<p>College dad, I agree with the factors he listed as being extremely important and agree that US NEws is overused and that there is difficulty with any ranking. I still like US News as a starting place . It was a good reference for us going in knowing nothing. My S chose a school high on their list but my D picked the school best for her that was one of the lower ones ranking wise she got in to because she loved it and it will serve her well for what she is doing. As long as folks don't use it as a bible, it can be a good tool but I understand your point completely. At our HS everyone applies to the same 20 or so schools when there are many great ones out there that would serve there needs as well.Thanks for posting the article, very interesting!</p>