U. places 12th in 'U.S. News' college ratings

Ranking is highest ever The University is back in the spotlight -- receiving its highest overall rating ever in a ranking of "America's Best Colleges" by the U.S. News & World Report College Guide, which hits newsstands today. No longer rated at the bottom of the Ivy League, the University was ranked 12th in this year's survey, leaping four slots ahead of last year's 16th place position, leaving Cornell University and Northwestern University in its wake. The 12th place ranking, shared with Rice University, signifies a step in the right direction for the University, according to Admissions Dean Willis Stetson. "We're being the most selective ever," Stetson said. "Penn is a school that is better known than ever. But you've got to put it in context. It's just one survey among others." University President Judith Rodin agreed. "We'd rather be higher than lower, that's the fact of it," Rodin said. "But much of the criteria have never been clearly articulated. "I think that whether we like it or not, students and their families do read these rankings," she added. "My guess is that it would have a positive influence on Penn's applicant pool and even next year's acceptances." The rankings, which are based on reputation, resources and selectivity, vary only slightly from year to year, according to Dan Shapiro, director of institutional research for the University. Harvard University topped this year's list for the fifth consecutive year, followed by Princeton and Yale universities and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Cornell University fell five slots to 15th -- last in the Ivies. Last year, the University was ranked lowest in the Ivies. It was at its lowest point in 1989 at 20th place. Notably this year, Johns Hopkins University fell seven slots to 22nd place and Georgetown University fell eight slots to 25th place. Susan Shaman, assistant vice president for planning, attributed the University's move to "blind luck." "I think the ratings are approximately right in terms of capturing a ballpark," she said. "If Penn turns out to be anything between eight and 18, you'd say that's about right." "Admittedly, though, we're making a bit more of a splash," she added. "But are we a very different institution than we were last year? -- I don't think so." Stetson credits the improved standings to the increased selectivity of this year's admissions process. He added though that "Admissions feels all surveys are flawed." But Shapiro said the ranking may be attributed to an improved general reputation. "The ratings are trailing rather than leading indicators," he said. "We don't try to manage the University to the rating system."