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[quote=Anonymous]http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/09/11/methodology-undergraduate-ranking-criteria-and-weights-2

"Selectivity" is 15%, broken down into various components.  "Reputation" is a whopping 25%.  Such a large percentage for such a squishy element.  Things not measured:

1. Advising system.
2. Atmosphere -- competitive, cold or supportive?
3. Number of students who go on to Phd programs.
4.  Is a thesis required?

I realize numbers 3 and 4 are more particular to my DC, but thats the point.  Maybe your DC wants to go to medical school, and that would be a good measure for him/her.  Maybe they want a top notch international exchange program.  I can tell you from looking that most of the highest ranked schools don't require a thesis, and I believe a thesis requirement is absolutely a sign of academic rigor.  My point is that they've chosen some random factors that may not be the factors you would choose.

Number 2 is impossible to quantify and is the most important element for choosing a college.  A student spends 4 years at the place and if its a miserable place -- and some highly ranked schools have that reputation  -- it isn't worth it.  You can get an excellent college education and be happy.  Isn't that what we all want for our children?[/quote]

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