<p>Dstark, I am afraid that in your desire to make a point, you have fallen in the trap of over-generalization. You also seem quite confused by the differences between rethorical discussions about rankings or graduate schools’ impact and discussions about college admissions. </p>
<p>Every year more than 4,000 colleges and millions of students play the mating game. For the overwhelming majority, the process is extremely simple as students often get accepted to their first or second choice. </p>
<p>For a small percentage of students, the college admission turns out to be a convoluted process that defies many odds. I believe that you’re placing way too much (perceived) importance on rankings and, interestingly enough by doing so, joining the ranks of the posters who believe their favored schools are “screwed” and lack the recognition they truly deserve. In this vein, your diffuse comments about graduate schools are very telling. </p>
<p>I am not certain why you think you may know more than someone else about college admissions, and know enough to be able to decree that others know less than what you might consider adequate. The reality is that the “required knowledge” is extremely variable ranging from what is needed for students who walk into their community college all the way to those who “play” the HYPS admission game. </p>
<p>By the way, in case you missed it, there is a PERFECT spot for a post like yours. Here’s the link: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/319650-say-here-cause-yo-can-t-say-directly-get-off-your-chest-thread.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/319650-say-here-cause-yo-can-t-say-directly-get-off-your-chest-thread.html</a></p>
<p>Posting there might make you feel better.</p>