Studying in a top-ranked college is a dream for every student. However, only some are aware of the controversial aspects of college rankings. College rankings confuse many students searching for the best schools. While it’s ultimately up to you on how much emphasis you want to place on these rankings, it’s important to understand where the controversy might lie. 

Let’s understand college ranking and discuss their controversial aspects.

Controversial Aspects of College Rankings

College rankings are published by the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE), Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai University, and Q.S. Rankings by Top Universities.

These rankings generate significant interest, excitement, and sometimes anxiety among prospective students. Students looking to pursue higher studies select schools based on these rankings, as they want to enroll in the best programs with promising careers.

The outcomes of these rankings are usually predictable. Universities from the United States and the United Kingdom top the list. There are only slight variations from year to year. 

Where Does the Problem Lie in College Ranking?

Let’s examine the rankings of some leading universities across different ranking systems.

• Columbia University is ranked 17th by THE, 7th by ARW, and 19th by Q.S.
• London School of Economics is placed 27th by THE, 151st by ARW, and 49th by Q.S.
• Peking University holds the 23rd position according to both THE and Q.S.and ranked 49th by ARW.
• The University of Edinburgh is ranked 30th by THE, 42nd by ARW, and 20th by Q.S.
• The Georgia Institute of Technology finds itself at 38th place according to THE, 101st according to ARW, and 80th according to Q.S.
• K.U. Leuven is ranked 45th by THE, 97th by ARW, and 84th by Q.S.

These examples highlight the variability and subjective nature of global university rankings. They emphasize the importance of considering a range of factors when evaluating higher education institutions.

How Should Students Approach College Rankings?

Every student wants to study in the top-ranked colleges in the world. However, it’s important to be vigilant and not fall prey to the rankings, as they can be deceptive.

Here are some tips that can help you approach the college rankings when selecting schools for graduate studies.

Ignore the University Popularity Contest 

The comparison between top-tier universities and the rest is like the cinematic showdown between blockbuster hits and indie films. An underrated indie film can be a cinematic masterpiece. Similarly, universities lacking the limelight can still offer exceptional educational opportunities.

These institutions might not fulfill every criterion of the ranking algorithms. Still, if they specialize in areas that align with your academic and professional aspirations, you’ve found an ideal match.

Prioritize Your Interest 

Have you ever noticed that the gap between a university ranked 1st and 30th is too massive? Meanwhile, the difference between those ranked 40th and 50th is not that big. 

The university ranking system keeps top institutes side by side, with slight changes every year. This practice highlights the controversial aspect of ignoring low-ranked universities.

If you pick a university ranking 500th on the world ranking 2024 list, it doesn’t mean you have made the worst choice. It is a commendable decision to prioritize personal and academic compatibility over rankings.  

Difference in Ranking Criteria 

University rankings are made up after a careful analysis of multiple factors. These factors include:

• The academic reputation of the university
• Graduation rates
• The # of research citations and published papers under their belt
• The # of international students and faculty
• Employment rate
• Student-to-faculty ratio
• The number of awards and recognitions
• Scholarships and other student aid

The surprising fact is no ranking includes these factors. Each of them has specific criteria for prioritization. Thus, some rankings might help you, while others can misguide you. 

How to Pick the Best University Ranking? 

How would you know which ranking can help you among a bunch of rankings with different results? Check their ranking criteria to understand what’s best for you. Let us take you to some examples for better understanding.     

• If you are seeking scholarships, U.S. News & World Report is best for you. It focuses on faculty resources and financial aid for students.
• For PhD students, Times Higher Education and ARWU work best. They focus on cited and published research papers along with research funding. 
• Toppers can look into ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) and Q.S. They target the reputation of the institute and the number of awards won by the graduates. 
• If you want an international environment, your dream university can be found in THE and Q.S. World University Rankings. They focus on the number of international students and faculty.

Passion Over Popularity 

A top-ranked university might be perfect for business studies, however; there is a possibility that it’s not the best for social sciences programs. Maybe their teaching is up to the mark, or the workshops you are passionate about are subpar.

Many students follow the lead and jump on the bandwagon, leaving their passion behind. The only reason for studying at a specific university shouldn’t be its top rank. After all, why would you complete an MBA from the world’s number-one university if you are passionate about studying music?

The experience of graduating in a program that doesn’t interest you isn’t worth it. Prioritize studying what you love and pursuing your passion over the popularity of universities. Even if the university providing specialization in music is not ranked globally, go for it.

A World Beyond International Rankings

Don’t mull over getting into a top-ranked university. Students get depressed when they cannot get into the top 100 colleges in the world. There is a big world beyond international rankings. Look into other options, and you’ll find the university that meets your passion and academic goals.

If you are feeling down, chin up and follow these practices:

• Compare academic options across the globe.
• Read articles on the best international degrees.
• Read students’ diaries and get first-hand experience by interacting with them via social media handles.
• Make sure the rankings you trust focus on the discipline that interests you.
• Leverage forums like Quora and Reddit to get the best answers to your academic queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Did American University Ranking Drop?

The American University’s ranking dropped because of a drastic change in the U.S. News methodology. They changed 17 to 19 factors affecting the rankings and picked unrepresentative data sources. The shift created a lack of credibility in the measures they represent.

Does College Ranking Matter in the USA?

Yes, college ranking matters in the USA. Employers check the background and evaluate your profile according to the college you’ve studied at. Moreover, graduate schools rely on rankings for assessing undergraduate applicants.

Why Is Stanford Ranked So High? 

After the Second World War, Stanford secured massive federal support for research purposes. It has made a big contribution to Silicon Valley. That’s how this university – paired with Berkeley in America’s San Francisco Bay Area – has become a top-ranked university.  

Conclusion

So, what do you think – can college rankings be believed? The controversial aspect of college rankings raises many questions. We cannot rely on these rankings completely. Yet, it has an impactful influence in the competitive academic world. Students should consider rankings after prioritizing their interests and passions.