Duquesne is ranked 128th.</p>
<p>Below is a listing of the SAT scores for the middle 50% of first-year students (taken from Collegeboard.com) in order to give you a means to compare the caliber of students at each institution:</p>
<p>Pitt: Critical Reading (570-680); Math (590-680); Writing (560-660)
*Dickinson: Critical Reading (600-690); Math (590-680); Writing (590-690)
*Gettysburg: Critical Reading (610-690); Math (610-690); Writing (not reported)
Duquesne: Critical Reading (510-600); Math (520-610); Writing (510-600)
Drexel: Critical Reading (540-630); Math (570-670); Writing (520-630)</p>
<p>*Dickinson does not require students to send SAT scores when applying for admission. In fact, only 58% of students sent their SAT scores, and I’m betting that if the 42% who did not report their scores were included, Dickinson’s average SAT scores would be lower. Gettysburg did not include what percent of first-year students reported their scores, and I am not sure if applicants can avoid reporting their scores when applying for admission. In contrast, 93% of Pitt first-year students and 94% of Duquesne/Drexel first-year students reported their scores, so these scores should be wholly representative of the first-year student body.</p>
<p>While you may have your own personal reasons for preferring a smaller private school, your rationale for actual academic ranking is unfounded. The schools you mentioned are certainly respectable and may be a better fit for you, and I’d like to be clear that it is not my intention to devalue them in any way; however, I want to ensure that your information is based on legitimate sources as opposed to personal hunches or inaccurate information.</p>