I am a junior male who is interested in applying to Vanderbilt University. I recently toured Vanderbilt, and I loved it. However, I understand that Vanderbilt has a reputation for being very fraternity-oriented/preppy, which doesn’t describe me at all. That being said, I am a social person and can make friends relatively easily. Would I fit into the Vanderbilt community as a whole or would I stand out if I am not in a fraternity? Thank you in advance.
Yes! Get involved in student organizations and the Commons community, and you’ll be fine! Greek life here is very regulated and not the kind you see in big public schools – many frats have been kicked off.
Thank you!
significantly less than half the male students join frats. all you have to do is take off into your own interests and stay open to making independent friends while also being open minded about the reality that half of the females will be in sororities. their interest in their greek orgs may seem over the top but everyone ages up and out to their majors, internships, summer jobs, junior year abroad and the dominance of Greek life fades as your class begins to focus on their future lives. it is a matter of your own attitude and willingness to live among a sort of 40-50% Greek student body class. My Vandy son ignored Greek life but happily took dates to Greek parties when asked to do so. 1000 ways to do Vandy. do it your way
The best thing to point out is that Vandy does not have sorority rush until Spring semester and the guys rush is over a long long period of time, SO, I found that our child made tons of friends intitally on her hall in her dorm, in clubs, classes etc. I believe some of those kids will be life long, even after joining in on the Greek life spring semester.