Higher education consultant Paul Boyer unravels the myths behind the rankings game and shares insights from college presidents, provosts, and other experts on what students should look for in a college. He empowers students, parents, and educators to leave the numbers behind and move beyond catch phrases to find the perfect college fit. Boyer asks them to focus not on subjective lists, but rather on these five most important criteria that constitute a quality education:

	A commitment to general education from the freshman year to the senior year
	A commitment to writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills
	A commitment to active learning
	Opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom
	A diverse, intellectually active, and respectful community