Value Character over Reputation
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is who you really are, while your reputation is merely who others think you are.” John Wooden
Don’t be confused. Never let your quest for your “dream” college drive you to seek above all else a great reputation, because colleges and universities seek out students with demonstrated strength of character.
It’s sad to see how many students choose based off arbitrary rankings. You’re absolutely correct; students really need to focus on why a college is a fit rather than where it is in the USNWR.