<p>Okay. Can someone explain the differences in a first second and third tier schools. I know it means one tier is ranked higher than the others but how do they differ in who they select. Like does third tier just let anyone in and second for above average? Or are third tier still respectable?
Please respond</p>
<p>There are many different "rankings" out there. The most commonly discussed ones are the ones put out by US News & World Report. They are based on many factors beyond selectivity, including how other institutions view each other, alumni contributions, graduation rates, etc. </p>
<p>Selectivity varies considerably across all tiers. In general the top tier schools are the most competitive but even there, the admissions numbers vary considerably. Even among third tier schools there are some VERY selective schools (example, Flagler College in Florida only accepts 30% of candidates yet is not a tier one school). Some second tier schools have very selective admissions, others less so - often this is tied to location.</p>
<p>And, there's also a vast number of schools that are NOT in any real "tier" because they are not classified as research universities or liberal arts schools but as comprehensive colleges. USNews doesn't list those in national tiers but ranks them on a regional basis. Just because they are not "ranked" does not mean they are not good schools - they are just schools that are ranked differently.</p>
<p>I personally think it's wrong to assume that Higher rankings automatically assure higher quality --- anyone shopping for a college needs to do their own research to determine the quality and fit of ANY school, whether it's ranked number 1 or number 285. It is possible to get a good education at schools throughout the rankings --- but as you move down the rankings, it becomes even MORE important to be a wise shopper and ask lots of questions about the education you will be receiving.</p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Thanks.
I know rank isn't everything. I just want to use it for perspective. A school will sound really great but then ends up being fluff. And it is nicve for job opp.s (at leastin TX) to go to a known school.
Or so I hear. i know I can still be hired and succeed anyway but you know.
But thanks for the reply that helps a lot!</p>
<p>Carolyn -- You are most definitely NOT a "junior member." (I'd protest!). Great post, as usual.</p>
<p>Yes, I also vote to promote Carolyn to Sr Member... That was an excellent response and summary of "Tiers". BTW - Do all Senior Members geta 10% discount at Denny's?
How about a 10% tuition discount?</p>
<p>Just a thought...</p>
<p>JJKitty - The rankings are a place to start --- just remember that the "prestige" of a school is going to vary in different parts of the country. Here in Southern California, there are many people who have never heard of schools in the top "tier" and I'm sure it's similiar in Texas and other parts of the country. If you want to work in Texas after graduation, look at schools in the Southeast and Texas, maybe some Calif. schools - those are going to be the ones employers will be most likely to recognize. I venture to say that many Texas employers would pick a UT Austin grad over a Williams or NYU grad.</p>
<p>And, again, do your own due dilligence. Dig down into the department information of the schools you are interested in - check to see how many faculty they have and how many actually TEACH undergrads - also check to see how quickly classes you may want to take fill up. Look at the size of the library, how facilities are maintained on campus. Ask about what employers actually recruit students on campus and what type of jobs typical recent grads get. Talk to some professors and ask questions of students. Trust your own instinct about which schools are "fluff" (great term!) and which are worth pursuing. </p>
<p>NuDad - Well, heck, I'd tack "senior" after my name for that tuition discount! LOL!</p>