Rushing as a Senior
 

School: Texas A&M University

I've been thinking about rushing this fall, the beginning of my senior year. Since joining my university I've always been seeking that sense of being a part of something bigger and it hasn't happened. My campus has no shortage of student organizations but after trying to get involved in a few, they seem like they carry no other meaning.

Recently I've been considering fraternity life. I'm not sure why I'm realizing so late in the game that it might be for me, but I don't want to waste any more time. It's the sense of unity and the connections you make that actually matter outside of a social environment. I guess you can say I'm tired of the superficiality of many of the other student's I've met. I want to be a part of something 'real' that matters after I graduate.

After talking to a few friends and my sister (former executive in her sorority's chapter), it seems that I'm pretty much looking at no bids. I have many things to bring to the table, but I understand that as a senior I am not as marketable than a freshman or sophomore.

I most likely will be spending an extra semester or two as a super-senior. I have at least 3 more semesters to go. And as far as age is concerned, I'm a bit younger than most seniors at 19, so I'm not sure if that hurts or helps.

So my questions to you: Do I have a shot, and what do I need to look out for as an upperclassman thinking about joining? Any other information or tips are appreciated.

If you do make it to interviews, be prepared to be asked about why your waiting so late to pledge. I have known a few guys that pledged as seniors,but I will say that it was pretty difficult for them to get a bid. Good Luck

How are you a senior at 19??? I'm assuming you are crazy smart. Which leads me to wonder, if you ARE so crazy smart, why it took you three years of school to figure out that a fraternity was a good idea.

Not crazy smart, I just started school a year early and skipped a grade. I look older than most in my class anyways so it's not a topic that comes up.

It took me 3 years to realize it because I felt I could graduate after leaving an impact at my university. I am now realizing that once I've graduated, I'm going to be leaving everything behind without having given back or have been a part of something bigger.

I was a senior at 19, but a total idiot going through recruitment :-)

If you're only 19 then you shouldn't have a problem. I don't really know what greek life is like at TAMU but I wish you luck, and welcome to the SEC!

Why would a chapter want you if you will only be there for 1/2 year(s) versus another member who would be there longer? What do you have to offer them?

I understand where you are coming from, but since fraternities do not have a quota or chapter total that may restrict the number of members, a chapter is able to extend as many bids as they want. As such, there really isn't any "versus".

However, what a man has to offer the fraternity is valid - regardless of how many years they may be in the chapter.

This.

Maybe stick with your being 19 and try to not really talk up being a senior? You looking into submatriculating for grad work? Then you might be there for more than a year....

Bump

I think age wise you might be in good shape. Especially since you have 3 semesters left. I would give it a try and perhaps your sister has friends in fraternities that can give you some advice.