Don't Rely on College Prestige Rankings
Students who rely too heavily on U.S. News & World Report college rankings often come away disappointed with their eventual college choice. Just because one college is ranked, say, 17 places higher than another in a subjective national poll doesn’t necessarily mean that the first school is any better than the second one, nor does it mean that the first school is a better "fit" for you.
Choosing a college based solely on such rankings is like deciding what to eat for dinner based on a survey of restaurant owners. Sure, you might get some ideas, but there is no guarantee that any particular dish will truly fit your tastes.
The bottom line is that when college decisions begin with external factors and influences, you are setting yourself up for failure. But when the college decision instead emanates from thoughtful internal reflection—helping you find a school that expands your horizons, challenges your comfort zone, supports your learning style and yet feels like home—the end result can be truly enriching and life-changing.
- City of College Dreams:
A Very Brief Biography
Ben Kaplan is one of the nation's leading experts on college admissions, scholarships, financial aid, educational savings and investing, student success, and youth personal empowerment issues.
He serves as the "mayor" of the City of College Dreams and has authored 12 best-selling books and CDs, including his new instructional DVD, "Finding College Cash in Tough Times."




Comments
College Rankings Can Mislead
Ben's analogy of the restaurant is particularly apt. Surveys are helpful, but they don't take into account your tastes and preferences.
I've also compared shopping for colleges to shopping for jeans at a department stores: tons of colors, styles, sizes, different stitching--and some may even have designer labels. But when it comes down to it, which pair looks best on YOU?
You need to do some heavy duty shopping in order to find the right fit. So look beyond the rankings.
I am so happy to have heard
I am so happy to have heard you on The Bill Handel Show on KFI640 am in Los Angeles...
I am a high school teacher, and my jrs. and srs. need all the help in this area that they can get!!! I am sharing your info and website with them.
Thanks again!
Joyce Sharp
Granada Hills Charter High School
hmm good point. I never
hmm good point. I never really thought about that. I will admit that I have looked at the college ranking as one of the first things about a college. I have seen the top colleges list and just picked some in my state and said I wanted to go there since it must be good since it has a high ranking. but i'll def keep this in mind thanks
Completely agree
I used to feel like Ivy League schools were the only places I could apply to, especially due to my academic standings. Everyone kept wondering why I didn't apply to a school like that, but I'm going to be a music major. I didn't find any schools that "ranked high" that fit me musically, and so I ended up deciding to apply to a bunch of different schools that have great music programs but may not be as well known. It doesn't matter what the standing is... It matters what is best for you personally.
Thanks!
Thanks for the great comments, everyone!
prestige factor lasts a lifetime!
Where you went to college and the perception of it's selectivity crops up innumerable times after you graduate.
Don't you downplay the importance of that factor?
Is "the fit" as important as getting into the most prestigious institution you can and making yourself fit?
Kendall Bini
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coach's locker room
Does anyone know how to locate the "Coach's Locker Room" that was promised as a tool in Ben's book "How to Go College for Free"? I can't locate it on his website.
“The bottom line is that when
“The bottom line is that when college decisions begin with external factors and influences, you are setting yourself up for failure” This is a sad reality among college students they prefer to enroll to school where they think famous or exclusive without thinking if that school really fit to his course nor that school is of a could really be acclaimed to be of quality education. The popularity of the school should not be the basis because it can be deceiving, are you willing to take risk of you dreamed career? You should prefer a school which is home of global achievers a school with good reputation which can mold every student to be a competent employee in the near future. Choose a school that could provide you techniques for greater advancement such as the use of online education.
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