Campus Bound

[#1]

There are few topics in the world of college admissions that garner more controversy than the ranking of colleges, particularly in the US News and World Report.  Those who argue the value of the ranking systems point to the fact that consumers (high school students and their families) crave information—and these rankings are a way to sort out the confusing options that exist.  Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the methods used to rank these colleges are flawed.

Last week I saw a piece on CNN.com by David Hawkins, the Director of Public Policy and Research for the National Association for College Admission Counseling—the leading organization of college admissions officers and high school counselors.

Mr. Hawkins argues that  the “Misuse of test scores as college ranking criteria creates undue pressure on admission offices to pursue increasingly high test scores and fuels the tests' disproportionate influence.”

He points to a specific example at Baylor University in which the university provided financial incentives to first-year students to re-take the SAT in order to artificially inflate their rankings.   I am guessing that other universities have also developed creative ways to enhance their rankings.

Going to college is far too important and expensive to be left to chance.  In the absence of reliable rankings, however, what can you do?

1) Look within.  Reflect on what is really important to you in a college.

2) Research.  Once you figure out what is important to you, visit colleges and do not be afraid to ask tough questions as they relate to your goals.  Talk to people you trust and who know you well; this is where an independent expert can help.

3) Keep an open mind.  Certain colleges have reputations; before you believe rumors or perceptions based on minimal data, check it out for yourself

What criteria do you think should be used to evaluate colleges?