<p>I'm a freshman. All my friends are getting feedback from frats. Not me. I'm a happy guy. Have an international twist to my background, long story. Not the average white guy. I'm so sad right now. Haven't been here yet about 2.8 weeks and I'm so sad right now. I want to transfer as soon as I can :(</p>
<p>I don’t know much about frats but I do know that my D has an amazing group of neat guy friends (smart, active in lots of areas of USC) and none of them are in a fraternity. If you don’t get any interest now, you may in the spring when you get to know more people since I think the frat recruitment is more that just fall. Don’t let this define you and definitely don’t let it be what makes/breaks college for you. Actually your GPA may thank you…being a pledge is a pretty big time commitment. As big as Greek life seems, the majority of students are not in sororities or fraternities.</p>
<p>I don’t know where your dorm is southerndude but my son is an OoS freshman in Columbia, actually part of their Wellness community… and he started off going to the frat meetings but halfway through he decided not to do it because he did not want to get caught up in a lot of partying. But he also said he wanted to see what else was out there and knew the frat pledge process is very time-consuming so he decided to wait (if ever) to join a frat and stopped going to the sessions. Instead he said he walked the club tables on Greene St. the other day and joined 3 clubs! - Mountaineers (not sure what that is? maybe hiking because he’s into that), Tri (for triathlon- he’s never done one but is a swimmer and biker so figured he’d give it a shot to help him stay in shape) … and some other club I don’t know- Gamecock Gamers I think. </p>
<p>Anyway, my point is same as scmom12 that you might use this as a blessing in disguise to get out there and try a variety of other things b/c you might not have that chance if you’re pledging considering the demand that takes. (I know, I was in a sorority in college… it’s time-consuming).</p>
<p>Don’t transfer just because greek life isn’t panning out. Just don’t. There are so many guys who aren’t in fraternities, even fraternity types.</p>
<p>I agree with the suggestions about finding clubs and things. That’s how you can make a group of friends that you do other things with (like house parties, going out, etc).</p>
<p>I have contacts around USC, so if there’s something you’re interested in, but don’t know how to approach it, then let me know and I might be able to help out!</p>
<p>Thanks for the pep talk, I’m feeling better already, and it probably is a blessing in disguise. I was upset, but I look forward to meeting other folks in a way other than Greek. :)</p>
<p>southerndude,</p>
<p>It is a blessing in disguise… My DS is very popular and upon entering college he too went for a frat. He was not offered a spot and was bummed and confused. That said he took a step back and saw for himself that it would not have been a good match so the research into frats began. In the 2nd half of his first year he knew exactly which frat he wanted and concentrated on what they were all about. In the end he became the No.1 frat choice. Not only did he get in he also was voted into the on campus housing.</p>
<p>Take your time and seek all frats out and understand what fits you as a person. </p>
<p>TEK — Was my sons choice. What got his attention? My son is a big Churchill and Regan fan and has read bio’s on both. Regan was a TEK. When he found that out he dove deeper into TEK history and really had an understanding of what its all about and what he would be getting himself into. </p>
<p>What has it helped with? In his first year he was 3.0 student, he is currently a 4.0 student. Aside from doing what he needs for grades he is now looking into recruiting the number of really good kids, he want the overall GPA higher for his frat, and create more school and community involvement. Right now he is trying to org a tuff mudder team. Don’t know if he will reach his goals but the determination is good to see.</p>
<p>So in the end…do your research, find your fit, know the history, and show your determination.</p>
<p>Almost forgot…most important. This is YOUR college experience, there is more to college than just frats. Get directly involved with the college or the other long list of things to to. Research, research, research. Get involved in some kind of way but don’t hold yourself to frats only.</p>
<p>4 years, don’t get yourself down, grind it out you will find your nitch.</p>
<p>Ronald Reagan was a Tau Kappa Epsilon – TKE. I don’t think there is a chapter at Carolina, unless they are colonizing. My son, too, was a TKE (not U of SC) and big history fan! Good luck to you, OP.</p>
<p>Thank you for the correction LynchburgLover my son would be really upset with me at this point. </p>
<p>YES…TKE!! </p>
<p>You would think a parent would get that right after buying his hat and sweatshirt. </p>
<p>I’ll have to ask my son if there is a chapter in Carolina. By the way has TKE helped your son. It would appear that my DS is now deeper into the books, community and school service and has built some strong friendships. At first I thought this was a joke but I’m seeing something more positive.</p>
<p>3Units,</p>
<p>Some parts were good; some were not. Daughter definitely had an overall better experience with sorority life. But, boys are boys and he tended to do things the hard way. LOL</p>
<p>Best of luck to your son!</p>