<p>What is Greek life like at Columbia? I am applying to Barnard ED, but was told Barnard girls rush Columbia sororities. If someone could give me a general overview of the reputations of the different sororities, and tell me how easy/difficult it is to rush, I would appreciate it. I'm especially interested in Alpha Chi Omega, since I have a friend who can't say enough about her chapter at a different school.</p>
<p>I know this isn't a traditional question about CC, but thanks in advance!</p>
<p>There currently is a controversy regarding whether and to what extent Barnard women will continue to be eligible to participate in sororities. Apparently the Barnard administration is unwilling to participate in the funding of sororities on any sort of meaningful basis, even though Barnard women participate in sororities on a disproportionate basis, so Columbia is considering elimination or reduction of Barnard women in sorority life.</p>
<p>pbr’s report is spot on. I’m not sure of the latest, but, it’s getting hairy and I’ve heard some people speculate that the move is indicative of an evolution of Columbia’s general attitude towards Greek life at the university. From what I’ve heard from Greek life alumni, primarily through my fraternity, there’s been a downward trend in support from the university over the last decade or so - both in resources and recognition.</p>
<p>Alpha Chi Omega, I can say from some experience, is a wonderful group of women. You’d do well to contact them as soon as you’re accepted to express your interest.</p>
<p>The Columbia administration may (or may not) be fighting the Greek scene, but Greek life is definitely on the upsurge. Increasing numbers of students (including my younger son) find the Greek community a great addition to their Columbia experience. This increase in Greek interest is, I presume, part of the reason the Barnard non-funding issue is becoming controversial. As more students pledge, the cost to Columbia increases; as disproportionate numbers of Barnard students pledge, the relative inequity of Columbia’s contributions (100%) versus Barnard’s contributions (zero) become more pronounced.</p>
<p>So, basically, if I want to pledge two years from now, but go to Barnard, there’s a good chance I won’t be able to? Or will they probably just still be fighting about it?</p>
<p>If I had to guess, I’d say that the majority of Barnard women will support the idea of contributing to Greek life funding. But, if you’re not going to be here for another couple of years, if at all, I wouldn’t spend too much time worrying about this right now.</p>
<p>Well, I’ll be a senior next year, but Greek life is a big factor for me in choosing a college, and I don’t want to go to a really Greek school, but I wouldn’t go to one without it.</p>
<p>Since they’re making an issue of it this year, it’s very possible it will all be sorted out this year, or at least by next fall. I wouldn’t worry just yet.
BTW, keep in mind that the AXO chapter here may be wildly different than at your friend’s school–these things tend to vary. The sororities here have pretty distinct individual reputations. If you end up going to Barnard and rushing, try to keep an open mind, and look into all groups. You might be surprised at where you fit in!</p>
<p>There’s definitely Greek life at Columbia, and 10-20% of the student body is involved, but make no mistake: Columbia is not a school where the social scene revolves around Greek Life. You can join a frat/sorority and surround yourself with that culture, but the majority of Columbians are unaffiliated with Greek life and apathetic toward it. Some are actively hostile to it; in fact, the reason that Barnard doesn’t currently recognize sororities is because it considers Greek life to be misogynistic and unfairly exclusionary. If a vibrant and well-respected Greek life is really important to you, Columbia might not be the best fit.</p>
<p>As weird as it sounds, I DONT want to go to a school with tons of Greek life, I think Greek life at Columbia is the perfect mix of having a traditional college experience, while also having the unique experience of Columbia/Barnard.</p>
<p>I’ll agree with lioninwinter’s warning: AXO could be completely different from what you understand it to be at another campus AND, with probably three more rushes before you arrive, it could be different again.</p>