<p>“Scoring. To arrive at a school’s rank, we examined the data for each quality indicator. Where appropriate, we adjusted the indicators in which low values suggest higher quality, such as acceptance rates. We then standardized the value of each indicator about its mean. [PAY ATTENTION HERE]The weights applied to the indicators reflect our judgment about their relative importance[PAY ATTENTION HERE], as determined in consultation with experts in each field. The final scores were rescaled: The highest-scoring school was assigned 100, and the other schools’ scores were recalculated as a percentage of that top score. The scores were then rounded to the nearest whole number and schools placed in descending order. Every school’s performance is presented relative to the other schools with which it is being compared. A school with an overall score of 100 did not necessarily top out on every indicator; rather, it accumulated the highest composite score.”</p>
<p>If they all the sudden decide to change a weight, even a minor change, a school can move up or down about 5 spots. Which they occasionally do change weights. It isn’t scientific in the end is my point.</p>