<p>Amen!! I can't tell you how relieved I was when my daughter finally came to the conclusion that rankings are irrelevant. After visiting a number of campuses and doing lots of web-based research, she discovered what SHE (thinks she) wants from a college. Of course, she is still confused ... but at least she is confused in a good way! This has been a process of discovering what is important to her, and trying to find a place that will help her develop to her full potential. I consider that so much more important than looking at someone else's list of supposedly great schools and choosing based on others' perception of "best." </p>
<p>My alma mater might not be tops in the rankings, but it was tops for me. I wouldn't be the person I am without my little nerdy engineeering school background --- it's not the place for everyone, but it "made me."</p>