Saw this video: https://youtu.be/IZUJv5l2eVo
Should I be looking at school rankings at all?
If so, how important is it?
The info and commentary provided in the video includes grad school.
Yes ranking for grad school can represent the true excellence and value of the degree in certain fields.
Undergrad Rankings matter in some ways and not so much in many others. It’s in the eye of the beholder.
However most ranking systems would suggest groupings versus specific numbers. The differences between Number 1 and number 10 vs 22 and 32 are really compressed. The better way to view it they suggest is top 50 is one grouping or top 100 etc. there’s also a multitude of data to suggest it’s more about the individual student over time.
But in the end, to me, the schools consistently in the top 50 or 60 schools on the combined university and lac lists are universally accepted as elite type terrific.
I’d agree that they should be looked at in rough tiers and, more importantly, mostly in the ratings for specific majors.
If you want to study Aeronautical Engineering, Chicago’s top 5-10 rating is of no use. Embry-Riddle also wouldn’t appear if you just look at “overall” rankings.
Properly used, they can serve a useful role as a starting point. But research and a tour/visit will provide much better info.