Social scene? (Union v. F&M?)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Union College - New York
1

<p>So, I'm a senior (male) applying to schools, and I already applied early decision 1 to Elon. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but the odds I get in there are pretty good except for the fact that there is a LOT of competition from my high school (4 or 5 other males applying ED there). Enough with the background, I've visited both F&M and Union, liked both a LOT and for a lot of the same reasons. They're relatively similar I think from an outside perspective.</p>

<p>Anyways, I'm in quite the dilemma given that I don't get into Elon (for all I know I might, I just want to be prepared with a backup plan). My dad went to F&M, loved it, and is kind of edging me to ED2 there. Financially, both schools are very expensive BUT I'm not applying for aid nor do I need it (honestly, not trying to sound arrogant again). However, I'm torn between the two.</p>

<p>With F&M, from my high school I'm probably not going to get in if I only apply regular decision. There's a small chance given the legacy and any extra letters of recommendation, but in reality my school stats suggest I won't get into F&M UNLESS I apply early decision (2). With Union, I have a solid shot at getting in if I apply regular. It's no sure thing obviously, but I'd consider it a target with my stats and given the stats of previous acceptances from my high school. If I ED2 to Union, I think I have a pretty good shot at acceptance.</p>

<p>With ALL that being said, I'm wondering if anyone has any inside advice they can give me that's preferably not biased. From what I've heard, both are dominated by Greek life and that's where the social life exists. I don't mind that in the slightest, I want to pledge a fraternity wherever I attend. I like to think I'm personable and make friends easily and quickly. I'm academically driven and know what I want to study (economics and political science, or business at F&M). All things considered, I want the school that will allow me to party, enjoy myself, but buckle down and succeed academically while progressing to the point where I'll be able to have a job or spot in graduate school upon graduation. Any insight is greatly appreciated. (I posted this thread in F&M's forum as well just to get as much insight from as many people as possible).</p>

2

Hi I was just wondering which school you decided on and if you can tell me about it. I’m looking at both and have the same concerns about the social scenes.

3

I applied ED 1 to Union. I’ve been researching colleges since my Sophomore year, and Union has stood out to me ever since. I can’t say I’m not biased because it is my first choice, but after visiting it 3 times, interviewing, and meeting with Alumni I feel like I have a pretty good general knowledge of the school.

While Union may have a very prominent Greek life on-campus, unlike most schools with Fraternities and Sororities, the Greek life doesn’t necessarily govern the social life on campus. One reason is because they don’t allow you to rush until your Sophomore year, allowing you to branch out your Freshman year. All of the Alumni I’ve talked to have said that this approach to Greek life really worked out well for them because it allowed them to spend their Freshman year getting used to the school and making friends so that by the time they pledged to a Sorority they were friends with people in and out of the Greek community.

I know absolutely nothing about Greek life at F&M so sadly I can’t hep you with that. However, I do know that the impression I got from Union regarding Greek life is that Union may be considered the “Mother of Fraternities”, but over the past century it has learned how to dilute the social gap between Greeks and non-Greeks.

4

It would appear uncommon for an applicant to be denied at Elon (164 below) and yet still be a competitive applicant at Union or F&M (tied at 88):

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-610-smartest-colleges-in-america-2015-9