<p>Because it helps break down a monolithic place with maybe 2000-3000 profs and 100 depts into things you can actually use. You’ll take the most classes in your major(s) so it might be nice to know if that group is known or unknown. Is the dept doing new things or just marking time until retirement. A great engineering school won’t help a future English/History major much. Probably will never enter one of their buildings if it’s a big school.</p>