How many threads do we really need going at the same time about elite schools and thri rankings? I mean really…how many??
The question of rankings comes up over and over here, understandibly. And if someone locks into the “difference” between a school ranked 12 vs 17, in USnews, well, if thats their priority, whatever floats their boat.
Very few people know where schools sre ranked according to US News.
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In both the US News National University and National LAC rankings, the top ~5 schools are much more selective (and better recognized nationally) than the #30 or #40-ish schools.<<<
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The idea is generally correct, safe and except the ~5 definition as schools in the 5-10 positions or even lower are more selective than schools ranked 1-3 in terms of admission numbers. For instance, AWS in the LACs are not the most selective schools. Historically, Carleton and Wellesley were often in the top 5 and never highly selective.
Interesting that the thread on NYU vs Temple honors, with a difference in rank of about 90 places, has most saying it would not be worth it to go to NYU full pay vs full tuition scholarship at Temple and that the quality of education wouldn’t be that different. I would have thought that there would be enough of a a difference in the students that the level, depth and pace of instruction would provide a better education at NYU if the parents could afford it. It does seem like some thought it would be worth it to pay for the super elite universities or LACs but not for a school like NYU. But maybe not.
Ranking is only one thing. Villanova, for example is in a category with a lot of schools that are not so well knowns, so it’s ranking is difficult to gauge among national universities and other known schools. Yet, in certain areas, the name recognition and reputation is such hat the ranking, the 3rd R is rendered a non issue by many. So yes, region (another R, heh, heh) can be an issue. A strong one. My son went to a school virtually unknown by most anyone we know here on the east coast, but is very well regarded in the area where it is located.
I lived in the midwest for long time before moving here, and many of the schools under discussion there are hardly mentioned here and people have no idea about them. Heck, my son who went back there for college, went to one of the most popular, common choices there and he’s the only kid from his highschool, and one of a handful from the area here that is there. Regional is a big factor.
Only if selectivity is measured by rejection rate, not taking into account quality of the applicant pool.
“It does seem like some thought it would be worth it to pay for the super elite universities or LACs but not for a school like NYU. But maybe not.”
That’s pretty much where I stand. $71k per year, unless you’re filthy rich, is madness for NYU. I don’t see the value.
Right, in general. For Stern, spending a ton of money may make sense.
Hard to justify that amount for any other division of NYU, though.
Actually, it probably would be better.
What is accomplished by RANKING colleges anyway? (as opposed to rating them)