Don't know anyone

[EE-BO]

I dunno, I am ok with things being like that. A chapter has to be able to be very selective about its membership in order to maintain overall quality and reputation.

I think legacy is important in that the son of a fraternity brother is more likely to have parental support for joining one himself. It can also sometimes be an indicator of someone who comes from an environment/background that is desirable.

But beyond that, if a guy is not up to chapter standards I don't care how many of his relatives were in my fraternity- he doesn't need to get a bid unless the potential future financial value to the chapter of his legacy relatives outweighs his own shortcomings. Sounds cold, but all part of the idea of running a chapter like a business.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by CrackerBarrel

Right, in fact if you make the fact that you're a legacy a big point to everyone you may hurt your chances because it makes it seem like you think you're entitled to a bid.

At our chapter the only legacies who are pretty much assured a bid are younger siblings of active brothers or kids/grandkids of the really big donors who we can't piss off.

Originally Posted by EE-BO

Words of wisdom.

Originally Posted by baci

That's life...sad, but true...isn't it? ^^

Originally Posted by EE-BO

I dunno, I am ok with things being like that. A chapter has to be able to be very selective about its membership in order to maintain overall quality and reputation.

I think legacy is important in that the son of a fraternity brother is more likely to have parental support for joining one himself. It can also sometimes be an indicator of someone who comes from an environment/background that is desirable.

But beyond that, if a guy is not up to chapter standards I don't care how many of his relatives were in my fraternity- he doesn't need to get a bid unless the potential future financial value to the chapter of his legacy relatives outweighs his own shortcomings. Sounds cold, but all part of the idea of running a chapter like a business.

The points made, in part above, are all very valid. They are valid, in part, because they are the flip side of each other.

Yes you would like to at least show the appearance of keeping a "family" happy. But do you do that with a person who may just be the "black sheep" of a branch of that family?

Interesting balancing act that my chapter fortuitously never had to deal with.

Back to OP, follow some of the rather sound advice above.
Yes, it is alright to bring up your family connection. But remember that discretion can be the key.

[CBU Jeff]

Back to OP, follow some of the rather sound advice above.
Yes, it is alright to bring up your family connection. But remember that discretion can be the key.[/quote]


I would have to agree. It also depends on the chapter at that school. I would love for my son ( if i end up having a son one day) to be in the same fraternity as me. However, if its an awful chapter at that particular institution, I wouldn't blame him for going somewhere else to find a better fit.

[Elephant Walk]

We had a fat kid that was a super legacy. Turned out to be a pretty cool guy, regardless.

[wolffootball37]

Originally Posted by CrackerBarrel

Most of those kids tend to be pretty cool anyways, but the ones we kind of have to give bids too some learn the ropes and turn out ok, others get cut, about 50/50 I would say. And then the alums understand that we gave them a chance and they didn't do what it took.

Oh okay cool.

[nate2512]

Originally Posted by wolffootball37

Oh okay cool.

But, if you just found out you are a legacy, I wouldn't put too much stock into it. Don't even think about hey im a legacy here while you're there. If you get too caught up in it, you'll bomb it. I've seen it happen.

ETA: Also, if you make a huge deal out of being a legacy at a house and they cut you, other chapters are going to look at that and think well they cut a legacy, thats obviously something we don't want to get into. We had a chapter here cut a legacy, another chapter picked him up, ended up being one of the worst moves they ever pulled. Not saying that they are all going to be like that, but it will make the road tougher to hoe.

[wolffootball37]

Originally Posted by nate2512

But, if you just found out you are a legacy, I wouldn't put too much stock into it. Don't even think about hey im a legacy here while you're there. If you get too caught up in it, you'll bomb it. I've seen it happen.

ETA: Also, if you make a huge deal out of being a legacy at a house and they cut you, other chapters are going to look at that and think well they cut a legacy, thats obviously something we don't want to get into. We had a chapter here cut a legacy, another chapter picked him up, ended up being one of the worst moves they ever pulled. Not saying that they are all going to be like that, but it will make the road tougher to hoe.

I got you. Thanks. It was really just a general question. Theres only one house i know of at the college im going to that i might be a legacy at, but yeah im not going to make a huge deal over that at all. I really just want to pursue the house where i connect more with the guys in it and where i can see see my self staying at for 3- 4 years (because i might need to take an extra year with my major.)

[gator6288]

I'll maybe mention it once or twice if it seems appropriate at the time or only if asked. I won't say "my name is..., I'm a legacy" to every person that I meet and act like I'm guaranteed a bid.

[PhiGam]

Originally Posted by gator6288

I'll maybe mention it once or twice if it seems appropriate at the time or only if asked. I won't say "my name is..., I'm a legacy" to every person that I meet and act like I'm guaranteed a bid.

Where are you a legacy?