Ranking presidents through academic polls is an imperfect tool, of course.

WSJ: In Pursuit of the Presidential Performance Poll

Part of the problem may be that there is no definitive ranking of the best academic students in the country.

FORBES: A Different Kind of National Signing Day for Academic Over-Achievers

Or look at Google: Larry Page and Sergey Brin came up with their famous search algorithm by applying the ranking method used for academic articles (more citations equals more influence) to the sprawl of the Internet.

WSJ: Jonah Lehrer on How to Be Creative

Unlike last year, when China sent its defence minister, Liang Guanglie, to the Shangri-La Dialogue, this year the highest-ranking Chinese delegate was a senior military academic, Lieutenant-General Ren Haiquan.

ECONOMIST: Military diplomacy

For the last eight years, the guides have included a ranking of career prospects for graduates among its other ratings like academic experience, quality of life and best professors.

FORBES: The Best Law Schools For Career Prospects 2012

If a top-ranking university like Yale had been willing to truly back the academic study of anti-Semitism, it would have empowered students and faculty alike to research and study the subject.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Yale, Jews, and Double Standards

Carr being 5-foot-6, 17 years old as a sophomore and a likely NCAA academic non-qualifier have something to do with his less-than-stellar ranking.

FORBES: High School Basketball Player No Big-time College Program Wants Gets Pro Offer in Europe