http://www.forbes.com/sites/amitmrig/2015/12/07/how-college-rankings-limit-innovation-in-higher-education/#2715e4857a0b30a44ec7769b

We're starting counseling with the class of 2017! As you enter the college search, beware of rankings and selectivity rates as proxies for quality. Our American mindset tends to reward those seeming indicators of competitiveness. The reality is that both are easily manipulated-- at the cost of the things that actually matter in undergraduate education! Our nation has a wealth of outstanding colleges. Resources are more widespread than ever, and a tough academic job market means that fantastic scholars and educators are found at any college that can offer full-time jobs, support for teaching, and a reasonable quality of life. Compared to 20 or more years ago, options are pretty amazing, even at colleges you've never heard of. An open mind and an eye for what matters in the educational experience will make your college search more fun and rewarding, less stressful, and your success in college and beyond more likely. Follow this link for more insight into how pursuing rankings prevents colleges from innovating.