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<li><p>Is it harder to get into some of the top fraternities if you're from the North? I've heard certain fraternities stereotyped as 'southern fraternities' with a lot of southern pride. Would I be at a disadvantage rushing any of those houses being from very far up North? </p></li>
<li><p>Is it true you can't have parties in the greek houses because they're on campus property? That's what I hear...</p></li>
<li><p>Do most people that rush get a bid if you give every house a chance? </p></li>
<li><p>I know the outside of the houses are gorgeous, what are the insides like? Well kept? </p></li>
<li><p>If you choose not to go greek, will most sorority girls not give you a chance in terms of dating? </p></li>
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<p>I can’t answer a lot of your specifics…check to see web pages on sorority and fraternity recruitment. There are usually info sessions about it at orientation. While greek life seems like a huge deal, only around 30% students are involved, so 70% of the girls on campus won’t be in a sorority and sorority girls likely won’t restrict their interest to only guys in frats. My D’s friends who are in sororities have mostly met guys through freshman dorms or shared interests such as religious groups, student government (but yes some from fraternity mixers).</p>
<p>I think most people have a shot if they give all groups a chance. You need to drop the idea of “top” fraternities (or sororities) - that will certainly put off some people. By assuming one group is better than another, you may overlook a really great group of guys and Greek life is about finding a fit, not being able to claim to are a certain frat.</p>
<p>@scmom12 What about being from the North? </p>
<p>I don’t know about fraternities but my daughter is from Ohio and has lots of northerners in her sorority. They are not allowed to have parties in the houses - keeps them much nicer inside. </p>
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<p>It’s easier for in state students because many of them already know several students in each frat before they walk on campus from high school, athletics, and EC’s.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine if you go Greek or not, but you’ll have more organized social events if you are. Also, I think over one-third of the student body is out of state and I was told by admissions that they’re getting tons of applications from the northeast, Ohio, Illinois, etc. and lots of them go Greek with no problems. Because of the 36% OOS, I don’t think South Carolina is as southern as, say, Ole Miss or Bama.</p>
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<li><p>A few of the frats are very Southern, but the kids that are attracted to them tend to be from smaller Southern towns. Most houses have a mix of Northern (depending on how you define it) and Southern kids. In general the demographics will mirror those of the freshman class: majority SC, heavy NC, VA, MD, GA, OH.</p></li>
<li><p>You won’t have Animal House-type parties spilling onto the lawn. Frats all have parties in the houses, just not the kind that are big or loud enough to draw the attention of USC PD. Part of the reason for this is that students are not limited to house parties, they can go out in Five Points and the Vista.</p></li>
<li><p>Not usually, the frats are very different culturally. You will quickly identify houses that feel more comfortable than others and you will typically receive bids if you connect with the brothers in those frats.</p></li>
<li><p>The interiors are usually just as grand as the exteriors. Think built-in wood bookshelves, hotel quality furniture, and large dining halls. The house moms are very good about keeping the houses in top shape.</p></li>
<li><p>Some sorority girls will only date Greek, others are more open. It depends largely on the individual. The school is 55% female, so your odds are great either way.</p></li>
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