<p>Hey everyone, I’m a little nervous about entering American as a transfer student-given the large size and urban setting I would imagine that greek like would be a chance to meet people. Is greek life available to transfers in the fall? Is it common for transfers to rush? I’ve been very engaged with volunteer work both at home and at my last school so I know I will meet people through those programs. But I am also looking for a school that I will feel both comfortable and happy at socially. I know what’s it’s like to feel socially happy at college, as i left in pursuit of greater opportunity academically. Is American socially accepting to transfers?</p>
<p>I hope this doesn’t sound ignorant, I am just trying to grasp the full picture. Thanks!</p>
<p>I did the exact thing you’re proposing. I got to campus and felt very secluded, but I came in before the Spring Semester – so everyone already knew each other (or so it seemed). So I rushed and I am so happy I did. </p>
<p>A few groups are taking very small (7 or less) pledge classes in the Fall if they’re graduating a large number of seniors. However, it isn’t a formal rush process and is only open to people they know. If this is something you want to do before formal rush in the Spring, I would work your butt off to talk to people in Greek Letters at the beginning of the school year and show how interested you are and learn about the organizations. Offer to grab lunch with them and a few of their sisters or brothers, because that’s the way to be extended a bid in the Fall. It is very common for transfers to rush in the Spring. I rushed as a Junior, so don’t be concerned about being older than members of your pledge class. </p>
<p>American is very accepting of transfers, and you’ll have it easier because you’ll come in with a bunch of Freshmen who also don’t know each other. There is also a Transfer student organization that will start e-mailing you for a lunch with all other incoming transfer students. But you’ll meet people in classes, and get involved on campus and hopefully your roommate will introduce you to their group of friends if they’re an upperclassmen to kind of kick start your time on campus.</p>
<p>Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions.</p>