<p>I have gone on a college visit before to SMU and everything went well. The people were friendly and at one point we found ourselves lost after we had to leave the dining hall to go to the Cox school of business session and we asked some students and they were very helpful and friendly without a doubt. So, there's the stereotype, if you don't know it then ignore it all haha, but me being a Hispanic female, upper middleclass, i'm wondering if I will struggle socially to fit in. I would love to go through sorority recruitment and get involved in the school as I am the type of person who really like to get out there, socialize and make the school a better environment for the students. My parents and I can afford nice things, every once in a while but we aren't the type of people who can pull money out of nowhere for the latest LV or Chanel and I don't drive a BMW or RR or MB. I'm also the type of person who doesn't care about brands and what brand shoes/clothes are. I like shopping at Forever21, Nordstrom, Anthropolgie and Charlotte Russe. I like Toms and converse and AE flats. I'm not one to make race or money into a big deal and because SMU has so many oos kids, I imagine they're a little bit more open minded and well-rounded, but of course,SMU is plagued with the stereotype :/ </p>
<p>I'm wondering, how true is the stereotype? Is there a possibility that socially I will struggle?</p>
<p>From what I’ve gathered from current students…There are so many of different groups that everyone is bound to fit into at least one. You don’t need to have the newest clothes or nicest car as long as you are confident in yourself. That’s the most attractive, and healthy, trait. If you approach it with that mentality you will do great. You start to get into trouble when you try to be someone you’re not.</p>
<p>Hannah
My D is a Freshman at SMU and drives a very old used car and does not at all fit the wealthy sterotype if that is what you are referring to. She has found an amazing group of friends of different backgrounds (including wealth) and LOVES SMU. She is now part of an amazing sorority and feels welcomed regardless of her shoes, purse etc. Sure, there are students lucky to from wealthy backgrounds but MANY are on scholarship. She just chooses to stay away from anyone that is snobby, rude, etc. just as she did in high school. Good luck - you wont be disappointed if you choose SMU!</p>
<p>The statement that there are so many different groups, bound to fit in to at least one sounds like there might be a problem with the general student population who are for the most part highly right wing. With TX being a border state and all the immigration policy issues, is this a problem for hispanics?</p>
<p>When someone asks if they’ll fit in to a certain school, regardless of which, they get the same generic encouragement that could apply to literally any school in the nation. I’m sorry, but words like those won’t help you at all, so I’m going to be blunt generic. If you’re average and Hispanic, don’t expect to join a decent sorority.</p>
<p>Just curious cornelliot - since you are on here asking people to rank the SMU fraternities - what makes you an expert on how the sororities at this school work?</p>
<p>My entire family, except for my parents, brothers, and I, have lived right next to SMU for generations. Plenty of them, including some girls, have graduated from SMU, so I’d say we’re pretty close and involved with the university. I also have a lot of friends that go there, and, naturally, each says his own fraternity is better than the next. I know I’ll either join Kappa Sig or SAE, and I wanted an objective opinion on the Greek scene. Understand?</p>
<p>And I’m not an expert on how the sororities there work, but I have a pretty good idea how competitive Greek life is at certain Southern schools, including SMU, UT, Ole Miss, Georgia, Alabama, etc., and I know it’s a much more stressful the process for girls who are serious about the Greek scene and their social lifes, especially if they care about getting a bid from a top sorority. There are certain schools, or certain chapters at certain schools, that aren’t brutally exclusive, and I don’t think SMU is one of them. I know it seems pathetic and superficial that people can care so much about which, if any, fraternities they mix well with, etc., but that’s just the way it works. Sorry.</p>
<p>Dude, even the top tier sororities have girls of other races and nontraditional backgrounds. If you’re cute, sweet, fun, and outgoing you’ll do well during rush.</p>
<p>If you are interested in participating in any organzation at SMU give it a try! Not all organizations or activities are going to appeal to everyone. Like anything else, don’t rely on hearsay or stereotypes or the opinion’s of others and don’t be afraid to go to meetings or sign-up for recruitment and see if you like it!. My student has found and made friends with many other students from all types of economic backgrounds and ethic backgrounds in the greek system and many other groups. You will also be surprised at the new activities and groups you might enjoy. Try new things!!! I also heard stories about very wealthy students with all the right clothing and advantages who did not fit in and who got cut from greek organizations or had a very difficult time making friends because they just were not very nice or they tried much too hard to be someone they were not, they partied too hard, and/or had awful grades. Those things do not help you make friends or get into many organizations. Just be yourself, get involved, make good grades, don’t get a bad reputation, and be friendly! Don’t worry about money or clothing or cars. Most people do not care.</p>