<p>Just out of curiosity, how do u guys think the sharp rise in applications will affect NU's position in the UsNews ranking, I just noticed a while ago that we dropped from 12th to 14th this year</p>
<p>selectivity is not a big part at all of the rankings. its like a certain percentage of 10 percent of the overall score. so it really means nothing :(</p>
<p>However, many other factors could contribute added to this to help move NU up the rankings 1 or 2 slots this year (maybe just tie with washu/cornell this time around?)</p>
<p>i just recalled i read that this year we tied with Harvard for second place in Solan Fellowships... is this a factor in the ranking?</p>
<p>Though all schools experienced an increase in selectivity and applicants this year, NU's was much more significant than most other schools, and will likely be reflected in the rankings (all other things remaining the same (which they wont) I'd predict a 1 or 2 spot jump.</p>
<p>Hard to say, but it probably will make a difference since the separation btwn the top schools is so small.</p>
<p>After-all, the dramatic improvement in the quality of student body/student selectivity was how WashU was able to rise in the rankings so quickly (with the help of copious amounts of merit aid).</p>
<p>Well, to put things in perspective, NU was ranked the 9th couple times before. Hardly anybody recognized the difference.</p>