<p>Nobody has been able to show that a higher number of Nobel or top-ranked departments translates to better undergraduate research experience. Furthermore, some schools that appear on this list haven’t been doing great in terms of producing Fulbright or Goldwater winners. While it’s also debatable whether they are indicative of undergrad research, I’d think the relationship between Nobel and undergrad research is more tenuous. </p>
<p>[Barry</a> M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program: 2011 Goldwater Scholars](<a href=“http://www.act.org/goldwater/sch-2012.html]Barry”>http://www.act.org/goldwater/sch-2012.html)
[Top</a> Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students by Type of Institution, 2011-12 - International - The Chronicle of Higher Education](<a href=“Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students by Type of Institution, 2011-12”>Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students by Type of Institution, 2011-12)</p>
<p>Rankings alone would not mean much if the schools don’t have strong support system for undergrad research and if it’s difficult for students to know professors well.</p>