When determining which university should be ranked 1st in the world, what information really counts?  According to the New York Times, it might not be what you think.  Click here to read the article that deals with the controversy over one university's extraordinary ranking.  In the states names like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, etc, are all synonomous with high caliber learning.  While I don't question the quality of education coming from these institutions, I do question the system of ranking one better than the other.

The university experience is not just about what happens in the classroom.  It's not just about what happens outside of the classroom, contrary to what most freshman think!  It is a combination of all contributing factors for the duration of the degree program.  While Harvard may excel in  one particular area of study, the environment and extra-curricular activities may not meet the needs of a particular student.  On the flip side, Princeton may have the best student newspaper and cafeteria but be lacking in a particular department. 

You can't judge or rank the experience that these universities provide without looking at the whole picture.  And just like the elephant, people will see things from different angles and describe them with totally different words.  So, when evaluating which university to attend, figure out what really counts for you and then find a place that can meet your needs.  Don't expect that just because a school is ranked number 1 that your personal exerience there will also be ranked number one.