Should Sorority desires impact my college choice?

[Elephant Walk]

Your post wasn't remotely offensive.

[BlondieCat]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

Your post wasn't remotely offensive.

I didn't have this exact problem when I was deciding on colleges, but I was definitely concerned about how greek life would fit into my experience. My mom, grandmother, and great grandmother were all in the same NPC, and I felt a strong pull to carry on the tradition. However, that NPC wasn't on the campuses of two of my first choice schools, and while it was on the campus of one, greek life wasn't big there, and I wanted to have a *real* greek experience. That said, I ended up leaving the sorority thought OUT of my decision process. I figured where ever I ended up, I had to be happy with the school, location, classes, etc. before I worried about sororities. I figured if I didn't join a sorority, I could join some kind of social club or honor society.

I really think if UT-Austin is your dream school, you should go there. And honestly, if you are this interested so early along, you will be able to get recs. And if you show that enthusiasm during recruitment, SOMEONE will notice and want you on board. Just keep reading GC and by next Fall, you will be beating them off with a stick!

[Golden_Laurel]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

Your post wasn't remotely offensive.

Sorry. Just trying to be extra sensitive because I don't want anyone to think I'm spreading assumptions about UT sororities.*

I know I haven't replied to this thread in WEEKS, but I really wanted to stop in and thank everyone for taking the time to give me advice about recruitment at UT. I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately, and I'm still struggling with my decision, so I've been trying to take some time to think about it all. I know that being in a sorority, while it would be a wonderful experience, would not define me as a person, and not being in one does not defeat the purpose of a fabulous education.

I truly do appreciate all of the advice. Thank you all.

*Oh, and I absolutely do NOT believe that I am remotely guaranteed a bid if I attend a different university! I was just throwing that out as a way to weigh my chances, which would be *higher* at a less competitive school.

[BadCat25]

Just a thought but if you go to UT and don't make it into a sorority or decide UT does not meet your expectations for whatever reason you don't have to stay there. You are obviously are a good student so if you study hard at UT and make good grades you should be able to transfer as a sophomore to about any state school in the midwest other than possibly the U of Michigan. While this does not solve your sorority problem as rushing as a sophomore is very difficult at any school at least it would get you out of UT.

Originally Posted by BadCat25

Just a thought but if you go to UT and don't make it into a sorority or decide UT does not meet your expectations for whatever reason you don't have to stay there. You are obviously are a good student so if you study hard at UT and make good grades you should be able to transfer as a sophomore to about any state school in the midwest other than possibly the U of Michigan. While this does not solve your sorority problem as rushing as a sophomore is very difficult at any school at least it would get you out of UT.

Why in the world would she want to transfer out of UT if she didn't get into a sorority? She said in her first post that it's her dream school.

[BadCat25]

It is not all that unusual for someone to transfer following an unsucessful rush, just to get out and go somewhere else. I know it happens at Vanderbilt.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by BadCat25

It is not all that unusual for someone to transfer following an unsucessful rush, just to get out and go somewhere else. I know it happens at Vanderbilt.

I can kind of understand this, but most of the big Greek schools like UT are HUGE schools with very large student populations, most of whom are NOT involved in Greek Life.

Is it possible for someone to NOT get a bid at UT and STILL have a GREAT experience there (in other clubs and such)?

[BadCat25]

I would never tell anyone that you can't have a great college experience after begin cut because you can. What I am trying to say is if it really bothers you so much it could be that a change of scenery is the right thing. I would never criticize anyone who made that decision.

[Golden_Laurel]

Originally Posted by OTW

Why in the world would she want to transfer out of UT if she didn't get into a sorority? She said in her first post that it's her dream school.

And it truly is. For a million reasons other than Greek Life.

I don't think I would transfer if I didn't get a bid (If I even decide to rush...) unless there were other issues. I just hate the thought of spending four years wondering what *could* have been and feeling sad about missing out on the greek experience, and am trying to balance that desire with the (stronger) desire to get the education of my dreams.

[ISUKappa]

Originally Posted by Golden_Laurel

And it truly is. For a million reasons other than Greek Life.

I don't think I would transfer if I didn't get a bid (If I even decide to rush...) unless there were other issues. I just hate the thought of spending four years wondering what *could* have been and feeling sad about missing out on the greek experience, and am trying to balance that desire with the (stronger) desire to get the education of my dreams.

If you go through recruitment and don't get a bid, you'll at least know you tried. And, as many others have said, there are so many groups and organizations to be involved in at UT that you can still have a great college experience at the school of your dreams without having a Greek affiliation.

[LadyDread2010]

I agree. You can even make your own sorority if you want to. At the school of my dreams University of Maryland,Baltimore County...they have Alpha Sigma Kappa..which is a sorority for women in the IT field.

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

If you go through recruitment and don't get a bid, you'll at least know you tried. And, as many others have said, there are so many groups and organizations to be involved in at UT that you can still have a great college experience at the school of your dreams without having a Greek affiliation.

[Blue Skies]

Originally Posted by Golden_Laurel

I don't think I would transfer if I didn't get a bid (If I even decide to rush...) unless there were other issues. I just hate the thought of spending four years wondering what *could* have been and feeling sad about missing out on the greek experience, and am trying to balance that desire with the (stronger) desire to get the education of my dreams.

That's life in a nutshell. Sometimes decisions have to be made.

But as far as I can see, it's all good. You have the opportunity to go to the school of your dreams, and to also participate in recruitment. You know to go into recruitment prepared and with an open mind. Yeah, you'll likely get your share of cuts, but then again, so do most of us (at any given school.) You'll be okay. And Austin is such a fun town! You will truly love your time there no matter what happens in recruitment, IMO.