<p>OK, so I understand that the University of Virginia is a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). As a half-Asian that looks full Asian, will I find it hard to fit in to the frat scene? I noticed in the pictures of UVA Greek life, the frats almost looked exclusively white...</p>
<p>Also on another note, will I be able to get into the Asian fraternity despite being half-Caucasian?</p>
<p>There is at least one Asian fraternity. I would hope that most of the fraternities would be fully accepting of Asian-American students, particularly because they make up such a huge percentage of UVa’s student body. If you don’t feel comfortable at the first few fraternities you visit, keep walking. Many of the more laid back and accepting ones are not on Rugby Road.</p>
<p>From what I know about the Greek scene, which is not a lot at all as I was not in a fraternity and can count the number of frat parties I went to at UVA on one hand, the “top-tier” frats have very few asians from what I’ve noticed. It’s hard to determine whether the exclusion factor is wealth, race, talent, looks, personality or some combination of them at the “top-tier” frats. Many of the “mid-tier” to “low-tier” frats have more asians though. </p>
<p>Outside of the traditional greek scene there is an asian multi-cultural fraternity called Lambda Phi Epsilon. They are pretty accepting and don’t turn down too many people.</p>
<p>I don’t know how a person categorizes tiers - is it based upon the numbers of First Families of Virginia represented, or the number of Audis in the parking lot?</p>
<p>If a fraternity does discriminate, you wouldn’t want to join that house anyway. The main point is that there is a wide diversity in the available fraternities. Don’t be turned off if you hate the first couple houses you visit. I recommend that people start at some of the houses that are in less prominent locations. Not only may you meet more down-to-earth guys, but you also can avoid some of the crowds.</p>
<p>Charlie - Respectfully, fraternities do in fact move. The thought that it is a constant that all the fraternities that are laid back (and therefore you feel more accepting) are on one side of beta bridge, and the more exclusive/exclusionary fraternities are in a more ‘prominent’ location with guys who are less down-to-earth is a huge generalization. I know of more then one fraternity that is considering and/or in negotiations for a move. I think the best advice for the OP is just to go in with an open mind and see which groups he clicks with. We don’t know this young man. He may very well click and fit in beautifully with one of the fraternities that sits on mad bowl that you might find ‘exclusionary’ or ‘not welcoming’. It doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks, it simply matters what the OP feels comfortable with, which we have no way to judge. Just like choosing a college, you have to shut out all the noise around you (i.e. others opinions) and think about that you (the OP) want and are comfortable with and go with your gut.</p>
<p>Current, non-Greek (white) student here. Although I rushed several fraternities my first year at UVA, I did not end up pledging one.</p>
<p>Honestly, I would not let the pictures you see of UVA greek life phase you. If you are worried about being discriminated against purely because of your race, I can guarantee you that those who do discriminate (and yes, there are unfortunately some) are not ones that you (or I) would really want to be associated with. There are some pretty dark things that go on in what some consider “top-tier”, exclusive fraternities that really make me question what their definition of “brotherhood” is…but I digress.</p>
<p>A guy in my hall first-year ended up rushing and pledging Lambda (the Asian fraternity) and has absolutely loved it. I’ve also been to a few of there parties and the brothers there are really cool and down to earth. I would definitely recommend checking them out. They are not quite your typical IFC Greek fraternity that you see down Rugby road. Lambda also does a lot of mixers with the Asian sorority (which is also not backed by the IFC).</p>
<p>I will say, however, that many/most of the fraternities look beyond race. As the posts above me say, just go to as many houses as you can and meet as many brothers as you can. If you want specifics of where to look/not to look, feel free to message me (although I am by no means an expert on all the houses). You may find a fraternity that you can really connect with. On the other hand, you may find that Greek life is not for you.</p>
<p>First years do not rush until January. Give yourself some time before ‘rushing’ into decisions… (haha)</p>