<p>Found this on the Chronicle of Higher Education:
The Global Language Monitor ranks US Colleges and Universities by "media buzz." Smith is ranked #17, behind Wellesley and Bryn Mawr, among others. I guess links are frowned upon here, but if you google "Global Language Monitor" you will find it. Click on "Colleges."</p>
<p>Hmm, that’s interesting. I feel like Smith is very buzzy in the media, but then again, I’m on several Smith email lists so am probably more bathed in the buzz than others. Would be interesing to know how it’s calculated. One thing to note is that, since Hilary Clinton is a Wellesley grad, that might increase their “buzz” factor, if it’s calculated purely from media mentions?</p>
<p>Or, B. Obama (Pres) doing the commencement address at Barnard. Methodology
is everything in these – who’s the prettiest surveys. Smith is doing fine.</p>
<p>.02 David</p>
<p>ps- just my …00002 but, I believe the President doing the Barnard
address at a WLAC lifts all boats. Good for the Sisters, etc.</p>
<p>I agree! I would of course, have preferred that he’s coming to Smith (though we’re getting Jane Lynch, so can’t really complain), but I imagine that in terms of security, the Quad is not an ideal location for a sitting president to speak (obviously the only reason! :-)). But any time a Seven Sisters school gets a lot of media attention, it’s really good for all of us. It reminds people that we’re here!</p>
<p>These “rankings” are kind of silly…fun to banter about but relatively meaningless…hey, Smith is number one in postings among “Top Liberal Arts Colleges” on College Confidential…woo woo. :D</p>
<p>I agree, rankings are more fun than anything else, and of course, good for useless debates on CC. 
If you like to argue methodology, Princeton Reviews “Best Professors” list recently came out (google it). While the 5 College Consortium is well represented (Mt. Holyoke 14, Amherst 5, UMass 1), alas Smith is not.</p>