The University of Virginia has some celebrating to do! This esteemed school was chosen one of the top Graduate Schools in the United States for five of its Graduate Schools and 12 of its programs. These high rankings are hard to achieve and are completed once a year by the US News & World Report's 2nd Edition of America's Best Graduate Schools.
The rankings are developed and chosen on the basis of student happiness, professor rating scales and campus life in general. Various rating scales are chosen for all Graduate schools and The University of Virginia ranked very high in its graduate programs of Law, Medicine, Business and Education.
To have such a high rating would indicate that the school is doing a lot of things right. The other universities would be wise in making the U. of V. and its various elements an example. Hire capable and worthy staff, keep the credentials top-notch and make all students accountable for their work and studies.
Of course other universities probably ranked as high if not higher than the University of Virginia. It is nice to know that there is a ranking system ongoing to keep students aware of the different programs and ratings. MacLeans Magazine in Canada does a similar ranking system for universities and programs in Canada and its once-a-year issue is a sell-out.
Rankings have their place and they are a handy guide for the parents and students to decide their next move. But do not rely solely on the ranking system. The parameters are very wide, it is not a scientific study and it is merely a subjective guide for the student. One high ranking university for one program might not be the ticket for every student.
Make your own choices with all the facts in front of you!