Podcast Response: #1 Party School

In "#1 Party School" by This American Life, a team from the radio show heads to Penn State, the college voted number one party school in the United States (in 2009) by the Princeton review. This was determined by asking 120,000 students from 371 schools across the country questions like, "How widely used are alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs at your school? How big is frat life? How many hours a day do you spend studying?" In Act One, the team of individuals interviewed college students, nearby residents, and business owners in the area to gain a better understanding why Penn State has gained this title. The interviewers focus in on the students. Here we learn what a typical night is like on campus. During any night of the week, a party can always be found, but most of the action takes place on Friday nights and Saturdays due to the "pregame, during game, and post-game" celebrations. Drinking has only risen in popularity among college-aged students partially because it has become tied to the tradition and school spirit of the university. Act Two focuses on what it takes for local businesses to thrive in this area. It takes strategy to make money from flat-broke students. This act gives "tips" to stay in business such as, "keep cheap" and "like your customers." Once again, we see a common theme-it all ties back to drinking.