Do You Think I Should Join?

[stockholmjoy]

I am a senior in high school who was going to go to a small private college in Chicago, but decided to attend a large state school closer to home for financial reasons. I have a lot of high school friends who are also attending this university. For various reasons, however, I want to acquire a new group of friends when I get to college. I realize that it is certainly not my only option, but would joining a fraternity prove useful for this?
I generally study for two to four hours a day, and this is very important to me. I do not want to give this up. Yet, I feel I may have to alter my schedule significantly if I were to live in a frat house.

1. By living in a standard dorm, would I encounter more difficulties in staying connected to the members?
2. Are there generally fraternities that do have a (somewhat) serious side concerning academics?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy partying a lot, but there are limits. One of my friends joined a frat and he drinks a little too much in my opinion. I don't want to even waste my time if every fraternity is filled with complete alcoholics, but then again, I do like the idea of having a good party on the weekend.

[XAntoftheSkyX]

1. Not at all. My colony doesn't have a house, but brothers try to live together in the same dorms or in off campus apartments. We also try to schedule meetings and events in a central location so it's easily accessible.

2. Fraternities have GPA requirements regarding minimum levels to be given a bid and for initiation. There may be required study hours together with other pledges or brothers.

As for partying, it's all up to you. You don't have to party, you don't have to drink. If it came down to it, I would have rather studied for a few hours and do well on an exam versus go to a party and fail it.

[Preston327]

My university doesn't have Greek housing as-yet, and the plan for it when it comes is I believe to make it sophomore and above or upperclassmen only. So, I wouldn't think not living in the house would be a negative thing.

What XAntoftheSkyX said is absolutely true. My colony and every other chapter I know of takes academics very seriously. Most every GLO centers itself to some degree or another on leadership, and leadership in academics is part of that.

I'm a bit concerned by your last paragraph about partying though. It's good that you appreciate moderation, but at the same time you should know that Greek Life is not a constant party. There's philanthropy events, chapter/new member class, community service, and school spirit things to name just a few. If you do choose to Go Greek, don't do it just for the partying. As for the problem of "complete alcoholics" in fraternities, I'd really suggest you get to know the guys well before you decide whether or where you want to rush. If things at your school are anything like mine, the GLOs will be out in force before rush starts pitching themselves and scouting for PNMs. Talk to them all, get to know them, see where you think you fit best but remember its a mutual process. Good luck.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by stockholmjoy

I am a senior in high school who was going to go to a small private college in Chicago, but decided to attend a large state school closer to home for financial reasons. I have a lot of high school friends who are also attending this university. For various reasons, however, I want to acquire a new group of friends when I get to college. I realize that it is certainly not my only option, but would joining a fraternity prove useful for this?
I generally study for two to four hours a day, and this is very important to me. I do not want to give this up. Yet, I feel I may have to alter my schedule significantly if I were to live in a frat house.

1. By living in a standard dorm, would I encounter more difficulties in staying connected to the members?
2. Are there generally fraternities that do have a (somewhat) serious side concerning academics?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy partying a lot, but there are limits. One of my friends joined a frat and he drinks a little too much in my opinion. I don't want to even waste my time if every fraternity is filled with complete alcoholics, but then again, I do like the idea of having a good party on the weekend.

How about you go through rush, and if it doesn't work out for you, nothing lost but a few evenings' worth of time?

Not every fraternity is the same. Not every person in any particular chapter is the same. There will be people who drink a lot, some that drink moderately, and perhaps some who don't drink. Joining a group should not change YOU. That's why it's so important to find a group with people you already fit in with, instead of trying to fit into a particular "stereotype".

[Psi U MC Vito]

Yes I agree with what everybody here has said. each chapter is completely different, so you have to keep a open mind. I won't lie, there are animal house chapters out there. But there are also fraternities that set records for GPA and philanthropy hours. You have to keep that in mind. Also most fraternities have a GPA requirement to be an active member, because we were all founded to supplement the academic experience. Also, don't refer to it as a frat. A lot of fraternities and fraternity members dislike the term because of the negative connotations it carries. You wouldn't call ... um never mind.

[stockholmjoy]

Thanks for the advice, guys.