University rankings: The Emperor has at least some clothes

By Kim Blank. Yes, there’s no doubt that universities that get decent rankings often parade their high placement and may try to use it to their advantage. Why not? And, there’s also no doubt that universities with low rankings find ways to at least look good – a snazzy but friendly website is generally the way, along with a sloganized discourse (a.k.a. branding) that promotes great experience, great ambiance, a place that really cares, blah, blah, blah. More...