<p>This ranking is primarily based on research publications. USC has been making a strong effort to recruit additional top notch research oriented faculty, but it takes time to build a strong portfolio of publications that garner citations - a big part of building a reputation. </p>
<p>These rankings do not, however, necessarily translate into a great educational environment - especially at the undergraduate level. Private schools with their smaller faculty to student ratio’s can engage a larger percentage of students into the research process and direct access with professors that are driving the reputations of their schools. The larger schools, however, simply cannot connect a significant percentage of their students with these professors in meaningful, transformative ways. </p>
<p>USC has been working to build a world class research program along with an engaging teaching environment. It takes time, but USC has made tremendous progress. There are so many factors that define what USC can provide that simply don’t fit neatly into these rankings - but gives students a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else.</p>