Why I love FSU, life advice and an ACC breakdown

	Why would people think FSU is a party school? AP
	MAILBAG Submit a comment or question for Jenn. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

I have a 16-year-old daughter who loves FSU. It's the only school she wants to go to. Every year, though, FSU seems to be a top 10 party school. I have heard many stories about the parties that go on, especially during football season. Should I be worried about sending my only daughter to school there? What do you think about the academic life at FSU?
-- James, Norfolk, Va.

Florida State gets a bad reputation by being consistently ranked among the top 10 party schools. People automatically assume that because a school has an active nightlife and party scene, there is no possible way it could have any academic merit. This assumption is completely unfounded. Don't get me wrong, we are the King of Keg Stands, the Babe Ruth of Beer Pong, the Sultan of Shot-Takers, but most of us here still take our academic careers very seriously. Besides, if you are thinking she would be better off at an Ivy League school, I have news for you ... I found out firsthand why they made Animal House about Dartmouth. The Isley Brothers' Shout is the equivalent to our war chant, and believe me when I say, those kids can party with the best of them. (Toga, anyone?)

The party scene gets old very quickly, especially when, as a result, grades suffer. Therefore, it ultimately comes down to whether you raised your daughter to make the right decisions. There is nothing wrong with having a little fun every now and then, but partying at the expense of one's grades is never the answer. I still insist that going away for college is a necessary chapter in every kid's life. It lets us experience the real world, and hopefully make adult decisions. So unless your daughter is only coming here to get her "Dr. in U.N.K.," I see no reason for her not to be a Seminole.

Glad to finally have a chance to read your column! My girlfriend wants to learn more about football, but I'm having trouble breaking it down for her. Are there any books or videos you might recommend? Thanks in advance!
-- Glenn Palmer, Toronto

There are lots of different websites out there geared to help female fans learn the basics. Try NFL.com or Momsguide.com. Both of them are pretty comprehensive reads and even have diagrams for beginners. Or you could always get her into Madden or NCAA 2006. I doubt she'll beat your top score anytime soon, but at least she will begin to learn player positions, strategies, penalties, etc. Hopefully by the time the season rolls around she will be able to keep up with the boys, or at least pretend like she can.