46 in college
 

I am 46 and presently enrolled in school. I am very excited about this chapter in my life. I always had a desire to join a frat if ever I returned to school, my question is seeking to join a frat at 46 okay.

I've seen it happen. It's unlikely, though, considering you'll be around people that are literally half your age and who have less life experience.

ETA: I should add -- it also depends on the type of organization you're pursuing.

If I were you, I definitely wouldn't get my hopes up.. depending on the organization, of course. Still...

I say go for it, but consider this. Do you really think you have anything in common wit ha bunch of 19-21 year olds? Also if you pledge, you would essentially become their student and have to learn what they want. And maybe you need to ask yourself exactly why you want to be part of the fraternity life.

Seriously, why on earth does a 46 year old want to hang around with a bunch of 18-22 year olds? And why would they want to hang around you?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0wRJjXvyZ1.../s400/blue.jpg

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You know what, I started giving advice, but I think this is ridiculous.

Really, this.

And the school.

I know of one campus where if you're over 21 or took any time off before college, you can forget about pledging Alpha.

Across town, same city -- men in their forties definitely made it and are active in alumni chapters to this day.

Depends on the school and area, but in general, your chances are slim to none. Even at my university, in the Northeast and with a small Greek system, you most likely would not get a bid. You shouldn't get your hopes up about it.

I think a service Fraternity may fit what you are looking for nicely. I believe the social Fraternities are probably out of the question. I am 51 and really feel that other than in an alumni advisory position with my Fraternity I would be way too old.

If you're joining for "brotherhood" and all that stuff - great.

But maybe steer clear of sorority mixers, because glomming on to women who are way way younger than you is rather creepy and disturbing (unless you're Hugh Hefner, of course -- and even then, it's still pretty creepy).

I know of a case where a guy joined a Latino fraternity at age 50. Unfortunately, he went inactive shortly after he was initiated.

My alma mater has a co-ed fraternity for non-traditional aged students. Maybe you can look into/start a chapter like that.

...yeah.

I would say go for it. Non-traditional age students definitely offer a unique perspective to the table. Obviously there will be some challenges regarding your priorities in this stage of your life as well as the socialization aspect.

It definitely can be a challenge, but if you really want to join a Fraternity (not a frat) built on lifelong brotherhood, service, scholarship etc, age really shouldn't be an issue. Just be sure to prepare yourself if you're extended a bid that while you can provide knowledge based on years of experience, the chapter members can offer you a light perspective. Additionally, be sure to let the younger members to grow and make mistakes - its part of the growth process.

Hopes this helps!

Without knowing where, I'd go with my alma matter . . . you'll have slim to none chance of getting a bid from the top fraternities.

do what you feel is comfortable to you. being part of a brotherhood can be a great asset. good luck.

I have heard it mentioned that DKE is rather selective. Yet, Howard Johnson came to Yale to experience college after he had built his HOJO empire. He was one cool old guy and received multiple bids based on the simple fact that he was simply himself and didn't try to act like a kid but like a guy who came to college late and wanted to participate as fully as he could.
Proud to say he joined DKE and was, I am told, a good pledge, a great active brother, and an enthusiastic alumnus.
Moral of the tale, go for it. Nothing to lose and a lot of great experiences to gain. You could bring experience, savvy, and wisdom to the house that bids you. Being an older brother sounds like it could be a benefit to everyone.

Let me be blunt.
1) Why in the hell would you want to do that?
2) Umm, ewww.
3) Stay away from my daughter, her friends, her sisters, or any other college-aged girl.

That's just plain nasty and rude to day. He didn't at any time mention girls. I seriously doubt even if he joined a fraternity that he would attend mixers. He's probably already married!! He wants to join for the brotherhood, not the social scene.

Get used to it, at many schools, the amount of older/returning students is going up and up (probably will even more with the job market in the toilet) and situations like this are going to be less and less rare.

What's wrong with being 46 and joining an organization? I've seen it happen before.

He is talking about joining a "frat". My read on it is a social fraternity versus a service fraternity like A Phi O, honorary fraternity, fraternity based on your major, etc. Those organizations do have men and women of all ages. Not the same thing, IMHO. I don't think he would be coming on here asking about it if he was interested in joining one of them.

I never said that...I said I don't think he wants to join a social fraternity to meet 19 year old girls. If he wants to do that, he can do it a hell of a lot cheaper on the Internet.

because true brotherhood says so, that's why. And also, there are like other benefits and stuff besides. Police will be less likely to arrest people/be overly dickish if/when they come to bust a party. Plus, they might have a lot to teach other.


to the first poster: if you are at a school that has cool fraternities (don't say frat, it's bad form) and if one thinks you are cool, then they'll give you a bid.

Good luck.

that gets expensive (just kidding)

that gets expensive (just kidding)

This would be a nonissue for some (maybe most, depending) chapters of BGLO frats and/or they would try to include a 46 year old collegiate member by working with the graduate/alumni chapter.

National headquarters do not have an age limit, but bids are essentially up to each chapter's own discretion.