<p>What is the social scene like? I don't mind going to parties, although I don't intend on joining a frat. Is it one of the more socially active schools? As of now I really like Cornell (out of the schools I have looked into in detail, but I haven't really looked at UVA that much, so make it one of my favorites!)</p>
<p>Greek life is fairly active at UVa, but keep in mind that the percentage of the student body that is Greek is in the minority. This means that if you meet someone, the chances are that they WON’T be Greek.</p>
<p>I can’t speak from personal experience, but if I am correct the social scene is pretty awesome. There are a lot of parties and whatnot that you can find if you want, but a lot of people are chill with going to see a play or whatever else on their Saturday nights too. The student body is well-rounded but also more intellectual than a lot of peer schools. They are open to a lot of different things, so I’m sure you’d be able to find your niche.</p>
<p>It’s pretty self-segregated from what I hear. All my friends say the black students hang out with other black students, Asians hang out with Asians, whites hang out with whites, Hispanics hang out with Hispanics.</p>
<p>Keep that in mind.</p>
<p>I think people can say that about any school. However, it is up to the person to make of it what they may.</p>
<p>Yea, honestly, that’s not only UVA, thats most colleges and all high schools.</p>
<p>When did Greek students become a minority here? Last time I checked the estimate was 1/3 to 2/3 greek, has that changed?</p>
<p>hazel, from what I’ve read it has always been around 1/3.</p>
<p>A minority is <50%, and UVa’s student body is about 1/3 Greek.</p>
<p>I disagree in that all colleges and high schools lack social integration. I come from a high school in the deep south and there is PLENTY of interaction between different races.</p>
<p>When I was at UVa I did notice some students cling to their own race but I also noticed that others branched out. I think it’s possible for build a diverse group of friends if you really want to do so. It just depends on how active you are in achieving that goal.</p>
<p>My main concern is the frat parties and how exclusive they may be. I have no intentions on joining a frat and I don’t plan on going to a lot of their parties; however, it’s always nice to have the option. I just hope they’re not exclusive towards kids who aren’t preppy or greek (which is pretty much the preppy kids unless you include the multicultural frats).</p>
<p>My older D is at UVa now and her younger sister is joining her this Fall. From what I have seen with segregation is that people CHOSE to segregate, but if you do not want to segregate, you can also chose to be with whomever you want. I think people tend to notice segregation because minority folks tend to “stick” out a little more. I guess you would not notice a group of 10 whites (unless they are American and are on vacation in a foreign country), but you would 10 blacks, or 10 Asians.</p>
<p>1/3 may be a minority, but the way you phrased it was that it was not a significant minority. 1 out of every 3 people you meet is much more sizable than you are leading on.</p>
<p>Yes it is a significant minority, and that’s what I think leads people to become afraid of a school being “too Greek.” I’m just restating a fact from a different perspective to put that fact into perspective.</p>
<p>If I say a campus is 30% Greek or if I say a campus is 70% non-Greek, they are both saying the same thing. The difference is that the second statement is a lot less intimidating to somebody who doesn’t like Greek life.</p>
<p>1/3 is a significant minority, but it is still a minority. The chances are still that a person you meet is not Greek. You are not alone if you do not want to have to deal with the Greek system at UVa.</p>
<p>Besides, just because people are Greek doesn’t make them like… Mean, or douchy, or whatever. I know a lot of Greek friends, and they are actually the nicest people I have ever met in my new school (they took me under their wing in 11th grade AP Physics, greatest experience of my life, they are WAY too nice haha). Trust me, even though Greek is sizable at UVA, you probably won’t feel like you are surrounded by people who are obsessed with partying. Sure some LOVE to party, but we get work done too =P</p>
<p>I didn’t like the idea of a large Greek presence until my suitemates dragged me out to some frat parties first year. I ended up loving it, got a 4.0 the semester I pledged and still think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Don’t knock it until you try it.</p>