Research That Goes Beyond Snapshots

Kenneth Terrell ’93 lines up talking points in defense of the U.S. News college rankings very well, but his case still rings hollow in my estimation. The premise behind rankings is transactional — that any one college is better or worse than others — and it reinforces old-boy-network privileged stereotypes.

Rather than paying any heed at all to rankings, anyone trying to estimate the best college for him or herself would do better to recognize what I rediscovered visiting colleges during my children’s application process — that there is a plethora of truly excellent higher education institutions in our country, each with unique qualities and opportunities to offer. It takes research and discernment, not the snapshots Mr. Terrell cites, for each person to find his or her best fit.

Count me as a loyal and devoted Princeton alumnus who encourages Old Nassau to continue to manifest its leadership in higher education by not continuing active participation in those silly rankings.