<p>that's a really unfortunate stereotype, since it drives away people that would LOVE it here. as a liberal, middle class, completely NOT preppy girl who has been to ONE sports game in all four years, i'm always disappointed to hear this repeated. laxgirl22, you'd fit in, no problem. i'll address these one at a time...</p>
<p>rich: in the class of 2011, 34.8% is on aid, with an average award of $35,345. out of $48,710, that is a LOT, and since it's all need-based (not merit-based), that indicates that people on aid actually need it and that there is a diversity of income levels. also, it's something that in my experience, isn't discussed. you may sit next to some scruffy art student everyday whose dad is worth $50 million and never know it.</p>
<p>preppy: yes, there are quite a few "preppy" students on campus. however, remember that guys in pink pants stand out a lot more than us "normal" kids, so it seems like there's more than there really are. also, in my experience at least, a lot of the preppy kids are really nice, and won't not be your friend just because you don't dress like them. there may be a few obnoxious girls who are wannabe fashionistas, but you can easily avoid them, haha.</p>
<p>athletic: true and false. by colgate definitions, you're also an athlete. 80% of kids play sports of some kind, but only 20% (of the total population) are varsity. the rest are club or intramural. if you don't do sports, since most people that do consider it just one of many activities they're involved in, no one will really care.</p>
<p>republican: i'm pretty liberal, and i'd have to say that though there are outspoken groups on both ends of the spectrum, the huge majority are moderate to slightly liberal. this is supported by unofficial facebook research that i've done. :) however, it doesn't necessarily come up very much, so you may never know if that kid in your philosophy class is secretly a male ann coulter unless you look it up on facebook. anyone who may be "republican" is probably more of a "small government republican" than a bible-toting bush devotee. we're a "conservative school" if you're comparing us to UC Berkley, Brown or Reed or something.</p>
<p>keep in mind this is all just my experience. there are probably a fair number of kids exactly like you described on campus, but there are so many more people that aren't that way that you'll find a niche where you fit in. there's a huge range of people here, and i think anyone that is willing to make even a bit of effort will find what they want.</p>
<p>lastly, greek system: it's sophomore rush, so no one can join until fall of sophomore year. all the first years live at the top of the hill together, and no one can live in greek housing until their junior year, so for most people it's just one more activity they're involved in. there are some people who throw themselves 100% into greek stuff, but that seems pretty rare, since they're typically already involved in a ton of other stuff by then.</p>
<p>around 30% overall, 40% of sophomores, juniors and seniors are involved. sounds like a lot, but since the other 60% ISN'T involved, there's more than enough people to hang out with. it can be a big part of your social scene if you want it to be. or not, if you don't. i've never been to a greek event in nearly 4 years and there's plenty to do (if you're wondering why i'm posting at midnight on saturday, my senior honors thesis is due in 17 days now...). also, i'm pretty sure all greek events have to be open to everyone. they may cost money, but they're not exclusive (except for maybe formals?). </p>
<p>alternatives: movies (a ton free on campus, 4 in town on the weekends, dvds your friends brought, etc.), concerts, events like Dancefest, Rock Band tournaments, bars in town if you're old enough, clubs and club sports may have... events hosted by upperclassmen, hanging out with your friends, dinner at any of our half a dozen pizza places or sushi, chinese, greek, etc....</p>
<p>wow that ended up longer than i thought it would be...i hope that helps?</p>