Know it’s getting down to the nitty gritty…my S seems to be leaning to USC…went this weekend and they are great at the hospitality thing for sure.
I am a little concerned about social issues. There is nothing about him that would be interested in fraternity life( but he is social and has a bunch of friends). I get from just looking around the internet that if there is one complaint by unsatisfied customers it is the feeling that greeks dominate.
I was greek and my wife was not …and we both loved our school…but it was a small liberal arts.
Around 30% of students go Greek, so lots more students are not. However, because Greek organizations are well organized they are often leaders in Student Government, homecoming, etc. and therefore more visible. If your son doesn’t join a fraternity, he will find lots of groups to join. Only a few friends of D2 are in sororities and none of close male friends and they are involved in all areas of campus life - student government, philanthropy (like dance marathon), religious groups, groups around major, ambassadors, intramurals and club sports. The Greek scene is actually more diffused than at D1’s small LAC where if there was a fraternity/sorority event like Derby Days the whole campus was involved. D2 probably couldn’t tell you when that was at USC. If she has any idea what is up with Greek life it’s because a friend is going to a formal.
Now if you talking about house parties as “social” opportunities, then I would say that lots of them revolve around fraternities/sororities. I’m not sure there are many places where that’s not the case unless they just don’t have Greek life at all. There are now more places for 18 year olds (Mom speaking here - they should stay away from house parties ) to go out and listen to music. New Music Farm is one. There are a few others in Vista where my D and friends have gone to dance rather than drink.
I agree with scmom12. There are honor fraternities and more service oriented groups that have social outings and dances without the focus being the party. USC also runs outings and volunteer opportunities on Saturdays a couple of times a semester that any student or a small group can sign up for. There also are organizations/clubs within each major – some of them run a lot of fun activities.
) to go out and listen to music. New Music Farm is one. There are a few others in Vista where my D and friends have gone to dance rather than drink.