Do College Rankings Matter?
Beyond fulfilling a competitive desire, do rankings really matter? Some controversy exists on the matter, with scholars and universities alike finding the lists artificial and misleading. Some schools have even refused to participate in ranking studies and surveys. It’s still hard to argue against the prestige of saying you attended the number one undergraduate business program. You can also use rankings to your advantage in selecting a college. You don’t need a survey to tell you Harvard is a top university, but rankings can give a lesser-known school a chance to shine because of a notable program or stellar atmosphere. Ranking lists are best considered from the proper perspective. They are simply an aid, a single resource to use in your quest to find the best college for your needs. It won’t do you any good to attend a top-ranked school if you’re miserable and drop out after your first semester. Likewise, an aspiring poet won’t find much inspiration at a top-ranked engineering school
