Out of state students - what brings you to UA? :)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Alabama
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<p>My daughter is a current freshman and having an unbelievable experience!</p>

<p>First let me tell you she did not want to apply, I filled out the application and asked her approval when we were sending other applications! She just rolled her eyes & said OK!</p>

<p>We had to wait until March of last year to visit the school. She was more than impressed but we still had to visit a few more schools she was admitted to.</p>

<p>We returned for the Sorority Weekend to get a feel for the student body she would be living with!</p>

<p>Classmates had told her that “those Southern Girls will eat you alive”!!
So not true she meet nice people at the event and even meet up with her roommate which
she meet on facebook!! They were invited to a party on Fraternity Row that evening sealing the deal!!!</p>

<p>So after that weekend she was convinced!! We loaded up on BAMA wear and headed home!
12 hour drive!! Finally glad to have chosen a college!!</p>

<p>So now we are at BAMA BOUND where she meet up with another roommate.
On our way out we stopped by honors because she signed up for Alabama Action and we just want to touch base on a few things… We were meet by Dean Sharpe and he spent a good hour reviewing honors possibilities with her!!</p>

<p>So she did Alabama Action and meet a great group of kids; and she rushed a sorority (all at the same time)! Where she meet a whole lot of different kids!!</p>

<p>I know some girls have felt that OOS girls were not given bids…but my daughters experience was different. She really felt there were five or six house she would have been happy to join. So when she received her top choice she was thrilled!!</p>

<p>She was selected for Emerging Scholars Program. She joined a Pre Med club, that has weekly speaker and volunteer opportunities. Which is great for her because she is looking a a couple different majors.</p>

<p>I feel she has had many experiences she would not have had if she was at one of our state schools.</p>

<p>I also believe she is having these opportunities because she has no one from home to hang with. So she is putting her self out there meeting people & making the most of it!! </p>

<p>So this week she was invited to a lunch with Dean Sharpe! I asked how many people were there she said 4! I really can’t express how impressed I am with the Honors College and Faculty!!</p>

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<p>omama,</p>

<p>I am practically giddy after reading your posting! My daughter has just decided on Bama and wants to rush next summer. Can I pm you so I don’t bore all these nice people on CC with my questions? :)</p>

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<p>Yes feel free to PM me!!</p>

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<p>Just jumping in to say my DD has also chosen UA and may rush. The Panhellenic Preview Day is March 27th I believe. There’s a wealth of information in the 2009 Rush book at: <a href=“http://www.greeklife.ua.edu/docs/Rush%20Book%202009.pdf[/url]”>http://www.greeklife.ua.edu/docs/Rush%20Book%202009.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>RobD,</p>

<p>How exciting–congrats to your daughter! You and I are on the same page. I downloaded the rush packet a while ago (think we’ve pretty much memorized it!), and we’re already planning on the Spring Preview…if we can convince my husband it’s worth the trip. :)</p>

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<p>I think one of keys for all girls (in-state and OOS) who will be rushing is to go to the Spring Preview, and if possible have your recs sent shortly before that. </p>

<p>I wrote about 10 recs last spring for girls who were going to Panhellenic preview at UA and about 10 more for girls who were rushing at other campuses. </p>

<p>If you can’t get all your recs sent in by that time, then at least have them sent over the summer. Make sure that you provide the person who will be writing your recs with a resume, some pictures, and the mailing address of the sorority house (some girls made it super easy for me by providing a self-addressed stamped envelope (that already had their info/pics in it). I just had to add my rec, seal, and mail. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Some girls made a collage of pics color copied or whatever. Also, be sure to tell the person that is writing your rec your future major and profession (if that isn’t on your resume)</p>

<p>If anyone needs a rec, PM me, my sorority is at UA. :)</p>

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<p>OK, taking a huge breath here before jumping in. My dd “might” be interested in joining a sorority but honestly, I know absolutely nothing about them. Neither of my two older girls were the least bit interested and as for me, well, the less said the better. How does the whole thing work? I know not one person who was in a sorority in college, just was not the thing to do. Would she be completely isolated if she were not to join one? That could make a huge difference when she decides if Alabama is for her. She will be far enough from home that I wouldn’t want her to feel socially awkward if she didn’t join one. Please be honest with me about this as I obviously want whats best for my dd.</p>

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<p>I agree with the posts about recs and having your act together if you plan to rush. My sophomore D at UA has had a wonderful college experience, and rushing was one of them. She met so many girls and had alot of fun. Being OOS, she did not know anyone in any of the sororities, but she did have at least one rec (most times two) for each house, which were sent in around June. She also attended the Panhellenic weekend in the spring and found during rush that some of the girls at the houses remembered her from that weekend. She kept an open mind, and would have been happy at several of the houses, but ended up at her first choice. She has loved every minute of UA and her sorority! My D is in UHP and IHP, and I think her academic standing did help her during rush. They want smart girls - it helps the houses’ overall GPA! Her sorority experience has also helped her to get involved in other campus organizations.</p>

<p>My younger D, a HS senior, is almost 100% set on Bama, so we know the drill this time!</p>

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<p>ok now to sound totally dumb what about the fraternity process… really doubt my son would even consider greek life but guess wouldnt hurt to know how it works for the guys. even as i’m typing i can see him saying no way!! as we are from alabama, son knows the school and has lots of friends there, most arent greek and seem to be fine, but he does say greek controls the school and sga etc?</p>

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<p>This is my very honest opinion… (some may not agree and that’s fine.)</p>

<p>Going greek is not a requirement at UA. My kids are busy enough without joining frats. :)</p>

<p>But…if you can afford it, and you think that your D can handle the academic demands and sorority life (and she wants to join), then let her do it - but put a GPA requirement that you expect her to maintain. :slight_smile: I think sororities still require you to submit your grades to the chapter. You know your D best, can she handle it? or would it become a distraction? </p>

<p>Also, how is your D about making friends? Is she the type who can go anywhere and come back with a new friend or two? Or, is she the type who would benefit from having a houseful of sisters who can quickly become her friends? After a girl pledges, she gets a “big sister” who is her biggest advocate - showing her the ropes, taking her around. At some houses, you get a “buddy” first, before you get your “big sister.” Either way, it’s a big help. :)</p>

<p>I do not agree with those who say that sorority sisters are “forced friendships.” The whole rushing process exists so that you’ll know that you “fit” with them, and they “fit” with you. Will a pledge or sister like everyone equally? No. You’ll have your favorites. But, I can honestly say, there wasn’t one sister that I disliked. I still keep in touch with some of my sorority sisters and was devastated when my “big sis” was killed in a car crash a few years ago She was a mom of 4, and an AP Cal teacher who had a perfect record of all her students passing the exam - she was amazing in so many ways - and so dearly missed. </p>

<p>If you think it’s best for your D not to pledge, then it may be better to choose campus housing that will be away from it. Typically, (not 100%), the housing on the northern side of campus is filled with kids who aren’t Greek. Some on the north side will pledge, but many don’t. (IF others know differently, please post. :slight_smile: )</p>

<p>However, if your D is in campus housing on the south side of campus (by the stadium), I think she will feel a need to pledge (that’s just my opinion). That’s because the sororities are on the south side of campus, and girls in Tutwiler pledge.</p>

<p>Does anyone know how many girls in Tutwiler Hall pledge? (that’s an all-girls dorm on the south side of campus.) I’m guessing a lot of Tutwiler girls pledge. If that’s true, and I didn’t want my D to pledge, I wouldn’t have her in Tutwiler so she wouldn’t feel like “everyone’s pledging but me”. </p>

<p>JMO… Let me know where I’m amiss! :slight_smile: I certainly can be wrong on many points :)</p>

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<p>*ok now to sound totally dumb what about the fraternity process… really doubt my son would even consider greek life but guess wouldnt hurt to know how it works for the guys. even as i’m typing i can see him saying no way!! as we are from alabama, son knows the school and has lots of friends there, most arent greek and seem to be fine, but he does say greek controls the school and sga etc? *</p>

<p>Because the Greeks - as a group in total - are going to be the largest “club” so to speak (when all houses are added together), they can vote themselves into SGA if they want. But, who cares. SGA doesn’t really have any power. They certainly do not control the school. The school could care less about the Greeks in that regard. The school really cares about the kids who get the school honors and special recognition. That’s why the school is so happy to have many kids in the Honors program and has a system where kids who don’t qualify has incoming freshmen can still join later.</p>

<p>There are so many other clubs and ECs that are far more *meaningful *to belong to that will look better on a resume for careers or grad school. </p>

<p>The school publishes magazines and a newspaper; it has a radio/TV station; it has peer-mentoring; it has the Honors College; it has many other things that - to me - are more important than SGA. LOL Maybe at a smaller school, it would make a difference, but not at a big school.</p>

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<p>So Mom2, it sounds like recs should be sent to the houses before the preview weekend. What is the best time to mail them to be invited to private events? Our state school doesn’t do this, I thought I new about the rush process until I started looking into Bama’s.</p>

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<p>not saying greek is bad it was an observation that is known about sga<br>
know about all the other clubs and honors etc, but my son happens to like sga activities and has been involved for years. he doesnt do it to impress anyone or to look good on a resume, he does it because he sees value in it, does happen to feel it is meaningful, and enjoys it. he doesnt care about power either.
i was just wondering about the frat process in my previous post ie there was posts about the sorority rush process.</p>

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<p>^^^</p>

<p>Parent, </p>

<p>If your son likes SGA activities (like those typically involved with HS), then I think he might like what the honors college kids are doing. I think what they do more closely resembles SGA kinds of stuff. </p>

<p>Right now, there’s a new program starting at UA with the Honors College (originating from an honors college kid) that (to me) seems to be better than a SGA program. The members will identify various areas for campus improvements, and work on solutions. :)</p>

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<p>Disclaimer: I did not go to UA (and do not have a child at UA…not yet anyway), but I did attend a university where the Greek community was roughly the same percentage as UA, so I think I can speak to the topic of Greek vs. Independent pretty well. Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong with any of my facts. And, of course, feel free to disagree–for whatever reason! :)</p>

<p>I agree with everything mom2collegekids said in her post. Greek life is a wonderful option at most schools, but it’s certainly not a necessity. Does anyone really believe that two-thirds of the UA students are somehow socially awkward or unhappy because they don’t pledge!? Of course not. Are they any less involved on the campus? Maybe yes, maybe no. As mom said, independents fill their time with other activities and join other organizations that interest them more. So Peg, if you’re wondering if your D needs to join a sorority to be happy at UA, I’d bet the answer is a resounding no! </p>

<p>That said, I wouldn’t trade my experiences in a sorority for anything, which is why my D is so excited to rush at UA. Like mom2collegekids, I made life-long friends, and we shared a real bond during years that were filled with lots of life’s ups and downs…much like the bond I’ve made with other military wives over the past twenty-some years. But Greek life isn’t just about friendships–though that’s certainly the most meaningful part of it. And it isn’t just about a great social life, though it certainly does provide that! :)</p>

<p>Greek life also offers kids with countless opportunities–for leadership, for philanthropy, for intramural sports, for community service. The list goes on and on. Can kids find these opportunities elsewhere on campus in other clubs or organizations or even with kids in their dorm? Of course they can. And they do! So Greek life isn’t the only way to get involved, it’s just ONE way to get involved.</p>

<p>And though Greek organizations do keep kids pretty busy, they also stress scholarship–in fact, they demand it! If you don’t maintain the minimum GPA (usually a 3.0), you’re out–or at least on probation. And sororities/fraternities publish their chapter GPA proudly. In fact, at most schools the GPA of Greeks is higher than that of non-Greeks. And from what I understand, some sororities require their pledges put in a certain number of study hours a week…just to keep them on track during the sometimes difficult transition to college. So, yep, there are lots of good reasons to consider going Greek!</p>

<p>Still, I’d be the last one to suggest that Greek life is for everyone. My older sister and I are very close, but we’re two very different people. She wanted nothing whatsoever to do with sororities. I, on the other hand, couldn’t pledge fast enough. :slight_smile: But we both had wonderful college experiences and lots of friends.</p>

<p>Again, I can’t speak to UA specifically, but I do agree with what mom2collegekids said about Tutwiler (the all girls’ dorm). My D is hoping to live there primarily because she plans to go through rush, and if she pledges, my understanding is that she’ll be able to take some of her meals right across the street in her sorority house. I lived in a huge, freshmen girls’ dorm near the sororities (much like Tutwiler) my freshman year, and most of the girls that lived there pledged. Those that didn’t sometimes felt pretty left out. Hopefully someone who knows more about UA can speak to that and to whether that holds true at Tutwiler…</p>

<p>Finally, I would say this: if you have a D or S going to college–anywhere–encourage them to consider Greek life if they’re at all interested. I had friends (and friends of my kids) who didn’t rush, then regretted it when their friends ended up pledging. Some decided to stay independent and we’re very happy. Some rushed the following year and were successful, while others were not. Typically, it’s more difficult (though not impossible) to pledge as a sophomore. Better to give it a try as a freshman. If your S or D rushes and doesn’t like it, he or she doesn’t have to pledge. The good news is, he/she will still meet a lot of other freshmen–which is always a good thing! </p>

<p>Sorry I went on so long. I’ll get off my soapbox now! :)</p>

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<p>The Machine has had varying degrees of SGA control since 1914 (as per Wikipedia). The SGA has some control, but ultimately I believe things are up to the Board of Trustees as to what happens with the university. I don’t know much about frat recruitment other than there is some type of preview day in May. If a guy is interested, he might as well look into fraternity life.</p>

<p>I don’t agree about Greek Life not reaching the north campus dorms. Ridgecrest East and the non-honors part of Ridgecrest South have plenty of Greeks, as do the honors dorms to a lesser extent (it’s really easy to notice this, especially during pledge season). I find it amazing that some parents can afford to pay OOS tuition, dorm charges, and Greek fees, but many do. </p>

<p>While I agree that becoming Greek is an excellent way to meet new people and get involved in activities, but there are plenty of GDI’s (non-Greeks) who get really involved and make lots of friends too. I’m sure that any student who attempts to go out and meet people, join clubs, etc. will succeed. If your child hasn’t done it already, have them join the Alabama Class of 2014 facebook group. Students at UA are big on using facebook for events and such. It is also a great way to find a roommate and people to chat with about UA.</p>

<p>I’d also like to add that if your child has a strong passion about a particular topic, the Honors College has a faculty member that will help the student find a faculty mentor with a similar interest.</p>

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<p>^^^^^^^
“I find it amazing that some parents can afford to pay OOS tuition, dorm charges, and Greek fees, but many do.”</p>

<p>SEA-tide,</p>

<p>You just had to remind me, didn’t you?! LOL :)</p>

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<p>One thing I most certainly am not worried about is my daughter making friends. That child has a gift for it. She can chat up a perfect stranger and have them asking for her to be their FB friend within 5 minutes. I was just worried that the majority of girls rush and she would be in the minority if she did not. As for cost, if she wants it, she pays for it. I can’t afford os tuition, room and board and the fees associated with sororities. so, since we do not know anyone who was in a sorority I guess that puts her out of the running anyway since you need recs. Thanks for all your answers to my questions.</p>

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<p>PegV420,</p>

<p>From your description, it sounds like sororities might just be your D’s cup of tea!! If she is interested in rushing, there are lots of ways she can get recs. Yes, I was in a sorority, but I certainly don’t know women in all the other sororities. Believe me, plenty of girls go through rush who have no family connections to sororities!!! If your daughter decides to go through, PLEASE don’t let recs (or the lack thereof) stop her!! PM me and I’ll give you some ideas for ways you can find them. I’m in the process of doing that myself. :)</p>

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<p>Be sure to look at the costs involved, before making a decision. :)</p>

<p>Peg, your D can get a rec from me if she wants :)</p>

<p>*If your child hasn’t done it already, have them join the Alabama Class of 2014 facebook group. Students at UA are big on using facebook for events and such. It is also a great way to find a roommate and people to chat with about UA.</p>

<p>I’d also like to add that if your child has a strong passion about a particular topic, the Honors College has a faculty member that will help the student find a faculty mentor with a similar interest. *</p>

<p>Very true! :slight_smile: And, those who don’t immediately qualify for Honors College, can apply after the first semester if their GPA is a 3.3 (I think). :)</p>