<p>So, like many other people on this site, I am deciding between Williams and Dartmouth to apply early to. My biggest concern about Dartmouth is the excessive drinking and the Greek life; however, it has come to my attention that Williams is almost no different in that there is also a fair amount of drinking. Additionally, although Williams has no frats/sororities, people tend to be quite cliquish, especially those on sports teams. Obviously, it is nearly impossible to find a person who has gone to both Williams and Dartmouth so I would like honest perspectives from Williams students about the drinking/athletic cliques on campus.</p>
<p>Probably not too different. The abolition of frats at Williams does integrate athletes more into the rest of campus life, and the freshman “entry” system ensures a cross-section of student types/interests in the first year dorm experience. I don’t think either school is an extreme outlier in terms of college drinking, but there are peer institutions where it may be a bit less prominent (e.g. Swarthmore).</p>
<p>The old-timers will tell you that Williams and Dartmouth were very similar until about 1970, when Williams adopted a strongly enforced no-frats policy. Today, there are certainly athletic cliques at both schools, but the thriving Greek system at Dartmouth creates an additional layer of cliquishness that is non-existent at Williams. </p>
<p>People may or may not approve of the Greek system at Dartmouth, but no one will deny that is one of the most important and visible components of Dartmouth social life. You cannot completely eliminate Greek life, as Williams (and other New England LACs) have done, and still be “almost no different”. </p>
<p>Excessive drinking occurs at Williams, Dartmouth, and every other snowy isolated college in the Northeast. However, the presence of unregulated, all-male social fraternities greatly exacerbates the problem (or makes for better parties, depending on your perspective).</p>
<p>I am trying to make the same decision. I am also wondering if the entries at Williams help to make a more inclusive social experience for non-athletes.</p>
<p>Yes, the entries are generally a very positive and unique part of the Willliams experience. Still, athletic teams tend to be pretty socially cohesive everywhere. Pretty much by definition, however, frats and eating clubs are “exclusive” and lead to more cliquishness.</p>
<p>Right. Thanks for all your help guys. Honestly, everyone has a different perspective so I guess the only thing left to do would be to stay overnight at both and form my own opinion.</p>