<p>If Villanova was not listed with the Masters schools on the US News, where would it be in the National University ranking? I am trying to gauge the national reputation and prestige that Villanova has. Please give unbiased projections. My guess would be about 40.</p>
<p>I'd say top 50.</p>
<p>I'd say #43 behind the University of Washington, although I dont think it's a better school than the University of Texas (#44) and the University of Florida (#49)</p>
<p>If the rankings were abolished, which many college administrators wish they were, then it would force students and parents to make choices about college based on factors that are more relevant to each particular student. Everyone wants their school to have (or get) some respect. Its a natural feeling to want that. But its far more important that you choose the school that is best suited to your needs, objectives and skill set (both social and academic.) </p>
<p>State schools have lots of resources, tremendous sports programs, and a degree of anonymity that some students desire. But they are also typically very big, bureaucratic, and not that cozy feeling. Private schools offer a special feeling of closeness, smaller classes, more interaction with professors. So how does one "rank" that factor? Hard to do. Some people focus on the admissions statistics/scores to give a perceived objective ranking of schools. That may or may not be an accurate reflection of the quality of education they may get at a particular institution.</p>
<p>At most schools, you can find people who have scores that qualify them for the Ivy League, and if you ask them why they are "here?" You might be surprised to learn the answer. For some it was scholarship offers, but for others it was a recognition that they would be happier and perhaps do better in school. </p>
<p>Choosing between the University of Washington, Texas or Florida is really a flip of the coin and has more to do with culture and geography than academic rigor. I would suggest to viewers here that the same is true between many private schools: Villanova, Bucknell, Colgate, Lehigh, Lafayette, Bates, Fordham, BC etc. There will be small differences in the stats and scores of incoming freshmen but the real differences are more having to do with money, location, campus facilities and that "feel." I would not criticize anyone for picking one school over another so long as it was a rational choice and what is best for that student and family.</p>
<p>well said, seafoodlover</p>
<p>Seafoodlover: great post. Thank you.</p>
<p>That's like asking if Ireland only had American highways wouldn't it be great? Maybe it would, but it wouldn't be Ireland.</p>
<p>There's a reason Villanova is ranked with Masters granting institutions. That's where it belongs. Villanova is not a research-intensive university, heavily invested in many doctoral programs. Maybe it should be. Your guess is as good as mine. But then it wouldn't be Villanova.</p>