My D turned down a school in part due to their very party-concentric reputation. She initially attended one not known as a party school, but she found that social life did actually revolve around parties. She transferred to the party school sophomore year. Yes, it was definitely a party school … but she found LOTS to do outside of parties. More than was available at the other school. Ignore the party school stuff, and investigate the types of groups and activities on campus. If there are things to do that interest the student, they will find others who share their interests.