"The Smartest Public Colleges"

[Anonymous]

I take these lists with a grain of salt, still it's a good showing for some regional schools: W&M #3, UVA #5, and the too often maligned on here UMCP at #9.

http://www.businessinsider.com/smartest-public-colleges-in-america-2014-10

[Anonymous]

While lists like this may be based on dubious data, they do tend to have a profound influence on people's perceptions. So good for Univ. of Maryland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While lists like this may be based on dubious data, they do tend to have a profound influence on people's perceptions. So good for Univ. of Maryland.

Right, because the methodology is sound only if the outcome produces what you want to hear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While lists like this may be based on dubious data, they do tend to have a profound influence on people's perceptions. So good for Univ. of Maryland.

Right, because the methodology is sound only if the outcome produces what you want to hear.

That's not what she wrote. Re-read it.

[Anonymous]

Wow - the averages are low

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow - the averages are low

Not really. They are using the old 1,600 scale by only considering math and reading. Actually, they are quite high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow - the averages are low

Not really. They are using the old 1,600 scale by only considering math and reading. Actually, they are quite high.

+1. UMD is sandwiched between UCLA and UNC-Chapel Hill. As a MD resident, I am relieved there is a decent option for my child.

[Anonymous]

Good to see University of North Florida on the list. We stumbled on that college completely by accident while looking at other Florida schools. She fell in love with the campus and the honors college. It turned out to be a perfect fit for my daughter despite my initial hesitation. And because she was a National Merit Scholar, they gave her a full ride. Her dorm looks like a resort. There is a lazy river, a private fitness center and pool. Plus a grocery store and restaurant. All of that IN her dorm. The rest of the campus is just as amazing. Very different from my college experience.

[Anonymous]

^^ I don't see Univ. of North Florida on the list. Where is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: ^^ I don't see Univ. of North Florida on the list. Where is it?

#77. Surprisingly, 3 above my DH's beloved VMI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good to see University of North Florida on the list. We stumbled on that college completely by accident while looking at other Florida schools. She fell in love with the campus and the honors college. It turned out to be a perfect fit for my daughter despite my initial hesitation. And because she was a National Merit Scholar, they gave her a full ride. Her dorm looks like a resort. There is a lazy river, a private fitness center and pool. Plus a grocery store and restaurant. All of that IN her dorm. The rest of the campus is just as amazing. Very different from my college experience.

So... public funds are paying for that lazy river, pool, etc.?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While lists like this may be based on dubious data, they do tend to have a profound influence on people's perceptions. So good for Univ. of Maryland.

What "dubious data" are you referring to? Support your assertion, please.

[Anonymous]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sN4ynr6QbtA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While lists like this may be based on dubious data, they do tend to have a profound influence on people's perceptions. So good for Univ. of Maryland.

What "dubious data" are you referring to? Support your assertion, please.

Note the word "may" in that first sentence. Really what I was commenting on was lists and rankings like this in general, which take very complex things--like the quality of a university and its student body--and attempt to distill it into a top 10 list.

But what is clear is that the student body at Univ. of MD is way smarter than in my day. I don't think my SATs would get me in today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While lists like this may be based on dubious data, they do tend to have a profound influence on people's perceptions. So good for Univ. of Maryland.

What "dubious data" are you referring to? Support your assertion, please.

Not the PP but I guess one question is whether average SAT scores are THE measure of a "smart public college". No sour grapes here - my DC's college is very highly ranked.