Quote:
Originally Posted by bama
Bingo Zillini!
And LittleOwl- are you somehow inferring that Alabama is not a good academic university? I know some people think we are all inbred and don't wear shoes, but The University of Alabama System (UA, UAH, UAB) is one of the highest respected systems in the country for engineering, medicine, business, etc. We are able to maintain 3.5+ GPAs and still know how to have a good party. I have friends who graduated from ivy league schools who have amounted to nothing after college and some of the most successful people, in the South at least, graduated from UA. And like I said, elsewhere things maybe different, but when I say I am a graduate of the University of Alabama, the first thing out of people's mouths are "What sorority are you in?" and I am proud to tell them.
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Wow, I didn't get that from her post at all!
In some regions (I'm thinking coastal California and the Bos-Wash corridor as specific examples), there's more of an emphasis on having attended a relatively small number of schools because people are from all over the place. Since alumni of those schools come from and end up all over the world, there's international recognition. When you hear the names "MIT" or "Johns Hopkins," most people around the world know those are kick-ass schools. While Alabama is a great school, a lot of people who aren't from the South may not know that because it's primarily known on the regional level. It's good that you're proud of where you went to college--I think everyone should be. I know I certainly am.
I think I'm of two worlds on this topic--on one hand, I grew up in the South and don't understand why everyone gets so freaking hysterical about "SEC" rush. Hell, I was prepared with recs for every house at UF even though my parents could have given two flying farts each about Greek Life. My high school hosted a Panhel info session in March of my senior year, and I met with women willing to write my recs. As a result, I was prepared to rush at a southern school even though I didn't end up at one! So, I understand and have no problem with the fact that you need a rec or you'll get cut. It's like having references on your job application!
On the other hand, I went to a liberal college in the Northeast that lumped Greek Life in with every other extracurricular activity. So I understand that while I made lifelong friendships and learned leadership skills, I could have had as great a time there if I hadn't gone Greek. I was not going to meet my husband because I was in a certain sorority.
I am just ready for Southern rush to be over! All kinds of crazies come out of the woodwork!