[PGD-GRAD]

On some campuses, number are determined simply by the way rush is done. Most fraternties do not have a formal IFC-run rush, so they may invite and pledge as they wish number-wise, even if it is within a certain time period. Sororities, on the other hand, agree to split a certain percentage of those women who choose to go through rush, no matter how large (or small) that number. At some campuses, the average sorority pledge class might be 50 or 60 or even 79 or 80; the average fraternity class might be 25 or 30. The question nobody asks is this: given the opportunity to rush and pledge exactly who they wish number-wise, how many sororities would end up with 150-200 total members? Nobody will ever know, nor will they know how many guys would sign up for a mass rush where each fraternity ended up with a certain percentage of those remaining in rush, no matter how large that final number might be.

It is true, though, that more women are entering college than men number-wise, so that is certainly part of the equation. It's easy to say that men are less social or less gregarious, but the current system does not allow for that argument to be played out. I think fraternities are happy being smaller and--therefore--closer and able to be more selective. But there are fraternites who take huge classes, too.