Rising junior looking lightly at colleges. I am a very social and outgoing person who cares about a sense of community at the college I attend, but also diversity of social scene and variety of things to do, whether that’s on campus or in a surrounding area. I’m turned off by Greek life as I know it- the sense of conformity and homogeneity, alcohol-centric life, etc. feel free to tell me anything that suggests otherwise, but tbh I’ve had so many “frat boy” types talk to me about how Greek life is so community oriented and it’s really all about charity and blah blah, I’m not really sure if I buy it. I’d love to hear your opinions, stories, experiences with Greek life. Did you want that in a college? Did you not want that? If it’s something you did not what, what percentage of students have to be involved in GL for it to start feeling like that is what “dominates” the campus? (in your opinion)
Let’s open up a discussion. 
did not *want
Depends on both the specific college and the specific chapter at the college.
^^ what he said. i have a friend whose job is with a fraternity national- some are very service oriented and not party places. You need to look at each one individually.
It also depends on what type of Greek Life. There is a pretty big difference between the predominantly white frats and sororities that are part of IFC/Panhel (these are your stereotypical Greeks and at my school seem to largely fulfill the stereotypes), and the multicultural frats/sororities that are part of Multicultural Greek Council/National Panhel. Then there are also the professional frats, which come in all kinds of flavors.
I think the tipping point is probably 30-40% (my number). A lot depends on what is available right around the college. If students can walk to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, theaters, parks, and other places, and the weather is generally nice, there are other things to do socially. If students can’t find much to do immediately off campus, then a Greek presence approaching 40% is probably going to mean the focus of social life is in the Greek houses, for better or worse. Good luck!
The above tipping point figure (30-40%) seems to be a very good estimate.