Everyone has an image, personal brand, and reputation– you, me, and even big entities like universities. It is interesting to see what universities make the cut as being in the top 100 in the United States. Each year, the Princeton Review publishes their list of what they consider to be the top universities based on their student to professor ratio, overall college experience, and overall reputation as a prestigious academic institution. However, they also have lists that some universities may not wish to be on, such as the top “Party” school in the United States.
It is interesting to see where my various schools are ranked. All three of the universities that I have attended (Florida, USC, and Tennessee) are on the list. Tennessee is ranked in the top 15 as one of the top jock schools (athletics are important at UT, especially football and basketball), but they are also ranked in the top 15 for having the least beautiful campus (I disagree– I think that UT is really pretty, especially when the leaves turn in the fall!).
USC was ranked for being a university with a conscience– I completely agree with this because USC really does make sure that their students get the most out of their experience as a USC student and prepares them for the real world. Another ranking that USC got was #18 for packing students in a stadium– well… YEAH! 🙂 I just have two things to say– USC Athletics and Pete Carroll. 🙂
Florida also made the list– but there were some lists that they may not want to be on. First, they are the top party school in the country (ouch!) and they also have a high ranking for having dorms like dungeons (what? I lived in the dorms for a couple of years in Springs, and they were really nice!), but they do have the #7 college newspaper and #13 on best college job placement.
So, overall– I think that my universities have done really well! But the Princeton Review, in PR terms, serves as a third party endorser. They have researched on what they consider to be the top colleges out there right now, and have published their findings in this prestigious publication. To some, it may justify and reward all of their efforts to make themselves the best university that they can be to their students, faculty, community, alumni, and others. However, this may also serve as a needed wake-up call for universities to realize that this is how a large influential group perceives them, and what characteristics or labels they associate with a particular university.
Universities have to be aware that this type of audience is important to watch and be aware of– because you want to make sure that you know how people are perceiving your image, brand, and overall reputation as a university. Yes, there are going to be some lists that you may not wish to be on–but, at least you are informed of what you are today, and be better prepared to work strategically to improve yourself. 🙂
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen 🙂
0 Comments