Truth: If you choose a college only because of its high ranking in publications like U.S. News & World Report, you could be making your decision based on a very limited view of the school. The ranking criteria used by U.S. News, Princeton Review, and the like are usually based on student retention, faculty-to-student ratios, actual graduation growth and even the alumni giving rate.  

While you want your college to be a solid educational institution, you also want to evaluate your options based on what campus life is like. That may require scheduling a campus visit or overnight stay for a first-hand look. In addition, a college with a strong academic concentration in the major that interests you most could also be very important to you. After all, most of us want a job upon graduation and a school that can prepare you to achieve post-graduation goals is key. So keep in mind, there are many factors beyond prestige that come into play when choosing a college experience that fits you personally.   

First of all, choose a school that fits within the criteria you have set for the ideal college. For instance, many of the top-ranked schools are on the East Coast. If, however, you know that you want to stay close to home in the Midwest, choosing a top-ranked school in New York may not fit the boundaries you’ve set for the right college. If you haven’t made a list, here is a place to get you started.

You can also use the rankings to your advantage. Think of it as a great way to do more research. If you find that College X is known for their journalism program, which interests you, ask questions specifically about this program. Find out why they are so highly ranked. What is it that sets them apart? Why should you go there before choosing another school with a similar ranking? If they don’t have satisfactory answers to your questions, it’s time to move onto a different school.

Finally, do your own research. Going to sites like the National Center for Education Statistics and college admissions blogs like George Mason's Not Your Average Admissions Blog are two great ways to start.

Bottom line, search for a college that is appropriate for you. Rankings will be meaningless if you’re not at a school that is true to your interests and needs. If you don’t know what those important needs might be, here’s a breakdown of reasons why some current college students chose the colleges they now attend.