Going Greek - My Thoughts - Looking For Other Opinions

College Life
1

<p>I know that there are similar threads on this board, but I think the general tone of what I have to say is somewhat different, and therefore warrents its own thread. If not, I apologize for creating yet another one. </p>

<hr>

<p>As I await the start of my first year of college, I find myself trying to outline some basic plans for freshman year, and for my college career as a whole. I realize that things can change, and that a degree of spontaneity may indeed be desirable. For that reason, I intend to keep an open mind, having little set in stone. Rather, I'm merely pondering a handful of topics that I think it would behoove me to have thought about before coming to school. One consideration, both for the sake of personal enjoyment, and for enhancing my transcript/resume for when it comes time to either transfer or apply to graduate school, is the matter of extracurricular activities. There are a few that I've found exist at my school that would interest me. But one that I find myself thinking about most frequently is joining a fraternity.</p>

<p>My parents both went to public Canadian universities, and have little experience with American higher education. Therefore, they assume all Greek organizations mirror that seen in Animal House, and aren't really able to contribute anything useful to such a discussion. Having read up a fair bit on the subject, this seems to be quite far from the truth, at least at the school I'll be attending.</p>

<p>There are two fraternities I'm looking at: Alpha Epsilon Pi and Sigma Alpha Mu. And it has far more chapters at top universities, so if I transferred, I would likely be able to find a chapter at whatever college I switched to. The former is well established on campus, and consistently ranks towards the top for average house gpa, with said average being greater than that of the non-Greek student body. The latter has a less impressive national history, and a shameful school history. A few years ago, the national office closed down my school's chapter due to low academic standings and alcohol violations. However, it will be re-opening on campus in September, the idea being to draw in new members who will help reshape the frat's local image. The Assistant Executive Director contacted me a few weeks back, and inquired about whether I'd be interested in being a "founding father" for the chapter, which would certainly look good on an application. Having already spoken to a couple of AEPi members, I've gotten a very positive impression, and would more likely join it. It, like SAM, is a Jewish frat.</p>

<p>Some alumni include:</p>

<pre><code>* Gary Bettman
* Wolf Blitzer
* Art Garfunkel
* Jerry Lewis
* Robert Novak
* Paul Simon
* Gene Wilder
* Mark Zuckerberg (the facebook guy)
</code></pre>

<p>Specifics aside, the Greek life would seem to have some strong advantages. First, it provides a larger automatic network, connecting one to brothers around the nation. This may seem inconsequential, but I've read many stories of this coming in handy for employment opportunities. Second, the housing situation is often decent, being as good or better than the dorms available. And since I cannot move off campus until senior year, it seems that for sophmore and junior year (since freshman can't live in frat houses), it might be better from housing. And it is certainly alot cheaper (65-90%) housing, and food (varies, some sell their own meal plans). Third, it makes things more social. Now, I'm not the type of person who requires the company of others, or who feels the need to party frequently. But to have the option is nice. And most of the parties, which are always held on weekends, are frat parties. Some are closed to non-Greeks, leaving out 2/3rds of the student body. Really, the point here is that my school is one of the least social in the nation, and therefore is ranked among the 20 unhappiest by the Princeton Review. It seems that Greek living might help to temper that. Fourth, it involves community service. I know there are few things I hate more than that, but I would like to get some hours for my grad school apps. And that would provide the motivation to actually do so. Most convincing though are the statistics:</p>

<pre><code>* All but two U.S. Presidents since 1825 have been Greek.
* 63% of the U.S. President’s cabinet since 1900 have been Greek.
* Of the nation’s 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by fraternity men.
* 85% of the Fortune 500 executives belong to a fraternity
* A National Conference report shows a high percentage of the 4,000 NIC fraternity chapters are above the All-Men's scholastic average on their respective campuses (my school being one of them).
* Over 85% of the student leaders (think student government, integrity board, ect) on some 730 campuses (mine included) are involved in the Greek community.
</code></pre>

<p>So, what does everybody think? Is going Greek worthwhile? If so, which of the two frats should I join?</p>

2

<p>Well, from my experience, Jewish frats are a little different than the stereotypical frat, but I don't know how it is on your campus.</p>

3

<p>Joining a fraternity was one of the best decisions that I've ever made. I've been able to hone my leadership and social abilities. I've gained a multitude of connections and made a ton of friends. But outside of the extra benefits, I'm a part of a great group of friends, all of whom I'm proud to call my brothers. </p>

<p>From the sound of your post, it sounds like you're not sure which of those to fraternities to join. Seeing as neither of those is my fraternity, nor are either on my campus, I feel as though I can try to give an unbiased opinion.</p>

<p>With joining AEPi, you'd be joining one of the best on campus (according to what you say) so you'd have the immediate benefit of being part of a prestigious organization. </p>

<p>On the other hand, if you join SAM, you'll be getting the opportunity to shape and mold the future of that chapter. You'll probably be able to more quickly rise to a position of leadership and thus, gain more experience.</p>

<p>I think that this is what makes joining any fraternity so great, depending on the size of the chapter that you join, you get to experience different things that might be more suited to you.</p>

<p>If you join a smaller chapter, you'll probably be given more responsibility and more of a voice. If you join a larger chapter, you'll probably be able to participate in more socials as well as having a wider choice of activities (inter-murals, events, etc.) to participate in.</p>

<p>When I was initiated into my chapter (Fall 2006) we were a smaller chapter that had one of the lowest GPA's and lowest community service hours for the past several years. At the end of this semester, we now rank #1 among the IFC fraternities in terms of GPA and we're also one of the top in community service hours per member average.</p>

<p>Just remember, being a member of any fraternity requires work, but usually you'll be able to see the results of the work you put in which is always something to be proud of.</p>

<p>Hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.</p>

4

<p>It's great that you've done so much research. That's good.</p>

<p>As a senior in college I was president of the a group that spoke to HS students and encouraged them to go Greek. Very few people ever put as much thought into the decision to go greek as you have (including me) but many would agree with Saluki that it's the best decision they've ever made (count me in that camp).</p>

<p>However, while your research is great, I'd really caution you from making a judgment on AEPi and SAM until you've met the members. They are what is far more important. I'd also advise you to consider the opportunities presented by other chapters on your campus. Don't feel like just b/c you're Jewish that you have to join the Jewish chapters. I often told soon to be rushees (that'd be you) that it was in their best interest to meet all the chapters on campus, and that when they'd found the place they were supposed to be, they'd know it. I'm really a firm believer in gut feelings when it comes to these things.</p>

<p>One last thing, the stat about US presidents is not true, though oft quoted. I don't remember the exact number, but there are still a huge number that were Greek...just not all but two.</p>

5

<p>I agree with Bigredmed, you have to meet the guys in each house before you make your decision. The house that I was thinking about rushing before I started school was not the house that I ended up joining. Nothing against them though, my chapter and there's are on very good terms. Ironically enough, they lost their chapter house this past year and we're getting ready to move into it in Aug.</p>

<p>If your campus has a formal fraternity rush, probably put on by your IFC, then I'd highly suggest that you go to some of their events which allow you to meet guys from each house. Don't join a chapter because of GPA, the house they live in, the parties they throw, or anything like that. What it all boils down to is the guys who are already in the fraternity. I'm lucky that I found a group of guys that are a lot like me, and I hope that you're able to find the same at your campus.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

6

<p>Personally, going to a school where on-campus Greek life is banned was the best decision I've ever made. I'm aware there's a great deal of grey area between my school and the SEC Southern universities my friends went to, but based on my experiences with Greek life more or less all of the big southern schools (UGA, Ga Tech, UF, Alabama, USC, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Auburn, Clemson, etc etc), they are not exactly upstanding people. I also did a lot of research before going to school about Greek life and spent time around people in various frats and sororities... it was not an enjoyable experience for me. </p>

<p>We have AEPi unrecognized off campus (frats and sororities go against a central tenant of the university of non-exclusion.. so while we have a few, the school does not recognize them and has nothing to do with them) but I don't know much about them. Every frat and sorority at my school is de facto a Jewish one- I go to Brandeis. :P</p>

<p>Then again, I only know 5 or 6 people who truly regret joining frats or sororities. That's a pretty small number considering that girls at my high school planned years in advance which college they'd go to so they could make contacts in the sororities and get into the "hot ones". I kid you not. Academics weren't even on the radar for them. I dated a guy who was the president of his frat at Dartmouth (which ironically was the only one I had any interest in during my college search) and loved it- but his experience was altogether different than my friends in the South. </p>

<p>Also, don't take rankings and rumors of what schools are "social" or not seriously. Brandeis is supposed to be super lame, but that couldn't be further from the truth. UGA is supposed to have an awesome social life, but I found it to be boring as humanly possible.</p>

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<p>i don't think sammy's is a jewish frat, @ berkeley it's not jewish at least, AEPi is tho</p>

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<p>People who join fraternities are losers who have to pay to get friends.

[quote]
Why should I pay, when if I apply myself, maybe I could get it for free? <a href="George%20Costanza">/quote</a></p>

<p>Also, why does everyone care so much about ancient Greece? Sure, it produced many geniuses like Aristotle and Archimedes, but pedaresty (sp?) was also common. That's just wrong.</p>

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<p>goodusername, thanks for calling Bigredmed and me losers, it truly shows your maturity.</p>

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<p>You are losers if you are paying for something that you could easily attain for free.</p>

11

<p>So, I'm paying dues to have friends? I always thought that I payed dues to have socials, maintain a fraternity house, have and attend leadership conferences, pay for inter-mural costs, and the biggest expense, to pay for liability insurance for our members and international headquarters. </p>

<p>I truly don't understand your hatred for fraternities and sororities, because that's what it is, it's hatred. I would understand if you acted in a manner similar to other non-greeks by giving more logical and reasoned views of greek life. But to be-little millions of people by calling them losers, that's far-and-away ill-mannered and immature.</p>

<p>And not only are you name-calling those of us who are members of GLOs, you're also bringing down the tone of this discussion.</p>

12

<p>
[quote]

I truly don't understand your hatred for fraternities and sororities, because that's what it is, it's hatred. I would understand if you acted in a manner similar to other non-greeks by giving more logical and reasoned views of greek life. But to be-little millions of people by calling them losers, that's far-and-away ill-mannered and immature.

[/quote]

I gave a logical and reasoned view.
You can do all of those things for free without having to join a fraternity.</p>

13

<p>dood, it's cooperative living. don't knock it till you try it. I'm not a greek, and i don't think it's right for me, but for many people, i totally understand it. It can definitely make a big school seem smaller, and give you a place to call home, a refuge. Every college is different, but i don't think greeks are losers, nor do they pay for friends, they pay, but they do so to provide a good time and meet different people.</p>

<p>If it wasn't for frats and their parties, many colleges wouldn't have vibrant party scenes with creative themes and a varied group of people that don't know each other, yet aren't complete strangers with nothing in common either. Greeks provide a great service a lot of the time.</p>

14

<p>You can do all that for free.</p>

15

<p>I said it in another thread, I'll say it again:</p>

<p>All you people who say Greek life is akin to "paying for friends" seem to think it's like a magazine subscription. It's not! House bills are usually the last thing on everyone's mind, no surprise it is the last thing mentioned in the manual. Like any, <em>ANY</em> other club or organization, there are operating costs. Nobody gets get kicked out and disowned for a delinquent payment, so stop trying to cite that as a reason that Greek life is "evil."</p>

<p>The fact of the matter is that at some schools, social life sucks. Options for personal development suck. Period. I don't care how social of a person <em>you</em> are, I'm talking about the collective campus environment. Lack of school spirit, lack of club participation, lack of options, whatever. Of the 25 people that were on my floor freshman year, I was lucky to see 3 of them in any given week after the first month because everyone was so reclusive. Yes, it depends on the school and the individuals' experience, but here, nobody got involved, and the lack of psyche among my peers was dragging me down too. As soon as I joined my house, I met and befriended not only the 35 or so active brothers, but a whole slew of people in other houses <em>and</em> even a lot of non-greek independents. It opened up a huge door to campus life and involvement and I am thankful for my decision. I have grown stronger as an individual, and have become far more confident and outgoing than I was when I first set foot on campus. It's helped me be a better leader and to get better recommendations and jobs.</p>

<p>I will concede that Greek life at other schools may suck and have little redeeming value, especially at schools where the greek population is less than 15% or so. I will concede that Greek life is not for everyone, and apparently not for a lot of people on CC, but that is no reason to make sweeping and insulting generalizations across a nation of 3500 colleges just because you think your $hit smells sweeter. </p>

<p>Let the kid keep an open mind and make his own decision, that is the best option. Period. Everyone's situation is different, but the choice is obvious.</p>

16

<p>Stop Saying "frat"</p>

<p>636</p>

17

<p>Frats are an old boys network. If you're white, male, and at least upper middle class then by all means join a frat. It will help your networking and so forth. Fortunately, the tide is changing and more women, minorities, and nonfrat types are rising in the corporate and political world.</p>

18

<p>brooklyn harris,</p>

<p>Well said. At my school, which is small with 100% of its student body living on campus or very near it, you can easily socialize without having to pledge a frat or sorority. Consequently, Greek life is very subdued.</p>

<p>However, I have friends going to big state universities with lots of commuter students, and unfortunately, some of them have not had the most socially enjoyable freshman years. If I were in their shoes, I would pledge a frat and not have a second thought about it. It really sucks being lost in a labyrinth with tens of thousands of other students.</p>

19

<p>i came into college thinking i would never join a frat, but the few months ive already spent on campus are making me think differently. the people in them are friendly and have a great sense of community, if you cant find something else to suit you better, there is no reason to not rush and give it a shot.</p>

20

<p>I actually joined a sorority during my first year of college. To be honest, it is not always a source of joy for me. It is rather expensive, and ironically, my closest friends were made outside of the sorority anyways. But, For the most part, it often is not as negative as most make it out to be.</p>

<p>The decision to join an organization has to be completely personal. I suggest investigating more to determine whether you really can call a fraternity or sorority your niche. </p>

<p>People usually say that it opens the door to campus life—that is true, but only a certain aspect of campus life. That is why it is important to know your personal needs before you join, because it may turn out you need membership in a completely different type of organization, i.e. a club, theatre group etc. I've friends who sought membership in a sorority just to fill a social void, and because they didn't check in advance whether it was their proper environment, they ended up creating another void. </p>

<p>Anyhow, check out this fraternity's values and watch how they handle themselves. Make certain that it is the one that suits you and good luck! ^^</p>