Question about Program Rankings, Real Effects

[corticalmass]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi all, I have a Q for . . . you. You know, it took everything I had to not write "U."

Do you think differences in school rankings become superfluous at any given threshold? For instance, is the difference between "50" and "65" inconsequential? What about "25" and "70?"

I've been accepted to one program with a "70" ranking (via U.S. News) and one with a "25." It's worth noting that the "70" is ranked significantly better as a university. The "70" is part of a "Public Ivy" university, and is considered the most selective state-run university in the Northeast.

I'm trying to have a decision hammered out by Monday. The "25" is a Midwest university. I'm 26, I've spent all of my life in the state of this university, so I'm quite honestly ready for a new scene.

What do you think? Is the "branding" difference between a "25" and "70" worth worrying about, given equality all other variables (e.g., my own good work, solid reputation for both potential mentors, etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[JockNerd]

Those ratings are almost meaningless in psych. Because there is such a range of topics in psych, wherever the top guy or gal in your area is, is the top site. There are killer folks at ivys, state colleges, and liberal arts colleges; just depends on your topic area.

 

[paramour]

US News rankings are practically meaningless to grad school programs in clinical psych. It is more meaningful to look at the top researchers in your program area and field of interest.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

Not only are rankings meaningless, they are ever-changing... just take Vermont for instance, in 2008 they were barely ranked then in 2009 they were 7th because of the addition of 1 or 2 bad ass faculty bringing There are some programs ranked in the 100s that still have 400+ students apply for max 10 spots... are we to say that those programs are not competitive or good? (haha)

You should be more concerned with what matters more to you, i.e., where they are located and if you could live there for 5 years, if you could work with that faculty or other faculty for 5 years etc...

J

Hi all, I have a Q for . . . you. You know, it took everything I had to not write "U."

Do you think differences in school rankings become superfluous at any given threshold? For instance, is the difference between "50" and "65" inconsequential? What about "25" and "70?"

I've been accepted to one program with a "70" ranking (via U.S. News) and one with a "25." It's worth noting that the "70" is ranked significantly better as a university. The "70" is part of a "Public Ivy" university, and is considered the most selective state-run university in the Northeast.

I'm trying to have a decision hammered out by Monday. The "25" is a Midwest university. I'm 26, I've spent all of my life in the state of this university, so I'm quite honestly ready for a new scene.

What do you think? Is the "branding" difference between a "25" and "70" worth worrying about, given equality all other variables (e.g., my own good work, solid reputation for both potential mentors, etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

If you do a search on the forum, you'll probably find at least half a dozen threads on this exact topic.