<p>Rhodes keeps coming up in my college searches (probably becuase I'm looking for LACs!). But what concerns me about Rhodes is how many students join a frat or sorority--not really because of the drinking/partying but because of the whole superficiality (or at least what seems to me superficiality) of the greeks--the concern with appearance (designer clothes/makeup/the blond highlights) and social status (esp. family money).</p>
<p>Am I wrong to be worried about this at Rhodes?</p>
<p>My D visited Rhodes and loved it, but ultimately chose not to apply because of the prevalence of Greek culture. Bear in mind, if you are from the north, Greek culture is viewed very differently in other parts of the country. Rather than the exclusionary, cliquish stereotype common here, in the south it is often viewed as a great way to meet people, make friends, and do good deeds. Also, frats and sororities almost always have parties open to all students. Nevertheless, it may be hard to overcome an initial prejudice against Greek life, and if you really think it is not for you, Rhodes may not be either. We attended an open house where recent grads as well as admissions reps all confirmed the prevalence of Greek life on campus.</p>
<p>I will sound like a broken record, but I would suggest writing to Curmudgeon-I believe his D, now finishing her sophomore year, may be in a sorority. She is also a world-class scholar and Curm./daughter did extensive research on a number of schools. </p>
<p>I do know from my own D and S's interest ( admitted for Fall-still tryng to decide) that Greek life is a big part of Rhodes. However, I do not believe it has the "exclusivity/clique" feeling that Greek life portends on many large state school campuses. Good luck with your search-Rhodes is a great school!</p>
<p>My very self-actualized D wanted a school without Greeks, or with just a smattering. She's at Rhodes. (She also wanted rural. LOL. My- how things change. ) She went Greek. Her best friend didn't. Their other roomie is the President of another sorority.</p>
<p>To deny that the Greek system has a major impact on campus social life is not accurate, but you just have to get the stereotypical residential frat/sorority image out of your mind. It's not like that. The exclusivity, ostracism of others, keep to themselves parts just don't seem to fit. D dates boys from any of the frats and the non-frats. Are there stupid frat /sorority traditions. I'm sure there are. Not my taste but D doesn't mind. </p>
<p>As to the designer clothing- my D doesn't know who the designers are. LOL. She was supposed to wear a "polo shirt" to a function. I asked "Ralph Lauren or just a generic polo shirt?" . D had no idea who Ralph Lauren was. Not a clue. Are there some clothes horses? At very well heeled schools there will be some. But they'll be at Williams, Bowdoin,Pomona , Scripps, Middlebury, Hamilton, WashU, too. At Rhodes some kids dress nicer than at other schools. Some don't . My D is both depending upon the tasks of the day and whether or not she has bothered to do laundry that month :eek:.</p>
<p>And as to family money? I quizzed. Money is rarely the deciding factor about anything at Rhodes. And anyway, we don't have any. That said, there are very wealthy families that send their kids to Rhodes (Williams, Pomona, etc) .</p>
<p>Rhodes College is not a group of superficial students. It is a small school with substantial core values both in its curriculum & in its culture. For some beautifully written praise & insight into Rhodes College, try to read last year's ISI Guide--which is published every two years.</p>
<p>We have made two visits to Rhodes, one of them was an overnighter for my son. So far he has not really been interested in fraternities, and he wanted to confirm that one could be "socially successful" without being part of the Greek system.</p>
<p>There is about a 50/50 Greek/non-Greek split at Rhodes. My son met a number of students from both groups, and confirmed (to his satisfaction) that it really doesn't matter.</p>
<p>Without exception, everyone we have spoken to confirms that Greek life is part of the Rhodes experience, in terms of the parties: Sororities and frat houses are actually on campus, and many of the parties are at these houses, to which members and non-members are invited. </p>
<p>Regarding the stereotype: the key thing to remember about Rhodes is that service (as in, to the community and/or the world) is a fundamental value there. As someone in another thread pointed out (can't remember where), it's almost a religion. And my impression has been that, with such an emphasis on service, and the hard work that Rhodes demands from its students, there just isn't much of a place for these types of attitudes. FWIW.</p>
<p>I think Rhodes is such a strong school, that has so much to offer, that it would be a shame to pass it by because of your concerns. I don't think your impressions are correct. But you'll have to form your own opinions; why don't you pay the school a visit?</p>