A few questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Sewanee: The University of the South
1

Hey,

I’m a prospective Sewanee student who is looking for the answer to a couple of questions I have a about the school.

  1. Since freshman are allowed to have cars do a lot of freshman have them? Or is that more of an upperclassman thing?

  2. With the class dress policy are ties 100% necessary everyday? Or are button downs, and Polo’s more popular? (I’m a boy)

  3. From what I can gather greek life is pretty big. Does rush take place freshman year? Or is it delayed like some other schools?

  4. What is the job/internship recruiting like on campus? (interested in business/economics)

I know these questions are pretty specific I’m just trying to get a better feel for the school. Any reply is great! Thanks!

2

Just came from a visit to Sewanee so I’ll answer two of your questions.

  1. From what I could tell just looking presentable was fine (polo, button down, etc.) Ties were no required, nor were jackets.They just dont typically show up to class in shorts, t-shirt and a ball cap.
  2. Rush takes place in the Spring. Parties are not exclusive - you can go to any party. You will never see anyone walking around campus wearing Greek letters or having greek letters on their cars.
3
  1. I think a fairly high number of freshmen have cars. Campus security does ticket, so you have to pay attention to where you park. Most students who don't have cars use bikes to get around.
  2. Ties are generally only worn for special occasions, such as signing the honor code at the beginning of freshman year. I think maybe some frats have their pledges wear ties to class in the spring.
  3. The frats and sororities are nonresidential for the most part, and most parties are open to the whole campus. The greek scene is substantial, but more low-key than many schools. Most students have close friends across a variety of organizations, greek and otherwise.
  4. If you are interested in business, look at the Carey Fellowship program at Sewanee. Finally, applications were up substantially at Sewanee last year and the acceptance rate dropped. If you are serious, be sure to visit campus, and meet with a Sewanee rep in your area, or at a college fair. Demonstrating interest is important.
4

I will chime in as well:

  1. A fair number of freshmen have cars. No big deal if you don't. It's easy to find a ride. My D brought her car freshman year and used it mainly to get to and from school and home, and occasional excursions to Chattanooga.
  2. Class dress is a tradition not a policy. There is no dress code per se. Typical male attire includes shorts or pants and a polo, button down, sweater or other decent looking shirt. My D even wears nice jeans with boots. Essentially avoid sweats, gym shorts, pjs and tattered clothes and you are fine.
  3. Rush takes place second semester freshman year. There is also upper class rush in the Fall of each year. Rush is very low key at Sewanee and, as MidwestDad3 mentioned, most parties are open to all. There is a lot of mixing between Greeks in different houses and between Greeks and non-Greeks.
  4. Career services is well regarded by students. The Carey Fellows program in business provides great opportunities.