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.