“More Than Just Numbers

Photograph of Old Quad, The University of Melbourne.

“Oh so you’re from Australia’s Number 1 University, Melbourne University?”

“Yes I am.”

“What’s the experience like? Bla, bla bla…”

That was one of many conversations I heard on the tram when travelling to campus for Open Day 2011.

In the recently released Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Melbourne University is Number 1 in Australia and Harvard University is Number 1 in the World. With so many numbers to grapple with, what exactly does it mean to be Number 1?

For the statisticians, the rankings are a measure of a university’s research output. For the employers, the rankings frame its recruitment drive. For the average student like myself, rankings serve as a guide in my choice of university.

In every high school student’s life, the choice of university represents one of the biggest decisions in life. Choosing a good university is always easy but choosing the right university is far more difficult.

There is a limit to which rankings can quantify one’s university experience. More often than not, the quest to improve one’s university rankings through research output may compromise the teaching quality of the institution. One should always look at the bigger picture when choosing universities and take rankings with a pinch of salt.

From my personal experience, the ranking of Melbourne University is just one of many factors that influenced my decision to study here.

Firstly, one should consider the proximity and accessibility of the university. Do I have to travel a lot to get to university? If yes, is travelling to and fro worth the effort? Or should I just uproot myself and move to college?

Secondly, the campus environment is also very important. The moment I set foot onto the Melbourne University campus, I was blown away. The lush campus lawns, brilliant architecture and first class facilities proved decisive in my choice.

Thirdly, one of the most important factors is the people that make the institution click. Do you feel welcomed? Are the academics approachable and able to prepare you well for the workplace? If your answer is yes like mine was, you’re almost done.

Finally, word of mouth amongst friends and family can also affect one’s choice. Ask around and get a feel of the university. Past accounts by alumni and the reputation the university holds can swing the decision one makes.

At the crux of the matter, one should maximize one’s university experience and make it as fulfilling as possible. There is no point slogging through university without enjoying the sights and sounds along the way. While rankings are important factors to consider, they should not be the one all and end all. There are many elements such as the people and environment that cannot be quantified but yet add colour to the overall journey.

My final word? Do your research, think hard and choose wisely.

= This post subsequently appeared in Melbourne RiffRaff on 11 September 2011.