<p>If the parent/student world would pay attention to a different/ healthier ranking system for the college selection process, what variable(s) would you put into the formula? Of course the really important things are virtually impossible to quantify. I 'm just sad to see how “in-the-grip” of these numbers both students and parents can become. And if the Parent Forum can plan the ideal college I don’t know why we shouldn’t list our variables of choice. Some that come to mind for me:</p>
<p>Frequency of humor/imagination in college President’s speeches
Percentage of underclassmen involved in faculty research or writing
Funding for undergraduate research
Funding for faculty/student activities</p>
<p>Some measure of ability to successfully register for desired classes
Average class size/% over 20/% over 50/% over 100
% desiring on-campus housing who can be accommodated</p>
<p>Terrific.
And I’ll add some that would be imp. to my D:</p>
<p>(1) substance-free party options
(2) guarantee of a single-sex dorm if requested
(3) priority registration in certain classes for Majors in that dep’t. <a href=“4”>Maybe that still exists.</a> option to “purchase” single dorm rooms in exchange for on-campus work
(5) “tutorial” relationship with an academic advisor, similar to Oxford/Cambridge.</p>
<p>Heck, parents, let’s just build our own college. Heaven knows, at the rate things continue to intensify, we can use at least one more college (maybe 20?) within the next few years.</p>
<p>(1) % who feel the school enviornment is stimulating/inspiring
(2) % who feel environment is supportive/nurturing
(3) # hours (or days :eek:) it takes to drop a class, get a printed transcript, get a meeting with a dean, have a radiator repaired, have an event approved, etc. (the “red tape” factor
(4) % of random people who when they walk by you and smile or say hello
(5) % of people who continue to room with their freshman roommates
(6) % of students transfering out
(7)% on academic probation
(8) # of kids in library at 10 pm on Saturday night
(9) % of teachers whose students take more than one of their classes
(10) % of students who forget what their old "1st choice’ school was</p>
<p>Another good variable: Credit to Mainemom’s observation about her alma mater on another thread:</p>
<p>“NONE of our friends from our school have been divorced. NONE. Not one… so, for better or worse, even no name schools attract great kids… and can foster values that might actually make a difference in our lives. Divorce rates of graduates are not one of the statistics that schools cite… but, in the big scheme of things, it matters.”</p>
<p>I was at a meeting of wonderful parents yesterday and 4 of the couples had met in college and been together at least 12 years</p>
<pre><code> Number of college parterships that endure 20+ years OR
</code></pre>
<p>I actually tried to get mainemom as my id, but it was taken, so I ended up with maineparent!! </p>
<p>Anyway, the State College of Oneonta is the school I am referring to… back when teradactyls roamed the earth (graduation in '75)… we all got a great education and made life long friends. In addition to NO divorces, several work for international business machines company (ha ha), one is a finance exec for a major airline, a school superintendent in NY, several psych phd’s who are educators and psychologists …
my roomies and I get together at least annually… hubby’s all get along and we have been to Paris and London together… which is a blast to do with folks you “grew up” with… not everyone gets out of college the friendships we did… </p>
<p>in fact, during my son’s Yale interview, he was asked “what do you hope to get out of your college experience?” and his reply was “from my father, I learned that I will get a great education and from my mother, I know that I will make lifelong friends!” … his answer still brings tears to my eyes…</p>
