22/9/2016 5CommonMistakestoAvoidWhenUsingUniversityRankings|TopUniversities

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 10am

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using University Rankings

Written by Mathilde Frot (/users/mathilde371524)

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While the appeal of university rankings lies largely in their simplicity, theyre actually much more complex than may appear on the
surface and as a result, its possible to misinterpret or over-emphasize their meaning. Before you nalize your university shortlist, check
that you havent made any of these ve common mistakes

1. Approach rankings like a carved-in-stone message from the gods.

via GIPHY (http://giphy.com/gifs/music-video-80s-madonna-bz6MOXHcGXBRe)

Obviously, rankings can give students an overall sense of a universitys performance, but you should keep in mind that rankings can
never come close to showing the full picture. This can be especially true in the case of smaller, younger and/or highly specialized
institutions, which may not qualify for inclusion in the list.

2. Ignore bunching.

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via GIPHY (http://giphy.com/gifs/shady-shaun-the-sheep-aardman-xT8qBgLUNirfk1Xs2s)

Something that you should really watch out for is bunching, that is, when universities with relatively similar scores are separated by
several ranking places. It would be unfortunate to miss out on great courses just because a university is ranked four or ve places below
another institution with a virtually identical score. Remember: rankings can uctuate from year to year, and the university you choose is
likely to move up or down a few places every so often. Dont overemphasize small dierences in position.

3. Assume the methodology exactly matches your priorities.

via GIPHY (http://giphy.com/gifs/sFK74luzYFhzG)

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via GIPHY (http://giphy.com/gifs/sFK74luzYFhzG)

Dierent rankings prioritize dierent factors over others. Some rankings place more emphasis on research performance, for instance,
while others focus on employer reputation or student to faculty ratio. When consulting any ranking, its important read through the
methodology dont just assume its an exact match for your own priorities.

4. Commit yourself to a life of despair and self-flagellation if you dont get into a top-10 university.

via GIPHY (http://giphy.com/gifs/catherine-deneuve-belle-de-jour-rain-is-despairs-friend-T3akhHBn0LEVG)

Because obviously, there are plenty of respectable universities out there that have great resources and facilities, despite being lower
down in the rankings! The universities at the very top of the table are not necessarily the best t for you and what you are trying to
achieve. You might discover that you are better matched to another, smaller and less well-known, institution; so dont shut yourself o to
opportunities for the sake of reputation or academic prestige!

5. Ignore subject-specific rankings.

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via GIPHY (http://giphy.com/gifs/love-girl-sad-LbxmNy0GeC2Dm)

Unlike overall rankings such as the QS World University Rankings (http://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings),

subject-specic rankings provide a more focused picture of high-performing universities in specic academic areas. Once you have
chosen your eld, looking at subject-specic rankings, such as the QS World University by Subject
(http://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/2016), can help you compare departments worldwide (the four points above still apply
though!).

Check out the latest QS World University Rankings

How Do University Rankings Help Students?

Life-long friendships? Career aspirations? Unforgettable memories? Whatever your motivations when choosing a university, the QS World University
Rankings...

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How Do
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Written by Mathilde Frot (/users/mathilde371524)

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