CU’s ‘party school’ rep belies what’s really important
| July 27, 2009 | 5:16 PM
More journal entries from Cindy House »
The University of Colorado at Boulder is once again featured on the Princeton Review’s annual list of top “party schools.” This year, CU is at No. 11, up slightly from last year’s No. 13.
In the “reefer madness” category, CU ranked No. 5, down from last year’s No. 3.
Dubious distinctions, to be sure. But what bothers me more is that “party schools” is even a category on the Princeton Review’s annual survey. The test prep company polled more than 122,000 college students this year to compile its “Best Colleges” book. It then ranks the schools in areas such as financial aid, classroom experience, facilities and dorm life.
Unfortunately, a lot of people — prospective students included — will see CU’s “party school” label and look no further. For some, it will be a draw; for others, it will be an instant turnoff, and they will reject CU outright without bothering to see what kind of education they could get there.
In addition to the party school roster, the Princeton Review also released a “Green Rating Honor Roll,” and guess what? Colorado College in Colorado Springs is on that list.
But I bet you can already figure out which school will get more press coverage today.
party school, princeton review, university of colorado
