feel of the social atmosphere?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Gettysburg College
1

<p>Hi everyone,
I am thinking of applying to Gettysburg, and it looks very pretty and academics about right for me, but what I need to know now is what the social atmosphere is like.<br>
1) Is the student body diverse? Are people generally accepting of diversity?
2) Mostly liberal or conservative?
3) Is greek life very popular? Do people not involved feel left out?
4) Is there a lot of drinking/partying? Are there other things to do rather than drinking?</p>

<p>Thank you, any little bit of input is extremely helpful!</p>

2

<p>Gettysburg College is making a noticeable effort to raise diversity. I would say that the campus leans slightly conservative but there is a liberal voice. </p>

<p>Now to the Greek life. There is no beating around the bush here-- frats are the social lifeblood of campus. But, if you choose to not be a part of Greek life there is still plenty of stuff to do ([Gettysburg</a> College - Campus Activities Board](<a href=“http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/college_life/osa/cab/]Gettysburg”>http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/college_life/osa/cab/)). </p>

<p>I, would, however, strongly recommend that the presence of Greek life not turn you off to Gettysburg. When I came to Gburg, the Greek atmosphere so opposed me that I seriously considered transferring. But I waited it out, gave them a chance, and now Im part of a fraternity. People, especially on this site, tend to give frats a really bad report and overlook all of the positives that they provide (a close brotherhood, philanthropy, alumni connections) and the same can be said about sororities. There is a frat here for everyone-- from those more academically inclined than others, and schoolwork is prized at even the most ‘hardcore’ frats honestly. </p>

<p>Drinking is big here, like every college, but there is plenty of other things to do (RISE, CAB)</p>

3

<p>In order…
The student body is not diverse. The college says they are attempting to change that. To date, it hasn’t made a big difference. Think mostly white, upper middle class kids. People seem to be accepting of diversity it just isn’t found in sizable numbers on campus. </p>

<p>Conservatives dominate the numbers by far. This is after all the middle of Pennsylvania and almost on the Mason Dixon line. Ron Paul is an alum if that helps. </p>

<p>Greek life dominates the social scene. If you aren’t in a frat or sorority your social scene is limited. </p>

<p>Alcohol is the drug of choice and yes it is very prevalent. I don’t know that it is any worse then at any other college but it is certainly popular. There are other non-alcohol events planned on campus but the numbers of students who actually take part is rather small in relation to the overall student body. RISE numbers are probably close to 50 students in a good year. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>