<p>@HarvestMoon1 I have to agree with the others that there are many schools out there that are considered “party” schools but have superb academics. Just because a student body happens to have parties around campus, doesn’t mean that the students participate in it. I have a few friends that go to so called “party schools” who don’t drink or partake in those activities. They are all doing well.</p>
<p>It’s all about choices and keeping that balance. I feel like you are a good parent though, and I am fascinated by the idea of taking a gap year to “get it out of their system.” In college though, I feel like you just have to trust them to get their act together (otherwise have certain consequences) and having good reasons for the schools they apply to (even if it is a party school). I know I was raised with a distaste for such parties anyway, but any big school is likely to be listed as a “party school” whether correctly or not, just due to the size of its student body</p>