Hi all, I've been checking out Forbes' rankings for liberal arts colleges, but I'm unsure about how reliable they are. What's the general consensus on these rankings, and should I take them seriously when making my college decisions?
The general consensus on Forbes' liberal arts college rankings and other rankings by reputable publications is that they can provide a useful starting point for evaluating schools, but it's essential to keep in mind that these rankings don't capture the whole picture. Different ranking systems have different methodologies and assign different weights to factors, such as graduation rates, faculty credentials, and alumni earnings, which might not align with your priorities.
When making college decisions, it's better to focus on factors that are personally important to you instead of solely relying on rankings. Consider aspects such as location, campus culture, class sizes, academic programs, financial aid opportunities, and extracurricular activities. You should also visit the college campuses, if possible, and speak to current students and faculty to gauge if the atmosphere matches your preferences.
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