The University of Florida has dropped to number seven in the rankings of top party schools in the country. The list was released this week by The Princeton Review. The University of Florida was the number one "party school" in 2008 and ranked third in 2009.
The University of Georgia was number one on this year’s list.
The University of Florida’s drop in the rankings is "very good news," said Maureen Miller, alcohol and other drug prevention specialist at UF’s GatorWell health services. The top ranking conflicted with the university’s own surveys showing a steady drop in high risk drinking, while also complicating efforts to combat alcohol abuse on campus.
"You get that party school ranking and unfortunately some students may put stock in it," Miller said.
Miller questioned the validity of the ranking. She said it measures indicators that do not necessarily connect to drinking. The category combines results from questions on the use of alcohol and drugs, hours of study each day and the popularity of fraternities and sororities on campus.