<p>Hey all. This is my first post, but I have skimmed through the forum since I mailed my early decision application to Vanderbilt. I was accepted and am so excited and grateful! Now I am interested in gathering as much information as possible about social life at Vandy.
I like to have lots of fun and am frequently approached by guys and complimented by people I meet, but I’m also a good girl and have determined to remain pretty darn moral throughout college. I know there have been a couple posts on sororities recently, but I am wondering about where I might fit into Vandy’s social circle. I am interested in the Danceline and possibly in a sorority. How is the diversity (of opinions, race, political opinions, moral viewpoints, ect) in the various sororities? Are the girls involved in Danceline typical drinking party girls, or are they really devoted to dancing? Are sorority/fraternity parties places that a girl interested in maintaining a good reputation should just avoid?
I realize that this post gave a very vague sketch of my personality, but I’d really appreciate any suggestions that might qualm my concerns. I also realize that I just presented a broad list of concerns, rather than a specific question, but I would totally appreciate it if anyone who has a good knowledge of Vandy’s social life could respond. I’m sorry this post is so long! Thanks so much!</p>
<p>welcome to vanderbilt. there is an "off campus" (does not have a house at all) fraternity called BYX ("bucks"...call themselves "brothers under christ"), you will most likely hang out with the freshmen guys that are rushing this fraternity and the other girls that fit the description you've given. i take it you're from the south meaning you'll probably end up at one of the more southern sororities but most southern girls that are no sex until marriage types like yourself typically come from the same backgrounds as the guys in fraternities like sae deke ka but just have different ideals. if you're not from the south and i'm off the mark pretty much everything i said still applies. oh and i don't know anything about danceline.</p>
<p>it would be a good idea to stop by one or two parties at the aformentioned fraternities just to have an idea of what goes on and you might end up being asked to one of the date functions anyway but BYX is probably the way to go</p>
<p>hope that helps best of luck and merry christmas</p>
<p>For sororities, I'd check out Chi Omega. The girls there tend to have very high morals. Also, I wouldn't worry about drinking -- even though theres alot of partying theres also alot of kids who don't drink and you will be able to find your niche. Theres also a club for every interest. </p>
<p>Welcome to Commodore family.</p>
<p>I’ve been traveling and only recently got home and back to my computer, but I appreciate the immediate welcomes and suggestions from both of you. Yes, callingducks, I am a southern girl and a no-sex-til-marriage type, but I have a pretty unique heritage and therefore am not the generic Dixie gal you might have imagined ;) But I’ll be on the lookout for those BYX guys when I stroll into campus come next fall! And TheOC89, the Chi Omega girls do sound like they may share my values, so thanks for the suggestion. I’m also relieved to hear that the pressure to drink isn’t too strong.
Thanks to both of you for the responses. If anyone knows about Danceline, please share your knowledge with me... Also, how’s diversity among the sororities? Chi Omega, for instance?</p>
<p>class08,
Because I have a child who is active in the Greek system, I generally refrain from posting on sorority questions. However, you need to know two things:
1) Most houses (DG being the exception because of its newness to campus) have anywhere from 125-160 members (if I'm not completely accurate, I'm close). With a large number of girls, you are likely to find friends who share your values at many of the sororities on campus.
2) Identifying with a particular sorority prior to stepping on campus, and also throughout the fall semester, thinking they are your match may lead to tremendous heartbreak on your part. A large number of factors play into how you match during the recruitment process. Grades are HUGE, particularly at some houses. The previous GPA for participating in recruitment was 2.25, but has been recently raised to 2.5. Based on what I know from D's experience, experiences of local girls who attended Vanderbilt, etc., I'd say you should try as hard as possible to be above 3.25 to maximize your chances at a variety of houses.
Also, in response to your question about diversity, although there are sororities specifically for African-Americans, I am aware of at least two Panhellenic sororities with African-American members and my knowledge is somewhat limited as a parent.
You should remember that many of the posts on this forum ranking and stereotyping houses are very shallow. Be open to making your own judgements once you arrive on campus and you will find your niche.</p>
<p>Thanks for starting this thread! You seem to have ALOT of the same exact questions that I have about Vanderbilt. I think not automaticlaly heeding to posts is a great idea, especially since alot can change with a sorority over a year. But I will say that Chi Omega's critique has remained consistent over the posts. I haven't seen one post that has said anything bad about them, and all refer to them as "high-morals, down-to-earth" Also, you can check out the pictures on their website. Looks like tons of fun! Most people I've talked to have advised me to rush even if I'm not sure I want to join a sorority. Apparently it's fun regardless and a great way to meet people. Agh! Why is college so far away? I wish I was there now! lol</p>