<p>Hi,
I live in New Zealand and I'm planning to start college in the Spring 2009. I've applied to Whitman and I've also read the College ******* guide on Whitman College. From what I've read, Greek life is pretty big at Whitman and it is a school that takes a lot of adjusting to. People said that they were (overall) happy they'd gone to Whitman but starting out they weren't... they seemed to have gotten progressively MORE happy as the years went on. Why is this, is this because Greek life supposedly becomes less prominent the older you are? Also, seeing as how rush is quite early in Freshman year and I'm considering entering mid-way through the year, do you think this would quite hard for me socially and eliminate my chances of being part of a sorority? Any idea why people don't like their first year-two years at Whitman, that only at the end do they decide they love it. I'm really into the environment and I'm a vegan but I'm not hugely into sports. How well would I suite Whitman in your oppinion? And how hard would it be to make friends mid-way through the year? Are academics a killer? Sorry, I'll stop now. I'm just interested because (being twenty thousand miles away) I don't get much of an oppertunity to hear/see the place first hand.
Thanks,
Jackie Kaye</p>
<p>My daughter is currently a freshman at Whitman, and has loved it since day one. When we visited, all the kids seemed very happy - must be something in the water! She didn't join a sorority (Greek life is not as big a presence as you may think). She has expressed an interest in rushing in the future, so I don't think you'll have a problem. It's pretty laid back.
The academics are very strong, but my daughter has not been overwhelmed. The professors are incredibly supportive and committed to helping students succeed. Re: sports - my daughter is by no means an amazing athlete (no varsity sports in HS), but she has had a blast playing intramural sports (no pressure but lots of fun).<br>
I think you're fears are unfounded and you should definitely pursue Whitman. It's a wonderful place!</p>
<p>There are no Sorority Houses, only Fraternity houses, and those are not your stereotypical frat houses. Sororities seem to be more of a social and service organization, although still fairly popular.</p>
<p>My daughter (now a junior) and her friends also seemed to have liked Whitman from the beginning. College is an adjustment, but that's the case at any college. I don't get the sense that it's any more difficult at Whitman than anywhere else. From what I hear, I would say the opposite. Greek life at Whitman is not the same as Greek life at a large school like UW or UCLA. I'm sure there are some similarities, but from what I hear, Greek functions are widely attended by students not in the Greek system. The school is too small for any social group to exclude the rest of the community.</p>
<p>I am a freshman and I love the place!!! The school is small so we have four frat houses but the parties are well attended. Well, the sororities are not as big as the frats but there are sorority sections in a dorm where you live with your sor. sisters. I dont think you will have problems rushing for the sor.s as a Jan start. I am planning on pledging next year too.
This place is awesome..I dont see a reason why someone wouldnt want to go to Whitman..</p>