May 19, 2011
I’m by no means the only person who thinks the U.S. News and World Report college rankings are harmful.
Jacques Steinberg of the New York Times reports today on a member survey by NACAC, which includes both high school guidance counselors and admissions professionals at colleges and universities.
Says Steinberg, “In the survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, a leading membership group, a majority of college counselors responded that they had “negative opinions” of the U.S. News rankings and suggested that they “offer misleading conclusions about institutional quality.””
I’ve often challenged reporters who ask about the rankings to show me a college or university president who will say on the record that s/he believes that the U.S. News and World Report rankings are a valid measure of quality in higher education. I don’t think you can find one.
The rankings are a stunt to sell magazines and associated products. Avert your gaze; holster your wallet.
And protect your children!