I really don't know. For some reason we are infatuated with ranks. Obviously they mean something -- but they don't mean everything. But I think to rely on them

I really don't know. For some reason we are infatuated with ranks. Obviously they mean something -- but they don't mean everything. But I think to rely on them solely would be misguided. A graduate student is looking for a good fit. For a graduate student picking a graduate school rank should be a factor but only in generating candidates for applications. Beyond that a wise student would investigate the department to see which is the best fit for him irrespective of the schools ranking. This is especially true if the graduate student knows the area of research he is going to commit to.