<p>Just saw this post. S1 is going to OU as freshman in 2 weeks. He had scholarship offers from Ohio State, Univ of FLa and a few others but LOVED the OU campus and had several friends go there last year. That plus a much better scholarship offer and we're in. </p>
<p>In reply to party school crown, at orientation the Dean said OU hasn't shared their emails w/the Princeton Review in over 3 years. Plus in the last few, they've implemented and enforced a 2 strikes and out policy (one of the tougher ones around). So he's not sure how they got so lucky. He thought it was odd, too, they got ranked in top 10 for athletic facilities--they're nice but top 10? Makes you wonder. . .</p>
<p>S1's take is that when Ohio State and Univ of Fla party, they have their Big 10 teams as a reason, so it's socially more acceptable. His friends all finished freshman year with high GPA's (in a variety of majors) and loved it, having found plenty to do besides get drunk. They said some of their dorm mates did fall face-first into the party scene and were in real trouble. But I remember that happening at my well-regarded college, too. </p>
<p>DH's nephew graduated in '09 from OU's engineering school w/good grades and got a great job immediately. He claims some of the smaller, more isolated schools his friends attended have much more problem w/substance abuse.</p>
<p>We'll remain vigilant as parents--but we would no matter which school he had chosen!</p>