I love everything about this school except for one thing: the apparent prevalence of fraternities and sororities on campus. I’m really not a fan of Greek life (no hate towards people who do like it; it’s simply not for me), and it really worries me that about 35% of the student body are in fraternities/sororities. I’ve heard that it’s a very dominant part of social life. I am a very tolerant person, but what worries me is that the strong Greek life will affect the way my classmates treat me as a non-Greek.
Another thing: I’m pretty sure US News once said that only 30% of the female population were members of a sorority, and when I checked again today the number had suddenly shot up to 39% (?). I know that US News isn’t the Word of God, but as someone who isn’t planning on getting involved in Greek life, it still worries me.
I know there are tons of other threads out there that discuss Greek life at Duke (trust me, I’ve read them) but I’m hoping to get specific answers from current or recent students at Duke that are non-Greek. What is it like to NOT be involved in Greek life at Duke? I feel like it’s easy for fraternity/sorority members to be like, “Oh yeah, everybody’s a family here!”, but what about for people who don’t have that “built-in” family system? Is there a strong division between Greek and Non-Greek students?
With all those percentages you cite, you’d notice that the majority of Duke students are NOT Greek. You think more than half of the student body has no social life and feels ostracized by the other half? Ha! Doesn’t work that way. Independents (as they call those who don’t pledge a fraternity/sorority or join a selective living group) have enriching social experiences at Duke across the board. There is not a strong division although certain social events may center around those in the chapter/mixer with another of the opposite sex, so they are inherent items that lead to social circles forming. But, by and large (with a few exceptions admittedly), people don’t care unless you’re super interested in social “status”, which it sounds like you’re not, so it won’t impact you. I was independent and had plenty of friends who were Greek, in selective living groups, and other independents. Wasn’t a big deal. I even went to plenty of sorority events (as a guy).
I would caution you to judge others who do join the Greek system, though, and keep an open mind. Not everybody involved follows your typical stereotypes. In fact, at Duke, I’d say the types of people involved in Greek life are quite diverse. It’s not just preppy partiers for the guys and superficial girls (although a few chapters may fit that…). There are also selective living groups at Duke that are a good option/fit for a lot of people that don’t want to join the Greek system but want a stong sense of community.
Hope that helps assuage your concerns. I found Duke’s social atmosphere outstanding and one of the strengths of the Duke experience.
@bluedog
Thank you so much for your reply! That certainly does help me a lot. As for the percentages, I’ve found that sometimes, even when Greek life is in the minority, it can still dominate the school. But I’m glad that this is not the case for Duke. I have always been very open-minded in viewing other people; my main concern about sororities was being pressured to join in order to find a social life.
Once again, thanks for such a thorough response! Now I can happily apply to Duke with zero qualms.
The Greek Bogeyman will abduct you! 
On a more serious note, you are not at a disadvantage if you chose not to participate in Greek life. Just like you’re not at a disadvantage if you choose not to major in engineering or if you choose not to run for student government. It won’t have any impact on your college career whatsoever.