<li><p>I dont know anybody at Vandy how can I make sure that this doesnt hurt my chances at getting into a good fraternity?</p></li>
<li><p>Do dues for being in a fraternity get charged to my student account or do I pay them out-of-pocket? </p></li>
<li><p>On my cost of attendance letter, something called Student Activities Fees is listed. What does this include and would it theoretically include fraternity dues?</p></li>
<li><p>The cost of attendance estimates personal/miscellaneous expenses to be $2,062 in a given year. Aside from fraternity dues, is this number still accurate if Im in a fraternity? </p></li>
<li><p>When I visited Vanderbilt, I noticed some frat members were lined up, all wearing sports jackets. Had I not seen this I might not have known to bring a sports jacket, so my question is what other clothing do I need to make sure I have? Also, are there any reasonably priced brands I should try to get for clothing overall?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>As far as any expenses outlined in your letter from Vandy are concerned, fraternity dues/expenses are not included. Student activity fees provide the money for the campus sponsored student groups on campus. Fraternities and sororities are not included in this ... they are self supporting. Dues vary by fraternity, as do costs for housing, meals, activities, etc. associated with greek life. There may be a charge to rush; there was at my D's school (there was not at my college). Basically, if you join a fraternity, it will cost you money. It is not charged to your account ... you are on your own to pay it, and it is not figured into financial aid.</p>
<p>The estimated expenses included in your financial aid letter are what the school figures an average student will spend on whatever they need or whatever they'll do for fun during the school year (laundry, soap, deodorant, snacks, movies, Tylenol, cab fare, etc.). If you don't spend much, your expenses won't be as high; if you spend more, they'll be higher. </p>
<p>As for clothes, I can't help you there. However, I will say that I saw young men dressed in all sorts of clothing. You will probably want a sport coat, a tie, an oxford button down shirt, and a pair of khakis for sure. Don't forget the polo shirts in rainbow colors, if that's your thing. However ... please realize that there is no uniform. While some fraternity members might dress in a similar style, you won't really know who you feel you fit with until you meet the guys. You might want to hold off on buying too much until you decide whether or not you "need" a certain type of clothing.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>My son didn't know anyone at Vandy when he arrived freshman year, he went to different rush events at different fraternites, was courted by 2 or 3, but it was obvious he clicked with one house in particular, and rec'd a bid. </p></li>
<li><p>Dues are not included...I know my son's dues are about $1200 a year. Ouch.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to a sale at Joseph Banks and get a blue blazer, khakis, button-downs and a tie or two. Sometimes their merchandise is up to 50% off when they have a big sale. You'll need these basics if you choose to go Greek.</p></li>
<li><p>Good luck!</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I'll be honest, knowing people helps. It won't hurt you if you don't and you aren't guaranteed a bid into their frat even if you do, but they can get your foot in the door to start. Ultimately you control where you go.</p>
<p>You pay them out of pocket.</p>
<p>I don't think so...</p>
<p>It all depends on how much you go downtown... if you join a frat expect to pay over a grand in dues plus at least another several hundred in other costs... $2000-$3000 is probably about right.</p>
<p>You do need a jacket and tie and khakis....</p>
<p>Dues are around 1K a semester for most (I think), then depending on how much drugs you use, bar tabs you acquire, road trips you take, or charitable donations you make, expenses could range anywhere from another 1K to 10K I bet.</p>
<p>Knowing people is the path to a good bid. Might want to work on that during the summer.</p>
<p>You weren't going to bring a blazer? Go to your local J. Crew or Brooks Brothers and buy some good looking polos, oxfords, khakis, bowties.</p>
<p>I understand that Vineyard Vines ties are popular as well!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Knowing people is the path to a good bid. Might want to work on that during the summer.
[/quote]
Is there some sort of summer session I don't know about? lol</p>
<p>Facebook and Alumni greeting parties are good places to start.
Most likely what will happen is that you will get with some of your hallmates from the dorm and attend frat parties in the fall. There is plenty of time to meet people during these parties, you cant pledge until winter semester anyhow. The frat that my son belongs is planning on having some of their parties in the Commons. So dont fret. Good times are ahead.</p>