(Edited a bit the original posting because it had typos and incomplete ideas)

The Economist just published a great article dealing with University rankings in general and I thought it would be useful for many in this blog to read it. In particular because it is plagued with arguments of the type "you should really choose Law School A because it is higher in the rankings than Law School B".

http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15770798&fsrc=rss

My favourite quote of the article reads:

"In any case, what research excellence actually means for most students is unclear. Catching a distant glimpse of a star professor is not the same as being taught by him. And the best researchers are not necessarily the best teachers. For many, the quality of teaching is what matters. Measuring it is far harder."

Don't get me wrong. I am not naive. I believe rankings do play an important role in choosing a program as they give you an idea of the "brand" you will be acquiring with your Ll.M. But do not take them for granted or, even worse, as your only guide without trying to understand what is being measured by them. Moreover, be aware that the rankings will change over time but you will remain "stuck" with your brand.

Choosing program A over program B should be based on due diligence from your side (you are a lawyer, remember?). For this reason, you should really try to determine whether the program fits with your goals/personality/life style. For example, have you talked to former alumni of those shcools? Will you really be able to have classess with famous professor X which is your main motivation for attenting that school? or is she/he never around and students end-up most of the in classes with teaching assistants? Is the Law school good in the area of your interest? If so, what do they mean when they say the school is "good"? Would the program help you achieve your career objectives? Would you feel comfortable in that particular city/town? Can you really afford to go there? etc.

I know many will probably disagree with me on this one, but I strongly believe that choosing a program solely based on the rankings is a big mistake. Enjoy the reading!

hi oldtimer!

just wanted to thank u for posting it. and wanted to say that i agreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :)

everybody is sooo hung up on rankings only a few seriously consider how particular programs fit in with their goals etc.

yes rank is important no doubt but each to his own i say... u should pick a program that best fits ur goals, strengths

anyway i enjoyed reading it. thanks for the \"alternative perspective\"
:)

And this is a link to a pretty detailed recount of why more than half of the US News ranking can be manipulated by Law Schools:

http://www.leiterrankings.com/usnews/guide.shtml