<p>Looking over some stuff such as SAT scores, admission factors, etc., do you think these characteristics are accurate with regards to colleges?</p>
<p>They are as accurate as any figures anywhere, because they are based on the standardized methodology of the Common Data Set Initiative. </p>
<p>Common</a> Data Set Initiative </p>
<p>Much of the Common Data Set Initiative information is based, in turn, on standard data definitions used for federal government reporting by colleges. </p>
<p>The</a> Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) - Home Page </p>
<p>Please note that most colleges have a press office that will release how-to-lie-with-statistics press releases right after admission letters go out in April. Most colleges like to brag up their ADMITTED class, because it is always higher quality than the subsequent enrolled class will be (except for a very few colleges that are hardest to get into) because some students will have multiple offers of admission and will only enroll at the college they like best. University viewbooks may also present facts in ways that shade the truth, but the Common Data Set and databases based on its definitions are comparable from one college to the next, and that includes the College Board comparative data.</p>