<p>The bigger question that I have is: what are the elements that gives an LAC a higher USNR ranking?</p>
<p>In answering this question, please examine a college that we are looking at, Ripon College, in Wisconsin. It is third tier in the US News Reports, but gets a nice review in Princeton Review. Why? It is a smaller college, around a 1000. Is that one reason?</p>
<p>Size is not much of a consideration. Suggest you subscribe to USNews online, which has all of the data to answer your question, and more.</p>
<p>For example, </p>
<p>25%-75% test scores of Ripon: ACT 21-27 (SAT equivalent 990-1220; Williams 1320-1500. Amherst: 1330-1530.</p>
<p>Top 10% of kids in HS: Ripon 26%; Williams 90%; Amherst 86%.</p>
<p>FT Faculty: Ripon 83%; Williams 95%; Amherst 97%.</p>
<p>Peer Assessment (faculty quality measurement/survey) out of 5.0: Ripon 2.5; Williams 4.7; Amherst 4.7.</p>
<p>Financial Resources: Ripon UR; Williams 4; Amherst 10.</p>
<p>thanks for the info on Ripon from USNEWS. I assume that UR is unreported. Any other Ripon info? I just learned that my position is being terminated in 60 days. I don't think I can afford to subscribe.</p>
<p>Joe, I'm really sorry to hear about your job loss. I'm glad they gave you advance warning and hope you find something soon. I recall reading in other threads that when notified this is the kind of circumstance colleges will take into account as they put together financial aid offers and hope your daughter's schools come through. Best wishes.</p>
<p>joec:</p>
<p>sorry to hear about your job situation. I could dig up more data, but the Peer Assesment (PA) score (much derided on cc), equals ~25% of the total college score.</p>