"You should go to a Top __ School"; how important do you think ranking is?

Applying to College
6

<p>There is so much more in a school than its USNews ranking.</p>

<p>I don’t know what Reed is ranked on USNews, (something in the 70’s or 80’s I think). They’re so low because they refuse to send statistics to USNews because they disagree with the notion of ranking schools in such a manner. Reed is often called one of the most “intellectual” colleges in the country. It is 4th in the nation in the % of graduates who go on to earn a PhD in all fields [1]. It has been called one of the most difficult schools in the nation (No data - but I think the average gpa was something like 3.1-3.2, Reed is devoid of grade inflation). </p>

<p>While it sounds like I’m advertising Reed, it’s just a testament to how schools may not be ranked highly on USNews but are still incredible institutions. USNews additionally does not consider school-specific traits that make it very sought out for in certain fields.</p>

<p>What should be the most important factors in the college search process are (in my opinion), in order of decreasing weight:

  1. Affordability
  2. Availability of academic interests
  3. Fit, appeal (best understood by visiting)
  4. Location
  5. Other Stuff</p>

<p>That list is my own opinion, and for my own personal standards. You and your family may find other factors more important and that is understandable. However, “prestige” or “USNews ranking” should be irrelevant in the college search. However, USNews does provide good lists of excellent institutions; However the individual rankings should not be considered in determining where you apply or eventually matriculate.</p>

<p>It’s often when the student is prestige-hungry, or when the parent is prestige-hungry. Try to tell your mother that even a 70th ranked school on USNews is still in at least the top 10% of all schools in the country. I think the most recent figures are that 1/4 or 1/3 of Americans have a bachelor’s degree - I can only imagine what portion of those degree holders earned their degree from a “top 10% school”. If you worked hard, you’ll be rewarded in college.</p>

<p>[1] <a href=“Doctoral Degree Productivity - Institutional Research - Reed College”>http://www.reed.edu/ir/phd.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;