I have no interest in Greek life. I really, really don’t want to join a sorority. Cornell is my top school by a long shot right now, but is there really no social life beyond Greek life? I’m not really looking for blowout parties, just a good group of friends that can hang out together a decent amount, granted academics will definitely take priority.
Roughly 2/3 of the students are not part of Greek life.
Generally the way it works is:
You make your connections and social circle over the course of your freshman year.
Once that’s done it becomes to a large extent " just a good group of friends that can hang out together a decent amount". There are enough things to do, places to go, etc to keep your group occupied, especially given that “academics will definitely take priority”.
If one is part of the Greek system then a lot of one’s social life is planned out for you.
You don’t have to think about it as much.
Everyone else has to take initiative and figure out what to do themselves. Like in real life. But it is doable, and in fact most people there do it.
My D1 didn’t apply to Cornell in part because she did not want to go to a school with fraternities. IMO she made a huge mistake. My D2 actually went there, had a great time socially, and never set foot in a fraternity party.
Cornell is large enough that one can avoid Greek life if wanted.
You will be fine at Cornell without rushing. There is so much going on all the time. Almost too much! This is definitely not a worry at Cornell.
Thanks everyone!
Late to a party here 
My D is a junior. Has not interested in any Greek life and has been able to make new friends every year.
We like that she has lived in a program house. Check out program houses. The set up allows you to get to know your dormmates and socialize with them more than regular dorms. It gives you a higher sense of community.
It’s the same with the co-ops.
It’s also can be similar with a collegetown house, if you happen to get the right house. D2s house was the center of her social life.