What are reputable sources for finding out which colleges are best for which majors?

[OC Mom]

I've done some internet searches but mostly seem to come up with paid advertisements. I don't want a list of programs which have paid to be included in that list! Can anybody suggest ways to find top schools that are independently rated?

[Jane in NC]

Not a rating service, but I really like using the government statistics site, IPEDS (here (http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/)). You need to read between the lines, but you can see how many students graduated with a particular major in the last recorded year, how many grad students there are studying that field (and perhaps infer whether your student will have profs or TAs).

The rating services all seem to have their biases. In fact, some of the colleges are asking to no longer participate in some of them--hence you won't find the school on the list. It does not mean that the school is lacking.

I think that a good way of finding top schools in particular majors is to talk to people in the field. My son received tips from archaeologists who are professors as well as government employees. His best friend wants to study biology. He has sought out the advice of academics who mentor PhDs to learn what undergraduate programs developed promising grad student candidates.

This is a bit of a crystal ball endeavor. Faculty can change by the time a student graduates. Disciplines themselves change but colleges may not move with the times. And students may change majors. For that reason, we are looking not only for programs that will cultivate my son's current interests but help him receive a well rounded liberal arts education.

Best of luck,
Jane

[Moira in MA]

I liked Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges (http://www.amazon.com/Ruggs-Recommendations-Colleges-Frederick-Rugg/dp/1883062756/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265554714&sr=1-1).

You should be able to find it in your library system.

~Moira

[transientChris]

:iagree:. The Rugg's Guiude has been very helpful to us.

[LaJuana]

...for suggesting these resources. I have a lot of students asking me for college advice, and I have never used either of these. I appreciate you sharing them.