Overall, Huppe stressed that while the rankingsare "something to be concerned with," they do not"drive any decision-making at the University."

Huppe said the U.S. News guide primarily servesconsumers--graduate school applicants--and is notof particular interest to the schools themselves.

On the usefulness of the rankings toprospective students, a spokesperson for HarvardBusiness School had a word of caution.

"They still have to do their homework tounderstand what the best environment is for them,"said Jim '68.

Because students do give credence to therankings, however, Huppe said his office hasoffered advice to the U.S. News evaluators.

"They have been responsive to our suggestionsfor improving their methodology and theiroutcomes," Huppe said.

But Huppe also said he is resigned to a degreeof "silliness about the business."

If the ratings provided truly accuratereflections, he said, "there'd by less variationfrom year to year."

The consequence, according to Huppe, "would bethat U.S. News wouldn't sell as many magazines.