The latest graduate school rankings from U.S. News & World Report keep UC Davis aloft in the upper echelon of universities nationwide.

The UC Davis School of Medicine was again named among the top 50 institutions, notably in the areas of research and primary care, according to the magazine's 2008 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools. In the research category, Davis was listed at number 49, while in primary care the school was ranked 30th.

Among the criteria used to measure the medical schools were the 2006 average undergrad GPA, MCAT score, the sum total of National Institute of Health research grants, and the faculty-to-student ratio. Four other UCs ranked within the top 50 for research as well as primary care; within the UCs, the highest ranking in both categories was the San Francisco campus.

UC Davis' School of Engineering again moved up the list, to number 34, a spot that it shares with North Carolina State University. Two years ago, the school was placed at 37th; the improved ranking shows the school's growth in building on an already well-established reputation.

The School of Law also placed at number 34 overall, along with George Mason University in Virginia. In the peer-assessment category, UC Davis was listed at number 23, and in the ranking done by lawyers and judges, at number 32. According to the school's administration, these numbers reflect the respect that the school has earned for itself over the years.

"We are very excited to be recognized for our achievements particularly by our peers and those in the legal profession," said Dean Rex Perschbacher. "Those in the legal profession know the quality of our students, and our peers recognize the excellent scholarship and teaching by our faculty."

Another strong showing in the rankings was Davis' Graduate School of Management. The MBA program was listed at number 46 overall and, among public institutions, it places within the top 20. The school's Dean Nicole Woolsey Biggart noted that UC Davis is the youngest of the public institutions to be ranked, and has been within the top 50 since 1996.

Although the rankings in U.S. News & World Report provide an easily digestible system to the public and hence are consistently popular, students and professors often agree that they should be interpreted cautiously.

Other factors such as personal references from school counselors and other trusted advisers — rather than just ratings — should be more relevant and influential for prospective students deciding which school would best suit them.

Tom Dotan is a News Service intern.