I realize this is a polarizing topic for many people. With that in mind I want to hear about personal experience more than statistics. Many millions of college students go Greek, not every person will have the same experience. There has been quite a stir of late about the terrible dens of misogyny and vice that are frat houses. I am not convinced one way or the other on the topic. That all being said, I am a high school senior, I am a guy. Though I do not know where exactly I will be attending this fall, I am interested in joining a frat. The social scene as well as the brotherhood, leadership opportunities, and community outreach attract me to frats. The constant drinking ( not the drinking itself) and the lack of respect is worrisome. So thoughts please.
I have no experience whatsoever…but isn’t the point of Rush for you to see if it is for you and the fraternities to see i if you are a good fit for them? Why not check it out?
Joining a frat can be fun, but it’s also hard work to keep up with your studies and such. I’m a freshman in my second semester, and I could tell you before coming to college in September, I had so many plans for myself. I wanted to join a sorority and meet tons of new people, but believe me it’s not that easy. I was a good high school student, so I figured it wouldn’t be hard to keep up in college, but it really is. You have to dedicate ALOT of your time to your schoolwork, and sometimes getting involved in a frat/sorority, it can make matters worse. Unless you’re willing to balance all this next year, I wouldn’t recommend rushing freshman year. It takes up a lot of time, and to mention, a lot of money! One of the girls who I live with on my dorm floor, is spending a ton of money to be part of a sorority. It kind of changed my view on rushing. Although you meet tons of new people and possible life long friends, I can only think of it as “buying your friends”.
First, rushing doesn’t result in any obligations. It’s a trial period for both you and the frat. The frat wants to know if you’re easy-going, have the same ideals as them, and whatever else they’re looking for. What many don’t realize, though, is that it’s just as much of a trial for you. Are these the kind of guys you want to be associate with? Are they k known too much for partying? Do they have a good network outside of college that might help you get a job?
In my opinion, go to the rush event to chat with the different frats and figure out which you’d like to rush. Then, just do it. Think of it as a no-pressure interview.
In case it matters- I rushed a frat, received a bid, but decided not to join because it wasn’t my thing.
It’s dude-flirting. Go, see if you like the guys and if they like you, then go from there.