I have been accepted to Amherst, along with some other schools like Williams, Claremont McKenna,Brown, and Columbia. What I really wanted to know what is the situation with fraternities exactly at Amherst. I have thought that I wanted to attend a liberal arts school for a while now, but the fact that I can’t apparently join a fraternity irks me. I have been very involved in the youth league of a fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, as President of my county chapter and I was chosen to be the Student of the Year for the West Coast. I really enjoy the bonds that I have received through my participation in the fraternity and I wouldn’t have made it here without it. If I understand correctly, one could have serious consequences if apparently participating in a fraternity. Can I not just join the fraternity at UMass Amherst? Honestly, if I can join this fraternity, this might really sway me to Amherst because then I can have the small classes I wanted and participate in the organization. Any feedback is appreciated! Thank you
Frats were banned about a year ago. There is a movement to create new social groups in part to replace the place frats have held. Don’t know for sure (a phone call to admissions would answer this for you quickly), but I believe the answer would be “no” you can’t join a frat. There are over 100 student groups and 30% of students are on varsity teams. My impression is that students are in the process of finding other ways to fill this need. Perhaps some current students will respond.
Hi,
Current student here. Amherst banned underground fraternities last year, and so the fraternities are no longer recruiting. You won’t be able to join one; the frats will die out in the next two years as current members graduate. If you want a Greek Life experience, Amherst is not your school (unless you’re on a varsity team, which is pretty similar).