<p>Rankings are meaningless other than putting colleges and universities in general tiers: the intellectual seriousness and quality/intensity of undergraduate education is likely to be better at a Swarthmore or Pomona than HYPS, but a “small” college atmosphere, de-emphasis on nationally ranked athletics etc. won’t be for everyone. Depending on fit, a bright and serious student will get to where they want to in life at any of these top schools.</p>