The Value of Global University Ranking Systems
While seeking admission to a university, the students are most likely to check on the Global University Ranking Systems. As per the ranking, the students get a record of the top universities in the career field they want to get into. Back then, the ranking system was uncommon in most of the countries. But now, the rankings are increasing rapidly to over more than 40 countries around the world. The influence of university rankings is expanding to compare the higher education institutions in every part of the world. Anyone who’d need information regarding the degrees offered and the tuition fee refers to the global university rankings for the same. But, the question that arises of it is whether or not these global university rankings measure the quality of the education offered by the universities. And, do these rankings actually help you know the “best universities in the world.“ Read on to find out.
What Do Global Rankings Measure?
Based on the indicators and the data sources, different ranking systems measure different aspects of the higher education institutes. But, as the data sources are so vast that there are considerable discrepancies in the rankings too. Most rankings measure the face value of the HEI’s by quoting the alma matter of the institutions who made it to become Nobel laureates or excelled in their field of expertise. In another attempt, the rankings measure the percentage of native and international students seeking admission each year. The three main ranking systems that most people follow include ARMU, Times Higher Education, and QS.
Does the Admission Ratio Determine the Quality of Education?
Since rankings are most likely to determine the no. of students seeking admission in an HEI, but, does the rankings in any way make it evident that the university provides quality teaching and learning. In rankings that determine the job opportunities in an educational field, the data of the average annual salaries can also be misleading. If the rankings don’t specify the regional location and other considerations, it gets hard to make out the right placement opportunities that the HEI’s provide. So, the scale of the institute’s reputation based on the number of students seeking admission is completely indistinct with the measure of quality education that they provide.
How to Choose the Best Universities?
After going through the world university rankings, the central question to determine is, “how to choose the best university? ” As per the university rankings, it gets hard to determine which criteria to take into account. The first criteria are the percentage of admission, and the second criteria include the social and economic objectives and values of an institution.
The students seeking to pursue admission in a ‘world-class’ university look up to the top 100 universities list. Little did we realized that these global rankings barely determine the teaching and learning, the student experience, and the value of learning. So, the only way to find out which universities are best for you includes following up on the self-created parameters. Here are five tips that you can follow to choose the best university-based on what you want to study.
Identify your Passion
To find the best university, you ought to find the university that suits your passion. Referring to the world university ranking to find the ideal university must take place when you get sure about which field to pursue. The most effective way to determine your passion is by knowing what will get you a long way and give you immense pleasure as well. For example:- If you want to become a doctor, it gets easier for you to look into the university rankings of the best medical colleges in the world or US.
Shortlist the Best Universities in your Field
After determining which field you want to study in, the next task is to shortlist the best universities that rank in your field of study. Make a list in the descending order, by keeping the best ones on the top and rest in the declining series. This way, you’ll have an order to find the right university for you.
Make a Checklist of the Course Content
After shortlisting the best universities, the next task is to check the course content. At times, the best universities don’t provide you the skills and knowledge you expect from your course. So, to find out the university that best defines your career goals, you must make a checklist of your requirements and the course content. Then, compare both and choose the university that matches up.
Find Out the Scholarships
As a student, you might also need relief in your fee structure. So, look up to the scholarship programs and find the universities that best provide legit relief in the tuition fee. This way, you get to set various filters for selecting an appropriate university that fulfills the purpose of providing valuable education in the fairest price possible.
Choose a Country
Now comes the main point, that is, to find out which country do you want to seek admission in. After determining the country of your choice, you’ll get a more precise university ranking. This way, the research for the best university will narrow down, making it simpler for you to choose one.
So, the answer to the question, “ Does the Admission Ratio Determine the Quality of Education?” is, ‘no, it does not.’ That is, to search the best university, you must set your own parameters and get a filtered list of universities that are best for them. It is with experience then that you’ll get to know which university provides quality teaching and learning along with its structured curriculum.
