<p>I know that Greek life is really big at Dartmouth... is it an overwhelming presence? If you don't participate in it, are there really very little options for you, socially?</p>
<p>dude, you have no idea how many times that's been asked. I guarantee if you do a search, you'll find plenty of threads.</p>
<p>First of all freshmen cannot plege as they are not allowed to pledge until sophmore year. Most of the parties and functions are pretty much open to everyone, so you do not have to be part of the greek system to attend a function. The big rush period is in the fall where the Frat "shake out" period is much shorter than the female rush process. My daughter is in a sorority, and while she loves her sorority, it has not affected any of her relationships with her non-greek friends.</p>
<p>The greeks shall inherit the earth</p>
<p>Sororities predict strong participation in fall rush
<a href="http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2005100501010&sheadline=fall%20rush&sauthor=&stext=%5B/url%5D">http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2005100501010&sheadline=fall%20rush&sauthor=&stext=</a></p>
<p>Sororities offer 267 bids after week-long rush
<a href="http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2005101701020&sheadline=fall%20rush&sauthor=&stext=%5B/url%5D">http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2005101701020&sheadline=fall%20rush&sauthor=&stext=</a></p>
<p>Three-day frat rush kicks off Saturday night
<a href="http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2005100701010&sheadline=fall%20rush&sauthor=&stext=%5B/url%5D">http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2005100701010&sheadline=fall%20rush&sauthor=&stext=</a></p>