Greek membership at Cornell College - a necessity?

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>My daughter is very interested in Cornell College (Iowa, not Ithaca), but is really concerned about the Greek life. She's not really the "sorority type" and is turned off by some of the stereotypes of sororities (primarily having to act/dress a certain way to fit in, and "mandatory" bonding with sisters, etc...) She's more of a free spirit, wanting to choose her friends from among many different groups, etc... She has many friends in HS, but they're all from various groups and not one clique. When she heard about the prevalence of sororities at Cornell, I could see the disappointment on her face, and I got the feeling she was mentally "crossing off" Cornell from her list. There are so many other factors about Cornell that would be perfect for her, and I hate to see her do this without looking into it thoroughly. </p>

<p>We're planning a visit in Oct. Any advice? Specifically, how can she find out more about this issue? What is the percentage of campus membership in frats/sororities? Is it possible to have an active, productive social life if you're NOT a member? How are non-sisters perceived/treated by sorority members on campus? How "clique-y" is Cornell? Many thanks for your thorough response!!</p>

2

<p>If she doesn’t want to join a sorority, she shouldn’t join a sorority.</p>

<p>If she wants hundreds of “friends” and a preplanned social life, then Greek is the way to go.</p>

<p>If she only wants a few close friends, I’m sure she will naturally develop them through the typical college experience. (Going to class, living in dorms, college clubs, study groups, etc).</p>

<p>The most important thing with college is being who you want to be, and doing what you want to do.</p>

<p>FWIW, I have no knowledge of the social structure at Cornell College. I was Greek when I first went to college. Now back pursuing a different degree at another college I’m doing it more as the studious, non-Greek person.</p>

<p>You have to realize with most frat and sororities is they are highly cliquey…INSIDE THE FRAT/SORORITY. You daughter is probably going to develop only 5 to 10 really good friends at a time in college, MAX. Greek life isn’t needed for doing that.</p>