Most respected? =))
Good Point. Just trying to provide perhaps a different side to the “most respected ranking”.
@Sue22 The most popular may be a better word, but don’t be fooled, the USNWR is the single most important college ranking system whether you like or not, or even hate it.
^^^Perceptions change over time, even college rankings. The more USNWR rankings “objective” data are proven to be fraudulent, the lesser its reputation as an “unbiased” source. What better place to expose USNWR then here on CC. The most prestige driven parents, students, alumni, and others are perusing these pages constantly.
The problem with the 2018 U.S. News rankings: Junk in, junk out…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/09/12/the-problem-with-the-2018-u-s-news-rankings-junk-in-junk-out/?utm_term=.aa089e9ba36c
@Bester, I just read your last article. While the inputs might be imperfect that doesn’t make them “junk.”
I also have a problem with the following logic. Measuring a school success based on alumni giving benefits richer schools. Therefore richer schools will score higher. The author then tries to say that schools that are richer are not better? Or because it is unfair to poor schools that you shouldn’t use it? It might be socially unfair, but that doesn’t make a school not superior if it has more money because it caters to a group that has money. We can cry foul all we want but institutions (education, hospitals, Not-for-profits, businesses, churches, the military, revolutions, etc.) are usually more effective at their mission if they have the resources to accomplish that mission. Are BMW’s better cars, even thought their customer base is more well off?
BTW, we are way off topic. If you want to start a “Why USNWR Rankings Sucks Thread, do so” But please put an argument down and then support it with articles and not just spam it with every article that says USNWR is flawed.
@ Brian,
The title of the tread is “8 More Colleges Submitted Incorrect Data for Rankings” which inherently implies that there are flaws in the rankings. I am just providing information/perspective that can allow one to make their own thoughts on how the rankings may or may not be flawed.
Having said that, you do not have to read anything posted. It is your choice. I am sorry if the information provided caused you internal conflict. I suggest you don’t read it. Up to you.
I wish you no harm…just information you may or may not care to read.
15 Things to Know About U.S. News’ College Rankings…
http://www.thecollegesolution.com/15-things-to-know-about-u-s-news-college-rankings/
The best college ranking services are the ones that rank your school the highest. I am pretty sure that’s a proven fact. Some look at return on investment as if college is like buying a stock. Some look at career preparation and others look at it solely as a place to learn and expand your mind.
There is really nothing wrong with USNWR rankings if you don’t pick knits on a ranking of a #20 vs #25 and view them in clusters and understand that if you want to study biology, #28 might be better for your than #15 or #40 might be better because it’s more affordable. For business students, you might want to skip all of the ratings and go right to Poets & Quants ratings. They do a great job, but there are a few outlier schools with decent programs who, for whatever reason, don’t participate in P&Q. You would hope most form opinions on more than just one source or ratings service that drives prestige.
Actually is you go to USNWR and look at the colleges (albeit you might have to pay a fee for the most info) you’ll see that their is a ton of good information on each, much more than just the number in front. Having said that, if you want to sell subscriptions then putting a number in front just does that, it creates controversy, which creates discussion, which creates awareness, which sells subscriptions.
Before you spend 250K on anything you should do your homework. Letting US News tell you what’s best lands you in the position of losing good money should they make an error. I’d prefer to do my own research by reading a couple of publications regarding the schools of interest, then checking them out directly based on gut reaction and other factors.
$250K on “gut reaction”…should we go to Vegas and bet on red?
@CU123 I didn’t say pay 250K based on gut reaction, I said look at stats then use gut reaction very very different. Some schools can cover up a lot by twisting stats and they might not have what the student is looking for. I think most savvy parents realize that the major is as important or even more important than the school. They must be considered together. And then there are schools for which the stats are great but something makes it very unappealing. I can think of location, adverse politics, size and the student body. Kids realize fast that they will have to fit in and they can tell if it’s a fit. Parents can tell if the school is what it is saying it is. Some will fall for the hype but many will not. The marketing is great for most schools but the savvy consumer knows its marketing ( some just buy it though).
Questions Abound on Business School Rankings…
https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2018/02/05/temples-inaccurate-information-latest-dispute-over-mba-rankings
Fox Bows Out Of All U.S. News Rankings…
https://poetsandquants.com/2018/02/02/temple-withdraws-from-u-s-news-full-time-mba-ranking/
Temple University’s M.B.A. Ranking Scandal Spreads…
https://www.wsj.com/articles/temple-university-says-more-incorrect-data-was-used-in-ranking-its-m-b-a-program-1532560093
I wonder how many of the “elite” schools and programs game the system or blatantly cheat. Pennsylvania should stop funding Temple as a "State-Related " University and send their funding to the PASSHE system.
Yes…as a resident of Pennsylvania I am a tad salty on our funding challenges…lol
These type of colleges should be punished. US govt. did a good job by unranked them.
U.S. News revamps formula for its latest college rankings…
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/10/us-news-college-rankings-formula-813559
A close friend worked at a school that was frequently on that list but the school was totally shady in their internal processes. Students had even filed grievances with SACS but nothing happened. Have to go the extra mile to find a good school and that is why l visit this site. Personal experiences even though very varied are more reliable.
@Silivon The thread posted isn’t working?
@bester1 I thought the administrator of the forum deleted it. Sad…