<p>I developed an interest in frat life and was wondering if someone could answer my questions because other than what I saw in GREEK from ABC Family-- I know zilch zero nada.</p>
<p>1.From what I hear, because of the GPA requirements fraternities actually have a high academic standard--is this true or will the parties ruin my grades?
2.I know you have to "rush" but when do you do that? Is it all at the same time for the frats?(could someone explain that in detail?)
3.How much does it cost?
4.How much time does it take up?
5.Do you really make great connections that'll help you in the future?</p>
<p>Sorry if this isn't exactly the right place to put this in!</p>
<p>Fraternities kind of have higher academic standards... in my fraternity you need at least a 2.7 to join and must maintain it while you're in the house. Our house average was somewhere between a 3.2 and 3.3, which is higher than the 3.1ish average on campus (granted, we were in the top 5 for fraternities). I must tell you, however, that CORRELATION DOES NOT IMPLY CAUSATION. The fact that mine, and many other fraternities, average GPA accedes the campus average is likely due to the fact that sometimes smart people just happen to join fraternities. I guarantee that if I was not in my fraternity, I would get better grades because I would likely have more time to study, and less opportunity to have fun. With that said, I am glad I joined my fraternity because I still do relatively well. You must keep in mind that your grades are the most important part about college, and if you decides to join a fraternity, do NOT let your grades slip (significantly). Parties will not ruin your grades if you have good time management. Get your work done during the week, during the day, and party afterward. </p>
<p>Rush occurs in the beginning of each of the fall and winter semester, usually beginning in the third week of each semester. Rush is approximately one to two weeks long, and consists of open houses and formal recruitment.</p>
<p>Dues for my fraternity are around 600 (a little on the high side mind you) which does not include rent.</p>
<p>The time a fraternity takes up in your life all depends on how much you want to put into it. If your house has significant pledging/hazing, your fraternity will likely consume a large part of your first semester. After that, it's all about how much you want to contribute.</p>
<p>I have not yet graduated, so I have not experienced "the future" but I can tell you I have made some great friends through my fraternity, and there will certainly be many successful people later on in life who are currently in my fraternity.</p>
<p>1.From what I hear, because of the GPA requirements fraternities actually have a high academic standard--is this true or will the parties ruin my grades?</p>
<p>YES. The best fraternities are academically oriented and are there to help interested individuals learn how to prioritize their academics over their social. If it's the reverse, (social over academics), it's definitely not a quality org.</p>
<p>2.I know you have to "rush" but when do you do that? Is it all at the same time for the frats?(could someone explain that in detail?)</p>
<p>RUSHing happens usually the first couple of weeks in a semester when you return from break.</p>
<p>3.How much does it cost?</p>
<p>VARIES. Some orgs charge $50, others charge over $1,000 annually. Some even have one-time lifetime membership pricing at $5,000.</p>
<p>4.How much time does it take up?</p>
<p>DEPENDS on the organization. A typical meaningful process will last 6 - 15 weeks, anything shorter is generally a weaker, meaningless organization. You appreciate the things you work hardest for in life - make this your motto when choosing an org.</p>
<p>5.Do you really make great connections that'll help you in the future?</p>
<p>YES. I started 2 businesses with different fraternity brothers and got my first job out of college through a sister of a fraternity brother. The bonds are long-lasting and very tight.</p>