<p>I don't understand this at all. UMD was ranked #52 in the 2012 edition of USWR national universities. This year they slipped to #58. In my opinion, the university should be ranked in the top 50. Every year that goes by, UMD is increasing their admission standards and more and more talented students are getting rejected. The research ties with federal/private agencies is also at an all time high. If anything UMD should've climbed up or at least stayed at 52. I understand that rankings aren't everything but anyone have any thoughts regarding the subject?</p>
<p>Here is the link that describes some of the methodology
[Methodology:</a> Undergraduate Ranking Criteria and Weights - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/09/11/methodology-undergraduate-ranking-criteria-and-weights-2]Methodology:”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/09/11/methodology-undergraduate-ranking-criteria-and-weights-2)</p>
<p>Why the drop? Who knows - too many factors to know which ones caused the “slip.” Is it disappointing? Sure, but these rankings vary from year to year. I wouldn’t sweat it - it’s not like it dropped 20 spots. I really don’t think it will have any effect on Maryland’s reputation.</p>
<p>With the move to the Big 10, I suspect the rank will move back up (since the finances will improve) next year.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about if these factors significantly affect rankings, but two things I noticed while visiting, there was no research hospital connected to the campus and socially it seemed many kids travelled to DC to party. </p>
<p>Now I read about the research available at the new weather center and that’s awesome, but not clinical.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t sweat over a small slip. It is an amazing university, anyone who attends is lucky! Numbers are relative. It is what you make of any school.</p>
<p>This topic has been discussed extensively on other threads. You must remember that USNWR is a magazine in the business of selling magazines. The criteria that they use to rank schools is extremely flawed and questionable at best. GPA, class rank and SAT/ACT scores are only small factors that go into the ranking. Much is subjective and illogical (IMHO). The important thing is that each student find the school that best fits his/her needs, wants and interests. So, don’t sweat the rankings. If a certain school works for you, go for it!</p>
<p>@jozuko: where is the “like” button? well said</p>