<p>I'm from Texas, where Greek life is a code word for wild drug and alchohol filled parties, rampant sex, extreme eating disorders, and total and complete social isolation for non-Greeks. When I visited W&L, they said Greek life was inclusive, no one was turned away from parties, and non-Greeks could have plenty of fun. Is that true, or is it just one of things college admissions officers say to get you interested in the school?</p>
<p>All parties are open except mixers (which are private parties that include one sorority and one fraternity, but even those open up at 10). Unless you royally screw up you can get into a sorority, albeit not necessarily the one you want. I don’t know how much fun a GDI can have, but they certainly won’t be kicked out of a party. There is definitely the general sense that you have to go Greek here, whether or not it’s true would need to be answered by an independent.</p>
<p>The parties are alcohol filled; there is a hookup culture for sure. Drugs depend on the social circle and can easily be found or avoided. Eating disorders happen but doubtful that its any more rampant than at another college.</p>
<p>Admissions are mainly right, going greek is about 90% inclusive and the social scene is open for everyone. That said, Id really encourage people who want to go to W&L to consider going greek. Yes, the parties are always open if you are not but going greek at W&L is more than just the mixers, its the connections. Since 80% of the school is greek that means that they have ties to upper classman and alumni that is harder to foster outside of the greek system. At Washington and Lee going greek for girls is half like joining a true sorority and half like joining an extracurricular. That being said not everyone gets into any house but almost everyone that really wants to be in sorority does but maybe not their first choice. We rush right after Winter break and by spring term there are noticable divides in the grade, not necessarily a bad thing just that a common bond in a fraternity/sorority has brought people closer together. After freshman year, someone who decided not to go greek will have a more difficult problem as their friends will start living in the house and sororities and fraternities usually live off campus together. I would really keep an open mind but realize there is a lot more than just the drinking and partying.</p>
<p>Thanks for both answers! I always had a feeling that Texas’s sororities are on steroids… Apparently the rest of the country is better!</p>