<p>There are many books out there that give the numbers about college - x undergads, y majors and the average SAT is z. I think these books are trying to differentiate themselves from the pack. If the prospective students are concerned with the attractiveness of the student body and are willing to pay for that info, chances are someone will write about it. With "over 100,000 copies sold", College Prowl'r seems to have a substantial market.</p>
<p>I wouldn't really call it a random factor, perhaps one I won't consider next year (I'm a junior), but not random. Lots of students chose schools because the campuses are beautiful, some extend that to include the people on campus.</p>