So I am very interested in Conn, but I was just wondering why Conn’s raking is so low. I’ve read many pages that said Conn use to be in the top 25 LAC’s but now it is ranked 45. Does anyone know why its ranking plummeted and if the ranking will go up in the near future?
Thanks
When referring to a ranking, it should be specified which ranking. I’ll assume, though, you mean USNWR, for which a few points can be made:
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Connecticut College was probably never a top 25 LAC. Reading on College Confidential that it was means nothing unless the poster is specific as to the year and position.
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Connecticut’s current position of 45th means little without further analysis. The College’s score of 71 puts it in a dense part of the distribution curve. Would you feel differently about the school if it were ranked 35th, for example? This would require only an additional four points, which would seem more like a random fluctuation than a meaningful change.
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Connecticut compares favorably in at least some important measures to much “higher ranked” colleges. Compare its SAT scores and freshman in the top 10% of their high school class to 19th-ranked Bates:
Bates: 1260-1430, 56%
Connecticut: 1240-1410, 52%
By a reasonable standard, these figures are equivalent, yet the colleges are still separated by 26 places in the rankings. I’ll let you draw your own inferences.
Connecticut College is probably as strong as it ever was. And in your case, you are “very interested” in the College. It would be a shame to be led away from a college you like by a ranking system that has arbitrary aspects to it.
Good luck in your decision.
Thank you @Merc81
I’m not arguing with you and I completely agree with everything you said. Theres no doubt in my mind that Conn isn’t a top LAC. Its just odd to me that a school comparable to Bates and Colby doesn’t get the same “recognition” or “glory” as them. Its always seem to be thrown in the basement of the NESCAC’s.
Anyway thank you again for clarifying!
I’m sure your question about Connecticut’s ranking is just one of many you have had during your college search. Considering the magnitude of your decision, it’s as fair as any other. As you state, some things are just “odd.” And Conn’s USNWR ranking may go up. I just wouldn’t recommend counting on that as a basis for your decision. Once again, good luck!
I wrote above that Connecticut College was probably never a top 25 LAC. I have since seen data back to the inception of USNWR’s rankings. Connecticut was in fact a top 25 LAC in 1996 (25th), 1999 (24th) and 2000 (25th). Bear in mind that since that time the category has expanded. The additions of Harvey Mudd, URichmond, Soka and three of the service academies have impacted Conn’s position.