Even though Carleton tends to do well in college rankings, we don't recommend that high school students put too much stock in them. The important thing is that the college you choose is the best fit for you--and your criteria may be very different from those used for college rankings. A college can be #1 in the rankings and still be a bad choice for your own individual needs.

Don't look at the rankings; they don't tell you what the best undergraduate education for YOU will be. Research every school and find the ones that fit your personality best. I've become a big proponent of the small, liberal arts education because learning should be a personal experience in which you make your decisions about how you see the world and what you want to do with your life. No numeric system can do that for you. Visit every school on your list!