<p>I would say though that the "cocky" guys are more likely to join a frat because they think it reinforces the image they want. Still, I'm a little surprised that there are cocky people at top-tier schools.</p>
<p>As a current student, I do have to say that I get a cocky attitude from some frat guys, but I also think that everyone should note that there is definitely a WIDE VARIETY of people who partake in greek life. Yes, you can find the typical frat guy (especially if you spend your Mondays at the Keg), but that is by no means representative of all greek life at Northwestern. That's just the image that many people see because those types of guys are probably seen in most public places the most often.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Still, I'm a little surprised that there are cocky people at top-tier schools.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Why is that - many people are cocky b/c they attend a top-tier school?</p>
<p>And it's not like top-tier schools don't have guys/gals who were BMOC/BWOC back in HS or feel like they are in college.</p>
<p>I knew a lot of jocks (most were Greek, but some were not) of which some were cocky and others were not.</p>
<p>Being Greek had nothing to do it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Why is that - many people are cocky b/c they attend a top-tier school?
[/quote]
Because they should know better and realize that others haven't been as fortunate as they are? Most people at NU grew up around a culture of success.</p>
<p>So you disagree that "cocky" people (we're talking about those with a strong desire to be alpha male or female) are more likely to join the Greek system? I really think a lot of cocky people buy into the Greek image and join because they want that image for themselves.</p>
<p>jchen- No. Find out for yourself. Reputations are rarely accurate, and never fair to be judged by.</p>
<p>allie33- No. ~40% of the students are Greek. Probably 50% don't care particularly much. 10% are incredibly vocal, and hate those in the Greek system and the system itself with irrational fervor. For many people, hating greek-life is part of conforming to their own social sphere. (You can spot these people most readily by their founding their hatred on the Greek System's "conformist culture"- it doesn't exist at NU at all houses, houses merely pick people that share common traits.)</p>
<p>JChen3, I'll respond, for sure; I won't tell you what I'm in, as that would bias my response. I'll lump them a little differently than how other people would, however:</p>
<p>First, you have the houses that "don't give a f***". I like these houses. These tend to smoke a lot of weed, and have a lot of fun. Some girls accuse them of being creepy, but they're in the minority, as most of the guys in these houses are really cool. These houses are Lodge (Chi Psi), Fiji (Phi Gamma Delta), and DU.</p>
<p>Then, you have your lower-profile, eclectic, laid-back houses. I also really like these; some people accuse these guys of being "awkward" (indeed, some are) but that's probably because they have no friends in these houses (they're small, after all). You will find some of the most genuine, cool people at NU in these fraternities. These are Phi Psi and Phi Delt.</p>
<p>Then, you have your big, awesome organizations; these are SigEp, SAE, and ZBT. These houses run like swiss trains; rush happens by osmosis, and they tend to get really good people. Also, their IMs are solid, and they all do a great job with philanthropy. However, they are huge, so they can be kind of disjointed, and also the people can be judgmental, but hey, getting a bid to one can be difficult (save ZBT - they're pretty decent). Still, I like these houses.</p>
<p>Then, you have the Jew house: AEPi. A lot of these guys are really chill, actually, but a lot of them are also strange. Still, the good outweighs the bad, and they do well at philanthropy and have a tight brotherhood.</p>
<p>Then, you have the "bro" house: Pike. They have some element of the big, kickass organization, but I don't like these guys; they think they're hot sh<strong>, but really, when I was rushing they gave a bid to every warm body that went through their door. One of my friends' roommates is in Pike, and he used to **</strong> in bottles at night, and save the bottles, and he got a bid. 'Nuff said. Still, they hang out with good girls, throw good parties, and are good at IMs.</p>
<p>Now, we're getting to some houses I royally dislike. These are the catty, girly houses who function like sororities. They judge, judge, and judge some more, and most of them really suck and don't deserve to be judging (and are filled with my house's rejects). They're good at IMs, but many of them spend all their time gossiping, and can be excessive seekers of approval (read: tools). These are Sigma Chi and Beta.</p>
<p>Then, you have the houses which you should probably not even consider, as they are so small that they barely even exist. These are Lambda Chi, Theta Chi, and Chi Phi. Unfortunately, Lambda Chi used to be in the "eclectic, low-profile" house category, but they've gotten single-digit pledge classes in the past year, and are going downhill fast. A few of the guys are cool, but most deserve their awkward reputation, in my experience.</p>
<p>I went through Rush, which was horrible, not going to lie, but I really, really liked the house I ended up in. The girls were great and I did not regret pledging. I had to ultimately drop out because I couldn't afford the dues, unfortunately. That is something they don't really emphasize when you go through Rush- the dues. It's a LOT of money. So definitely take that into account as well if you choose to go through with it.</p>
<p>I love the girls, though, and I still hang out with them. Same goes for a lot of my friends in other sororities who had to drop out b/c of monetary reasons. I think Rush is a very flawed process, but I do think that it ultimately works. The ONLY reason I dropped out was because I couldn't afford it. The girls had nothing to do with it.</p>
<p>warywildcat- I'm actually impressed. You did a really good, fair job assessing. It's worth noting that Chi Phi, for all intents and purposes, is completely gone, as they were evicted.</p>
<p>Also, Phi Psi is in no way a small house. They're one of the biggest on campus. </p>
<p>Otherwise though, I'm pretty impressed. Even if all stereotypes are evil.</p>
<p>Clearly I'm not in one of the last four you mentioned though, or else I'd likely have had a bit more of an objection.</p>
<p>warywildcat, how much do you know about the sororities?</p>
<p>Not a bad analysis, Wary. I'd just like to make a few revisions...</p>
<p>First, you excluded Delta Chi. I'd put Delta Chi somewhere in between the Theta Chi group and the Phi Delt group. They have big rush classes the past two years, but are struggling to build their external reputation.</p>
<p>Second, I don't know why AEPi gets their own classification. Being Jewish is certainly the obvious identifier, but I don't see what that matters. They should be lumped with Chi Phi and Theta Chi, despite having a few members who are quite social.</p>
<p>Third, I think Lambda Chi should be lumped be with Phi Psi and Phi Delt for a few reasons. Culturally, Lambda Chi is similar to these houses and routinely competes with these houses for similar guys in rush. Also, their rush class wasn't in the single digits, though it was smaller than most other houses.</p>
<p>Fourth, I'm pretty uncomfortable with putting ZBT in the "awesome" category. I don't like any distinctions with rhetoric that includes "awesome", especially if you're putting ZBT in a Top 3. While they are very large, they in no way "compete" with Pike, Lodge, Sig Ep, or even SAE on the issues that "matter": rush and sorority relations. No sorority or freshman male will choose ZBT over any of the aforementioned house, unless a high Jewish population is a dealbreaker.</p>
<p>Overall, this is was one of the more unbiased descriptions I've read.</p>
<p>Whoops, sorry for excluding DChi. I like them too; I'd put them between the Phi Psi/Phi Delt and LChi/OX/Chi Phi category as well though, since they do come off as a little bit desperate.</p>
<p>Second, I am Jewish, and got a bid to AEPi, and I like about half of the guys, but think the other half are awkward. Thus, I didn't want to lump them with the lower 3 frats, as I think they're in a category all their own.</p>
<p>Third, LChi got 9 pledges. I recently finished my tenure as recruitment chairman of my fraternity, and saw the official stats. I remember them getting 24 my freshman year and actually having a presence; now, they are virtually nonexistent. Bummer, because I like their 'tude.</p>
<p>Fourth, I list ZBT as an "awesome organization." I don't only evaluate on sorority relations and rush, but then again, I would probably disagree with most people on who the "best" kids and what the "best" sororities are, as I have no patience for fake people and obsessive approval-seekers. I like ZBT's relations; they own all the "Phis" and can get Tridelt/Theta over with decent regularity, which is exactly how I personally would like it. Anyway, in this category, I was selecting the frats with the biggest presence on campus, and given DM, clout with Jews who make up 18% of NU, and owning Williard since forever, you can't argue with theirs. </p>
<p>Arbiter - Yeah, Phi Psi is getting bigger. So is Phi Delt; Phi Psi got 30 pledges this year, and Phi Delt 23. They're growing, and I think it's because the Freshman classes are getting smarter, as these are two great houses on campus IMHO.</p>
<p>Allie33 -These are probably different from other sorority rankings you'll see, but I know a lot of sorority girls, and think I have a good idea of what I personally like. I gotta run now, but I will post a list soon.</p>
<p>I have to disagree with you also Cerebral. How can you seriously lump AEPi in with Chi Phi and Theta Chi? For no other reason than size, that's clearly not even close to accurate. AEPi has to be something close to 90 members now, based on the size of their last couple pledge classes. Chi Phi has 11. Theta Chi has something like, what, 30? </p>
<p>I refuse to believe that an organization can attract 80+ members and that they're as bad as the worst of the dregs of IFC, even if they're a bit of a niche product. I'd say if you insist they're not in their own group, which from my encounters with them seems to be accurate (they sort of seem to do their own thing/ do things differently), then they'd be in the Phi Delt group- sort of under the radar, perhaps a bit weird, but on the upswing and quality. Shame their house blows.</p>
<p>To be clear: </p>
<p>Lambda Chi has 11 or 12 new guys. They may have had 9 at the end of the rush week, but i have friends in that house and I'm telling you that they have roughly a dozen. LCA also is one of the few houses that takes Spring Rush seriously, so the numbers remain skewed. I'm not disagreeing that their rush has fallen off since 2 years ago (also my freshman year). Their parties aren't necessarily a campus hot spot, but they aren't wholly ignored, either. I respect what they're about and don't think you can render them as irrelevant as OX, DX, or Chi Phi</p>
<p>I also think that virtually every Jew could get a bid at AEPi. I did mention that they have a small contingent of socially progressive kids who could easily fit in at a host of other houses. I also have noticed that a large portion of that house could be considered "anti-social". They are a tough house to categorize because of their niche, I'm just hesitant to give any house its own category. I don't think we disagree here.</p>
<p>As for ZBT, I'm basing my rankings on which houses I "like". If you want to talk about who seems cool and who doesn't, we can kick this convo over to ACB (hint: Theta Chi will win). Objectively speaking, ZBT is not in the top 3 of sorority rankings or rush. Objectively speaking, it's hard to keep a house in the top 3 when they are on social probation for the next 12 months. It's a tough argument to make. I really like ZBTs, especially because I always got the impression that they (much like Fiji, Lambda Chi, DU, Phi Delt, and Sig Chi) didn't care about being "Top 3".</p>
<p>Here's my sorority ranking. Probably way out of whack with what most everyone else thinks, but hey, dare to be different. I'll start from the bottom:</p>
<p>12) A Chi O. This house is full of awkward, mean girls, many of whom are highly unattractive (hey I'm a guy, I'd be lying to you if I said attractiveness didn't play into my sorority rankings). What's worse, is the majority aren't down to earth at all, and really try to play the game. The good looking ones are also often crazy. And, while I've been to only one AXO event as a freshman, it was awful. Boo.
11) DZ. I love all of my friends in DZ; they're all really nice. However, sadly, most of the house is mad awkward and generally lacking in the social skills department
10) Chi O. See DZ, but a little better. However, I will say that Chi O has a big presence on campus (no, not in THAT way) and their philanthropies tend to be well-received, so points to them for that.
9) Theta. "But they're the hottest girls on campus; why are they this low?" True, Theta girls can be gorgeous (however, not all of them are; there are many girls in Theta who wouldn't get two looks from a guy at a bar). That's why they're not last; that, and the fact that there is a large faction who hates Theta, and thus is cool. This sorority is full of huge b<strong>ches who think they're God's gift to NU, just because they're in Theta. That's false, and stupid, and gets them low points from me.
8) DG. One word: overrated. They're JAPs, which means they're usually image obsessed (which means they dress well, thereby inflating their attractiveness) and b<em>tchy. The events that I've been to are not that great. The house in general is not that great.
7) KD. Some of the chillest girls at Northwestern are in KD. Most of them have decent social skills and can carry a conversation well. Sadly, their butch rep is somewhat justified, hence their low-ish ranking. Still, a mixer-worthy sorority, in my estimation. They also had a date party at Wrigley field last year, which is cool.
6) TriDelt. Like Theta, only with more ugly girls, and slightly less b</em>tchy, hence the higher ranking. Also, their pledge class is really chill, so they're moving in the right direction.
5) Kappa. Just as b</strong>chy as the Thetas and the Tridelts, but they deserve it. These girls really are hot s<strong>t. Still, I'd like them to be a little nicer on the whole. Also, NU's playboy model is a Kappa, which is neither here nor there.
4) Gamma Phi. HUGE mixed bag of a house. There are a lot of really chill, nice girls in Gamma Phi. Also, a lot of meanies, and social climbers. Some of my best friends are in GPhi, but as a house, I'm kind of lukewarm on them. They get brought up on rankings for having some of the bombest events at NU.
3) APhi. I love APhi for a lot of reasons. They have a lot of girls who probably wouldn't be Greek if it weren't for APhi. I LOVE that. Most are also gorgeous. However, they are somewhat disjointed as a house, and can be difficult to work with if you're a frat, sometimes. Also, their affiliation with Sigma Chi irritates me, but that's just personal. They'd probably be even higher if they had better events.
2) Zeta. This would perplex many. Zeta is, according to most people, a middling house. While perhaps, this may be true in terms of attractiveness, these girls are awesome. Almost all are extremely outgoing, and they're fun to hang out with. Also, their executive board members aren't full of themselves, which unfortunately is rarely true, and I can't even say that for my favorite house. Also, every event I've been to has been awesome.
1) Pi Phi. I'm probably majorly biased towards them. Still, objectively, these girls rock. Virtually all of the girls in Pi Phi are really cool, not to mention, almost all of them are good looking, especially in the younger classes. Unfortunately, some of their exec board are mean, judgmental girls, but most of Pi Phi hates them, so I'll brush it off. Also, they have kicka</strong> events; Bad Santa is, in my opinion, the best crush party at Northwestern. Love them.</p>
<p>Stick to fraternities...</p>
<p>I'm good friends with one of the Zeta eboard members, and she's hugely self-important/ arrogant...</p>
<p>And DG that low?</p>
<p>And KD that much higher than AXO?</p>
<p>And XO not at the bottom? </p>
<p>I would put money down that I know more AXO's, KDs, and XO's than you. Trust me when I say AXO is the best of the three overall, though you can't beat XO for nice... or in weight. (I said it... no reason to beat around the bush).</p>
<p>I really can't agree with your rankings in the least. Sounds more like your personal preferences than an attempt at an objective ranking.</p>
<p>Let's try this, an OBJECTIVE and SUBJECTIVE ratings sytem. Note: the objective ratings system is my arbitrary amalgam of social status, fraternity relations, campus presence, and success in rush. Subjective is based on houses I want to hang out with/do events with/hook up with etc.</p>
<p>Objective
1-3: Theta, Kappa, Tridelt
- these are the Top 3. While Kappa has issues fulfilling their rush quota and Theta is largely reviled for their elitism, this is the accepted status quo...even if almost everyone outside of Sig Ep, Lodge, and Pike disagrees.
4-6: Pi Phi, A Phi, DG
7, 8, 9: ZTA, KD and Gamma Phi
10-11: Alpha Chi and DZ
12: Chi O</p>
<p>Subjective:
1. Tridelt
- let's be honest, it just isn't a party unless the triangles show up. The girls know one thing and only one thing: how to party. Some call them "slutty". I prefer "hot" and "confident".
2. Gamma Phi
- This is one of the most balanced houses on campus. They are reasonably attractive and reasonably fun. They also don't shy away from the bottle.
3. DG
- DG has some of the best and worst girls on campus. It's divided between some down-to-earth great girls and <strong><em>y, materialists who like to party. I think they're one of the most attractive houses, but that's probably my taste in women.
4. KD
- Reasonably attractive, really fun and have few apprehensions or restraints.
5. Kappa
- *</em></strong><em>y and elitist, but still pretty hot.
6. Alpha Chi
- I don't understand all the hate. They certainly aren't the most attractive, but they have a few cuties and are some of the most chill girls on campus. Alpha Chi just doesn't give a *</em>, which always makes things interesting.
7. Pi Phi
- They're really cute, but are way too into themselves. They have convinced themselves that they are the best house on campus and that arrogance breeds a type of superficiality that I just can't get beyond.
8. ZTA
- Random conglomerate of people. Hopefully in the next few years they'll find an identity.
9. A Phi
- Cute, but far too reserved. Do any of them go to parties/events/pregames? Ever?
10. Theta
- If you're checking the brand names of clothing at the door during rush, you really shouldn't be allowed outside of southern state schools.
11. DZ
- Meh
12. Chi O
- Sorry, not buying the "oh but they're involved on-campus!" argument. Routinely the least-preffed, least-attractive, least-well regarded house on campus.</p>
<p>See, and I like cerebral's sororities better... hmm.</p>
<p>I should try to meet more Gamma Phis...</p>
<p>Yeah, they're biased rankings. Anyone can tell you what RR thinks; I was just giving my $0.02.</p>
<p>Also, I disagree that it's "not a party unless the triangles show up." I've been to several awesome, triangle-less parties. In my (albeit limited) experience, they're overrated.</p>
<p>thanks yall! arbiter, do you have any thoughts on the sororities?</p>
<p>My thought? Don't worry about status. If looks matter to you, then you can judge on that. But judge based on who you like the best.</p>
<p>I personally really like Alpha Chi, but full disclosure, I'm dating one. I also really like the girls in KD (my room-mate's dating one).</p>
<p>But I don't think those are the "best" houses. But then, I largely don't like the "best" houses. I would never want to be in Lodge, and I generally don't like the more status concious Theta's. Of the "best" sororities, my personal preference is something like:</p>
<ol>
<li>DG</li>
<li>Kappa</li>
<li>Theta</li>
<li>Pi Phi</li>
<li>Tri Delt</li>
<li>A Phi</li>
<li>Alpha Chi</li>
</ol>
<p>I don't know enough Gamma Phi's to fairly rank them, and the rest don't really fit the same sort of mold. A Phi doesn't really fit in either, but the girls are so nice that I didn't feel right jilting them from my rankings.</p>
<p>But then, that's just my opinion, and does not reflect objective rankings.</p>
<p>For comparison, my personal ranking of fraternities would put Pike only above Chi Phi, at near to dead last.</p>