Fraternity life at Alabama

[reescol000]

First off, I want to say that I am currently a Junior in High School. My school is blue ribbon, I have a 3.1 with a 173 on my PSAT (1730 SAT).

That being said, I have heard a TON about college and parties associated with frats. I want a college with great parties, but also a place where I can get a good education.

My number one school was U of Alabama (I am from Washington state). I like the traditions there as well as the feeling of companionship that I can see from lots of articles and videos.

My first question: Are most frats at Bama geographically selective? I have heard that about 45% of them will not give bids to people who are not from Alabama (and me being from Washington, ugh...).

Secondly: Are there any fraternities that are ones that I should make sure to try to get bids on? I want to keep my options open, and my father was a DX so i know that would help me for sure in that house. I think I would have a shot at most houses, given that they don't pick from just local boys.

Third: How does school play a role in fraternities? I see all the time, guys bashing people who go to class and stuff, saying that partying is the only important thing to do at a college. I know that although I want to party, I am going there to get an education. My family has enough money to put me in a house, but not enough to give me second chances if I totally mess everything up the first time.

Fourth: Are there any special features about fraternities that I should know? I am on TFM and things like that often enough to know how most of college partying goes and stuff like that, but I want to know a bit more about the special parts of each fraternity that I can't really find unless i go to the campus (about 3,000 miles away, not happening any time soon).

Fifth: Any other things I should know? I just want to have a great time, and I think Greek is the way for me to go. I want to feel a bit more prepared for when I go off to college, so everything you guys give me will be taken to heart.

Thank you all who reply, your comments are greatly appreciated.

Cole

EDIT: Also, wanted to say that I go to school every day in boat shoes, button up collared shirts and shorter shorts. Not because it's "frat" but because I love the look. Thought that might help for anyone suggesting houses.