<p>I’m cringing at the blatant use of the word “frat” on these boards. The term is “fraternity.” I’m guessing none of you parents were involved in Greek life in your days, or you had a negative impression of it? </p>
<p>Typically, the term “frat” is used only by the unaffiliated, often with a negative connotation.</p>
<p>I’m applying to Amherst and I was intending on pledging in a Sorority in college. Unfortunately, I came to this decision after I applied to colleges…so there are only two places that I can really join a Sorority: Barnard - by pledging in Columbia, and Amherst - by pledging in UMass. I really wasn’t aware of all the underground Fraternities and Sororities in Amherst and the whole ordeal with the banning of one Fraternity has me questioning whether or not I SHOULD pledge in a Sorority. When I was overnighting at Barnard, my hostess was in a Sorority and I asked her if hazing was done in her Sorority. She said no. So, I figured that was a good thing. </p>
<p>Any words of advice?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I am not speaking to Barnard in particular, but IF there was hazing, they certainly would not tell a prospective student.</p>
<p>Barnard’s social life does not revolve around sororities at all. D just graduated from Barnard (did not participate in Greek life but some friends did) and never heard anything about hazings from anyone.</p>
<p>There are coed fraternities (I know, weird nomenclature) that are really literary societies. None of the groups are exclusive. Everyone goes to all the parties. There isn’t much of a rah-rah atmosphere at Barnard, but if you want to join such a group, they do exist.</p>
<p>So much of life at Barnard revolves around the city, that the influence of Greek life is very diluted, indeed. But if you want it, it is there.</p>
<p>Thanks GA2012MOM! I guess that makes sense. I kinda believed her (or at least, I wanted to) because she seemed like a straightforward person. </p>
<p>Mythmom; Thanks for the response! My parents are pushing me towards Barnard. Was your D satisfied, overall, with Barnard? I don’t know why but every time I visit campus, it seems so desolate to me. Nothing really “clicks,” if that makes sense.</p>
<p>That being said…AMHERSTTT!!! :D</p>
<p>My son is in a “frat” at Columbia, and has made many Barnard friends largely through the Greek system. If you choose to attend Barnard, you can party hardy with my son. (OldWell, many of us parents are of an age when fraternities were in a deep recession, and chose to be “GDIs” [g<em>d dam</em>ed independents]; that does not mean we do not understand the benefits of Greek involvement. The word “frat” is largely a vestige of an earlier age.)</p>
<p>pbr- what year is your son and what frat (if you don’t mind my asking)? </p>
<p>I really don’t know what I want to do anymore. I’m not as crazy about Barnard as I’d like to be. And I’m crazy about Amherst, but have not yet visited the school. Decisions, decisions…</p>
<p>:(</p>
<p>dear miss –</p>
<p>D adored her time at Barnard. I know there is not a college in the country she would have preferred. Certainly not Amherst. I don’t think she would ever use the word desolate to describe Barnard.</p>
<p>However, if it doesn’t click with you, than maybe it’s just not your place and Amherst is.</p>
<p>People are all very different. If Barnard seems desolate to you I would not want to talk you out of your impression. And certainly Amherst is a wonderful school.</p>
<p>I don’t want to say too much about Barnard on an Amherst board – I was just responding to your post.</p>
<p>However, I will say that the female presidents, deans, and keynote speakers at D’s graduation made me cry. As a feminist, I thought I’d entered Nirvana. The val and all the student speakers were obviously women, and Hillary Clinton was the keynote speaker and as a Wellesley grad, she spoke eloquently about women’s colleges.</p>
<p>I could not imagine a more empowering atmosphere for a young woman.</p>
<p>But again, it may not be a good fit for you.</p>
<p>The student is the cake; the school is the icing. Go to the school where you think you will grow the most. For my D, nothing in NYC would ever be desolate. She thinks my S’s life at Williams (sorry Amherst folk) is very desolate.</p>
<p>For many, Amherst is their dream and for very good reasons.</p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Mythmom;</p>
<p>Thank you VERY much for that response. Kind of made me tear a little bit. </p>
<p>Perhaps I felt the campus was desolate because the only times I was on campus was twice during this month and November? I don’t know. I certainly adored the students there! </p>
<p>Did your D have any complaints about the dorms? That was kind of what stood out to me the most. </p>
<p>I guess when I visit all the schools I get accepted to in April, that’ll be the motivating factor. </p>
<p>Thanks, mythmom. :)</p>
<p>P.S: Would you be opposed to my PMing you if I have any other questions about Barnard? (And Williams too, since I’m applying there. It’s not really that high on my list, however.)</p>
<p>Hiss miss_! Sent you a PM.</p>
<p>Hi Amherst people.</p>
<p>An Amherst Student article several years ago reported that the fraternities recruit between five and fifteen new members every year. Hardly a large–or even noticeable–percentage of the student body.</p>