This meta-analysis examines self-other discrepancies (SODs) in perceived drinking norms among college students, focusing on descriptive and injunctive norms. The study integrates 23 studies, analyzing 102 tests of SODs based on responses from 53,825 participants. Results show that SODs are significant, with students generally perceiving others as drinking more and being more tolerant of alcohol use than themselves. Injunctive norms (perceived approval of drinking) showed larger SODs than descriptive norms (perceived drinking behavior). Women reported greater SODs than men, and SODs were larger when comparing students to more distant reference groups. Specific questions led to smaller SODs, while larger campuses had smaller SODs compared to smaller campuses. The study highlights that factors such as norm type, gender, reference group proximity, question specificity, and campus size influence SODs. Injunctive norms are more prone to exaggerated SODs due to reliance on indirect information. Women tend to overestimate both descriptive and injunctive norms more than men. SODs increase as the reference group becomes more distant, and specific questions result in smaller discrepancies. Larger campuses have smaller SODs, possibly due to less familiarity with peers. The findings suggest that norm education campaigns can be effective in reducing drinking by correcting misperceptions. However, the effectiveness of these campaigns may vary based on the type of norm, reference group, and question specificity. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when designing interventions to address drinking norms and behaviors. Overall, the results indicate that accurate normative information can influence students' perceptions and behaviors, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to optimize intervention strategies.This meta-analysis examines self-other discrepancies (SODs) in perceived drinking norms among college students, focusing on descriptive and injunctive norms. The study integrates 23 studies, analyzing 102 tests of SODs based on responses from 53,825 participants. Results show that SODs are significant, with students generally perceiving others as drinking more and being more tolerant of alcohol use than themselves. Injunctive norms (perceived approval of drinking) showed larger SODs than descriptive norms (perceived drinking behavior). Women reported greater SODs than men, and SODs were larger when comparing students to more distant reference groups. Specific questions led to smaller SODs, while larger campuses had smaller SODs compared to smaller campuses. The study highlights that factors such as norm type, gender, reference group proximity, question specificity, and campus size influence SODs. Injunctive norms are more prone to exaggerated SODs due to reliance on indirect information. Women tend to overestimate both descriptive and injunctive norms more than men. SODs increase as the reference group becomes more distant, and specific questions result in smaller discrepancies. Larger campuses have smaller SODs, possibly due to less familiarity with peers. The findings suggest that norm education campaigns can be effective in reducing drinking by correcting misperceptions. However, the effectiveness of these campaigns may vary based on the type of norm, reference group, and question specificity. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when designing interventions to address drinking norms and behaviors. Overall, the results indicate that accurate normative information can influence students' perceptions and behaviors, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to optimize intervention strategies.