How to determine the popularity of a college?

I've been looking at some of the 'most popular' colleges in America according to various lists. I'm trying to figure out what exactly these rankings mean. Are they based on enrollment numbers, selectivity, alumni satisfaction, or something else entirely?

When determining the 'popularity' of a college, a few factors are commonly considered. It's not quite a concrete data point like class size or graduation rate, so keep that in mind. Here are some elements that go into a university's so-called popularity:

1. Mention in Media and Public Perception: Sometimes, popular colleges are those most often cited in films, TV shows, and media. Big name schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale typically have a high level of public recognition and are considered popular in this sense.

2. Application Count: Another way to gauge popularity is by looking at sheer application numbers in a given admission cycle. A large number of applicants usually indicates that a school is highly sought after by graduating high school students.

3. Yield Rate: This is the percentage of admitted students who end up enrolling. A high yield rate suggests that once students are accepted, they're quite likely to attend, which can be a sign of a school's popularity.

4. Rankings: Schools that consistently rank high in national or regional rankings often draw significant interest from prospective students, leading to higher application numbers.

5. Alumni Success: If a school has a strong network of successful alumni, or if its graduates regularly go on to achieve notable success in their fields, this can enhance the school's reputation and popularity.

However, remember that the 'popularity' of a college might not correlate directly to the quality of education or fit for a specific student. It's crucial for each student to research college options thoroughly, focusing on factors such as academic programs, campus culture, career services, and outcomes. Looking beyond popularity and 'brand name' can lead to finding a college that's a perfect fit for you.