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Old 09-26-2010, 07:34 PM
sdtennisgal sdtennisgal is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 97
Hsutton11: Not sure if this is a general question, or if you are contemplating transferring (more on that later).
I can give a little insight. I attended UC Berkeley as a grad student (I went to a large Big-10 school undergrad, as a sophomore transfer from a small private univeristy).
The Greek system at CAL is big, but not in proportion to the student body size, but most Greeks do not "make a show" of being Greek (as I heard, "they keep to themselves"). Because of the political nature of the Berkeley community area (not necessarily the student body) there is negative light on anything with an appearance of "elitism." The undergraduate academics are also extremely unforgiving, which probably causes some students to avoid distractions. Given the proximity to San Francisco, Oakland, etc., there are also plenty of other social outlets.
My much younger half-brother went to University of Washington, where he was in a fraternity. There, the Greek system is extremely strong, but is not the center of social life as happens at large Big-10 (and from what I hear) SEC schools.
From friends who went to USC, I understand the Greek system is extremely dominate on campus, possibily due to the way the campus is somewhat isolated from the community (i.e., not many students live immediately off-campus) which has a very high crime rate. The Greek system is extremely high-profile on the campus.
Friends who went to UCLA indicate it is much more laid back, and a smaller percentage of students are Greek that an SC.
University of Oregon: I heard it is somewhat like UC Berkeley, but less community hostility.
Oregon State: From friends/co-workers who went there, I know the Greek system is EXTREMELY strong and high profile. This is probably due to the fact that there are not many other social outlets in Corvallis.
I know a number of Stanford grads, but I only know one who was in a sorority. She indicated the school was hostile to the Greek system, particularly the fraternities. She also had girls on her dorm floor openly criticize her for joining a sorority.

Hope that helps. Also, if you are thinking about transferring, understand the transfer process to the UC schools is complicated (and depending on your major) can be brutal.
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