Extracurricular: Greek Life

[koercive]

do med schools look negatively at the fact that I am in fraternity? I do hold an executive board position.

I have a 3.69 GPA , and I'm thinking that if I emphasize my leadership roles and the community service I did that it will make me look like I balanced my time in college. But at the same time, I would think that they might assume I partied all the time (don't get me wrong I did do my share of partying 😀 ) .

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[degoo_]

What's wrong if you party and do as well as you seem to be doing? I'd be proud of that.

 

[MiniNMD]

i don't think fraternity and sororities reflect negatively if you can back up your participation by showing the leadership and community service side and explain that it's more than a social organization.

 

[Falco2525]

i don't think fraternity and sororities reflect negatively if you can back up your participation by showing the leadership and community service side and explain that it's more than a social organization.

actually med schools tend do tend to look negatively upon this...in fact I have heard advice given by some deans to even not include it on applications

 

[koercive]

really?


I did hear that extracurricular activities do weigh in a bit on the application process. anyone else hear about this?

 

[StritchMD2011]

I listed my involvement in a social fraternity on my AMCAS. I kept the description to the leadership positions I held and the community service type things I did with the organization.

Sure, there are some stereotypes about people in fraternities and sororities, but I'm sure no ad-comm member is going to hold being in a fraternity against you just because the media portrays Greeks badly (some of it is definitely deserved, though).

For what it's worth, I've had really good luck in this process so far - some anecdotal evidence that listing fraternity involvement isn't going to hinder you...

 

[swtiepie711]

When I went to apply, some MDs I know were wary of me including my greek experiences on my application, but an uber successful pre-med I knew had included greek experiences & it was seen as a positive - so I included it.

That said...

It has come up in a couple of my interviews. Some interviewers were like, "Nah, that's cool." There was at least one interviewer who flat out told me that he basically bought into the stereotyping (talk about an awk moment). In retrospect, I'd still include it. Mainly b/c I didn't have a million other involvements during college - and so I would have looked "uninvolved" or something. As it was, I still had the "So what else did you do during college?" even though I'm a few years out.... so if you don't have a ton of other activities, I'd include it.....

 

[DrMidlife]

In my view, greek activities are a very generic EC. I think that leadership within the greek system is only interesting if it's balanced by leadership outside the system. Running rush week, for example, might impress an adcom who was in a frat/sor, and do absolutely nothing for an adcom who was not. But if you ran rush week (or whatever your "executive" position is) and you also started a non-profit org for the homeless, then you have a strong leadership vibe in your app.

 

[koercive]

so on an interview, say they asked you, "So how was the partying?"

would you straight up deny any of that? or be honest?


I am actually the head of the biggest party of the year with 2800 people. I probably shouldn't include that huh?
I have done a lot of things though with Habitats for Humanity though.

 

[StritchMD2011]

actually med schools tend do tend to look negatively upon this...in fact I have heard advice given by some deans to even not include it on applications

I have a hard time believing this. Perhaps if you listed it and didn't talk about the positive activities you did with the organization and the things you got from it...

I can't see how any organizations that help you get more involved can be regarded as bad, unless all you provide for the description is that you got great at doing beer bongs with Moose and Meathead.

Despite stereotypes, I used my fraternity involvement more as a way to get involved around campus than as an outlet for parties. I took a community service position in the fraternity, and also was the president of the governing board for all of the fraternities on campus. How can those be regarded negatively??

 

[swtiepie711]

so on an interview, say they asked you, "So how was the partying?"

would you straight up deny any of that? or be honest?

I don't think that would ever happen (didn't happen on a single one of my interviews). And what college student hasn't partied?

 

[StritchMD2011]

so on an interview, say they asked you, "So how was the partying?"

would you straight up deny any of that? or be honest?

I can almost guarantee no ad-comm member is going to ask this.

Just because you're in a fraternity doesn't mean you're a huge drinker. There are quite a few guys in my fraternity who don't drink at all. That said, there are also some who drink too often...

I think anyone who automatically writes off someone in a fraternity as a meathead, drinker, etc., is just being ignorant. I would consider myself far from the fraternity stereotype...

 

[swtiepie711]

I would consider myself far from the fraternity stereotype...

ditto.... 'cept sorority 😉

 

[triniman]

I have a hard time believing this. Perhaps if you listed it and didn't talk about the positive activities you did with the organization and the things you got from it...

I can't see how any organizations that help you get more involved can be regarded as bad, unless all you provide for the description is that you got great at doing beer bongs with Moose and Meathead.

Despite stereotypes, I used my fraternity involvement more as a way to get involved around campus than as an outlet for parties. I took a community service position in the fraternity, and also was the president of the governing board for all of the fraternities on campus. How can those be regarded negatively??

I was thinking of joining a fraternity and consulted with an ADCOM member before and she told me it was a very bad idea. She said "there are better things to do with your time!"

 

[DrMidlife]

The partier stereotype is overcome by your GPA.

The other stereotype is that the greek system is an exclusive club for rich kids. This one you need to balance out with ECs that say you're also comfortable with the unwashed masses. And that you're not just doing this because your dad's a doctor.

The community service aspect of it really doesn't come through at any of the schools I've attended. Community service activities seem to be an excuse to make yet another t-shirt.

All this said, I'm recommending to my nephew that he join one next fall when he starts college. I would have been happier in school if I'd been in one. Like, back in 1984.

 

[Law2Doc]

do med schools look negatively at the fact that I am in fraternity? I do hold an executive board position.

I have a 3.69 GPA , and I'm thinking that if I emphasize my leadership roles and the community service I did that it will make me look like I balanced my time in college. But at the same time, I would think that they might assume I partied all the time (don't get me wrong I did do my share of partying 😀 ) .

While I think it is good leadership experience, I personally left it out of my app. All you need is one adcom member who is still licking his wounds from being blackballed, or otherwise has a bad impression of fraternities from back in the Animal House days, and it could cost you an admission.
Then again, being a nontrad, I had plenty of other ECs. If I was scraping the barrel to find things to list, I guess I might have included it.

 

[LizzyM]

Leadership and service are good. My only objection is when the only service/leadership is conducting charity fundraising (raising money for xyz). This seems to be more common with sorority sisters who hold charity events (fun justified by being associated with a "good cause").

One thing I do see too much is overestimation of the amount of time required for frat business. I'm not going to accept that leadership of the house requires 14 hours per week unless you can give me explicit details (responsible for hiring the cook, paying food bills, and supervising the meal service).

 

[Falco2525]

I have a hard time believing this. Perhaps if you listed it and didn't talk about the positive activities you did with the organization and the things you got from it...

I can't see how any organizations that help you get more involved can be regarded as bad, unless all you provide for the description is that you got great at doing beer bongs with Moose and Meathead.

Despite stereotypes, I used my fraternity involvement more as a way to get involved around campus than as an outlet for parties. I took a community service position in the fraternity, and also was the president of the governing board for all of the fraternities on campus. How can those be regarded negatively??

Beleive it that it is true...the chances of 1 adcom member having a problem with it is high...thats enough to cause issues in getting in...there are more negatives that come out of putting it on the resume than positives...I dont think any adcom sees it as a positive

 

[Instatewaiter]

Honestly what college student didn't party all the time?

If you had a high leadership position (president, VP) I would say include it especially since your GPA is strong. It's not like you are alone; there are lots of people in the greek system who apply to med school so it's not going to be something Adcoms haven't seen. Hell many of the doctors I know were in fraternities/sororities and I would expect there are a decent amt of Adcoms that went greek too.

I would leave out the 4 in the morning binge-fests and focus more on the leadership roles that you took part in and the 'good' your fraternity did through your philanthropy. I included it and it seemed like a positive to my interviewers.

 

[Haemulon]

Leadership and service are good. My only objection is when the only service/leadership is conducting charity fundraising (raising money for xyz). This seems to be more common with sorority sisters who hold charity events (fun justified by being associated with a "good cause").

One thing I do see too much is overestimation of the amount of time required for frat business. I'm not going to accept that leadership of the house requires 14 hours per week unless you can give me explicit details (responsible for hiring the cook, paying food bills, and supervising the meal service).

I am very proud of my fraternity affiliation and definitely included it on my AMCAS. I served as both Vice President and Secretary in different years and spent a great deal of time involved with re-chartering the chapter (re-writing of bylaws, heading committees, negotiating with National representatives and College administration). On top of this there was fund rasing for both ourselves and for our philanthropic efforts. We also participated in volunteering at a children's hospital. We dedicated a huge thrust towards participation with student government, campus wide Greek-council, and other committees, organizations, and clubs. On top of this there were our recruiting efforts, weekly (sometime bi-weekly) formal meetings, leadership planning meetings, planned fraternity and campus wide social events (yes, including but not limited to parties), and trips to assist and visit chapters in other states. Oh yeh, and also our leadership conferences and designated representatives for the National meetings and volunteers for our affiliated national philanthropic camp for disabled children.

I feel pretty confident that I can easily justify 14 hours a week, and probably more (not including normal brotherhood social time). I am very proud of those guys and what we accomplished together. 🙂

 

[Law2Doc]

(re-writing of bi-laws,

Just to let you know, (and I don't mean to be the spelling police, but you or others may be using this in future apps/essays) the word is "bylaws". See http://www.answers.com/topic/bylaw

 

[Haemulon]

Just to let you know, (and I don't mean to be the spelling police, but you or others may be using this in future apps/essays) the word is "bylaws".

Ha! Honostly, I didn't even try to "chek" the spelling of bylaws at almost 11pm when i'm just trying to type something fast here and get to bed. But if it will make you feel better i'll edit it. But hey, I could have been referring to "bi-laws" as in laws relating to sexuality of our members. (kidding) 😉


You have good intentions obviously. But come on, I think we would all figure out appropriate spelling and grammar for our essays. I really don't care about grammar on SDN or chat or things of that nature. I say let it fly baby. Whoo hoo!

 

[Law2Doc]

But hey, I could have been referring to "bi-laws" as in laws relating to sexuality of our members. (kidding) 😉

That was actually what I read it to say. Could add diversity to your application, and perhaps give a whole new meaning to your "greek life" experience.😀

 

[Haemulon]

That was actually what I read it to say. Could add diversity to your application, and perhaps give a whole new meaning to your "greek life" experience.😀

That it would friend. That it would. Crap, I should have thought of that before I submitted AMCAS. That damn spell checker screwed me out of a good angle on the app. 😡

 

[aggiesarah2007]

Having a high leadership position I would definitely put your greek involvement. I added mine and it actually gave me a lot to talk about because being greek is not only about being social but about learning important SOCIAL SKILLS (which admit it, some people lack), learning to network, working with a team, leading a team, and being part of a long history of people with common goal of service to others and upholding good standards should be looked on positively. A lot of the "old fogies" were in frats too. Sure it could be looked on negatively, but it shouldn't be. Basically, if you're proud of it and you've worked hard, add it. Being greek has added so many amazing things to my life it would be a disservice to the greek community and my sorority to leave out the blessings they have been in my life.

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

I've talked about my fraternity experience at all my interviews focusing on my leadership role. The only time it might have hurt me was at Buffalo when the damn student interviewer wanted me to go in detail and I refused. 👎

 

[goblue03]

I would not hesitate to include your greek life experiences. In fact, you should be proud to explain what you have learned from your experiences! First of all, holding an executive position is a positive experience you can talk about in AMCAS, and gives you something you can expand upon during an interview. Second, I think it is important to be yourself and to show your interviewers who you are. You should have no shame in being a fraternity or sorority member, it has helped you become the person you are! If your interviewers are too narrow minded to look at each of your experiences as it relates to who you are and how it will eventually help you to become a good doc, they shouldn't be on the adcom in the first place! True, you might get unlucky but in the long run I guarantee that it will help you more than hurt.

(this all coming from a past executive member of a fraternity who successfully navigated the pre-med shark infested waters).

 

[Law2Doc]

If your interviewers are too narrow minded to look at each of your experiences as it relates to who you are and how it will eventually help you to become a good doc, they shouldn't be on the adcom in the first place!

You don't get to pick the adcoms, they get to pick the applicants. If you can spin your fraternity offices as extremely positive leadership experiences beyond "king of the keg" than go for it. But unlike other ECs, this is one with which some folks may have negative experiences, and know that fraternities at some schools and in some decades may not be the same kind of positive experience you had, so a range of perceptions is possible.

 

[AmoryBlaine]

do med schools look negatively at the fact that I am in fraternity? I do hold an executive board position.

I have a 3.69 GPA , and I'm thinking that if I emphasize my leadership roles and the community service I did that it will make me look like I balanced my time in college. But at the same time, I would think that they might assume I partied all the time (don't get me wrong I did do my share of partying 😀 ) .

1. The don't care.
2. Greek life is a very non-impressive EC, even with leadership positions. There are 5,000 other greeks at most schools who don't apply to medical school so it shouldn't be presented as something special. There aren't 5,000 other students with publications...
3. Definitely have some other stuff on your application aside from leadership and commserv with a fraternity.
4. I'd say 20% of my class is greek. I don't think this reflects a prejudice, more of a self-selection.

 

[Dookter]

Who would care if you were in a frat?! It's nothing to be ashamed of as long as you've got the grades and everything else that makes a good applicant.

As for listed it as an EC, I would probably avoid it unless you have nothing else to put there or if you were actually super involved in stuff. I don't think it could have a negative impact, but I would not list it before something of more substance [think: AIDS clinic volunteer for a summer in Africa that someone else will have on their application vs. I was in a frat and helped organize pledge activities that you could end up writing down].

 

[Haemulon]

It seems pretty easy to distinguish between the Greek and non-greek posters on here. It is particularly telling that us Greeks are not really talking about kegstands and a swinging party life, but rather hard work, community service, and leadership. The non-greeks are the ones that seem to be focusing on party-related perceptions. Granted, I am aware of the stereotype and I am sure that you all have seen us Greeks having a great time; however, thinking that socializing is all there is (or even the main emphasis of) the Greek system is really uninformed.

I rank my fraternity participation as one of the proudest experiences and achievements of my life so far. And I definitely have done a lot of other things, including publications. If I had AMCAS to do over again, I think I would emphasize my fraternity even more. I think some of the negative posts on here are just biased against Greeks (maybe jealous? 😱 ) because of their experiences in their own college 😉.

 

[Dookter]

It seems pretty easy to distinguish between the Greek and non-greek posters on here. It is particularly telling that us Greeks are not really talking about kegstands and a swinging party life, but rather hard work, community service, and leadership. The non-greeks are the ones that seem to be focusing on party-related perceptions. Granted, I am aware of the stereotype and I am sure that you all have seen us Greeks having a great time; however, thinking that socializing is all there is (or even the main emphasis of) the Greek system is really uninformed.

I rank my fraternity participation as one of the proudest experiences and achievements of my life so far. And I definitely have done a lot of other things, including publications. If I had AMCAS to do over again, I think I would emphasize my fraternity even more. I think some of the negative posts on here are just biased against Greeks (maybe jealous? 😱 ) because of their experiences in their own college 😉.

This may be true. One thing to consider though is what ADCOMs think about Greek life. While they probably will have no "problem" with Greek life, they might also find the "leadership" positions some people talk about to be less than good enough for a strong EC. There really are Greeks out there who do a LOT, and they really deserve a lot more recognition than they get. Many of the most involved people at my undergrad were Greek. For them, listing their Greek-related activities would be a super plus on an application b/c many of them were VERY strong things to have in an application. What you don't want to write down [unless there is nothing else to put down in the EC part of the application b/c you haven't done much in college] is that you were assistant pledge whatever and were a "leader" in the frat. If you did meaningful things, it's a good EC. If not, it's not. It's really that simple. But beware assuming that ADCOMs [or anyone really] will be impressed by a little leadership position that doesn't extend beyond the front doors of a frat house.

 

[Haemulon]

This may be true. One thing to consider though is what ADCOMs think about Greek life. While they probably will have no "problem" with Greek life, they might also find the "leadership" positions some people talk about to be less than good enough for a strong EC. There really are Greeks out there who do a LOT, and they really deserve a lot more recognition than they get. Many of the most involved people at my undergrad were Greek. For them, listing their Greek-related activities would be a super plus on an application b/c many of them were VERY strong things to have in an application. What you don't want to write down [unless there is nothing else to put down in the EC part of the application b/c you haven't done much in college] is that you were assistant pledge whatever and were a "leader" in the frat. If you did meaningful things, it's a good EC. If not, it's not. It's really that simple. But beware assuming that ADCOMs [or anyone really] will be impressed by a little leadership position that doesn't extend beyond the front doors of a frat house.

Thats a good point. But this applies to more than just frats. Simply saying that one is a member of or holds a title in any organization or club is pretty meaningless unless one also actually did something meaningful with it. 👍

 

[jbrice1639]

Beleive it that it is true...the chances of 1 adcom member having a problem with it is high...thats enough to cause issues in getting in...there are more negatives that come out of putting it on the resume than positives...I dont think any adcom sees it as a positive

yeah, that's just wrong.

 

[Eric Lindros]

1. The don't care.
2. Greek life is a very non-impressive EC, even with leadership positions. There are 5,000 other greeks at most schools who don't apply to medical school so it shouldn't be presented as something special. There aren't 5,000 other students with publications...
3. Definitely have some other stuff on your application aside from leadership and commserv with a fraternity.
4. I'd say 20% of my class is greek. I don't think this reflects a prejudice, more of a self-selection.

This is perhaps the stupidest post I have seen here in a long time.

1) They do care. Greek involvement, especially leadership positions, is actually something looked with high regard at many schools. Most schools FORCE greek organizations to become involved with the school and community, even more so than poser pre-meds who pad their resumes with small stuff when in reality, most of their time goes to studying. I regret not joining a frat.....my ECs could have been a LOT more in depth and meaningful. More importantly, my experiences would have been more well rounded.

2) They are impressive ECs. Being a doctor is not about publications, its about being smart, being human, and being welll rounded. I'm sorry you don't understand this. You obviously don't know the first thing about Greek Life if you think its just about partying. Sure, thats a bonus....but there is a hell of a lot more than that. You also don't seem to know whats important in becoming a good doctor if you think publications are that important

3) The only other thing you should have on your application besides greek life involvement would be Hospital/Clinical experiences

 

[croucht]

To the original poster, it looks like you are very involved in the house, so I would definitely include it. At my Wake interview, talking about my leadership roles in my house got me through almost an entire 15 min interview. If an interviewer knows much about greek organizations, he/she will know that unlike some other clubs around the school, you hold a special responsibility to put long-term effort into the fraternity, just like you put long-term effort into keeping up with med school work loads. You can also make the point that leadership in fraternities gives you experience dealing with a demanding group of your peers, just like you need when dealing with other doctors in a hospital or private practice. That, or you could just set up some cups on the other side of the room and demonstrate your killer beer pong/beirut skills...it's really up to you😀

 

[Dookter]

Thats a good point. But this applies to more than just frats. Simply saying that one is a member of or holds a title in any organization or club is pretty meaningless unless one also actually did something meaningful with it. 👍

Absolutely true.

 

[Haemulon]

Absolutely true.

I love your avatar by the way. Cracks me up.

 

[Dookter]

I love your avatar by the way. Cracks me up.

Thanks! That's actually my dog [or my fiance's dog really]. The costume was not my idea though....

 

[SportsMedMD]

The primary purpose of frats is to socialize and get drunk, not to serve the community. You can spin it however you like, but adcoms and most other people do see the reality of it. It not really a negative thing, but it's not an EC that I would harp on if I had more meaningful EC work.

 

[Eric Lindros]

The primary purpose of frats is to socialize and get drunk, not to serve the community. You can spin it however you like, but adcoms and most other people do see the reality of it. It not really a negative thing, but it's not an EC that I would harp on if I had more meaningful EC work.

^ Another person who has no clue what he/she is talking about.

Ok, I thought about this and I think I should clarify that most respectable schools have quality greek life that are about being involved with school and community. Sure, there are plenty of POS schools out there that can hardly keep greek life alive because it is so lousy, so in that repect you are right. But to make the generalization to all greek life is ridiculous

 

[Law2Doc]

^ Another person who has no clue what he/she is talking about.

The fact that views of fraternities are so varied on this thread should tell you that there's a chance adcoms also have a range of sentiments. It only takes one adcom's misperception to taint your chances. This is the reason I did not list my greek leadership experience.

 

[Eric Lindros]

The fact that views of fraternities are so varied on this thread should tell you that there's a chance adcoms also have a range of sentiments. It only takes one adcom's misperception to taint your chances. This is the reason I did not list my greek leadership experience.

Was the reputation at your school a bad one? Frats and Sororities where I went to college are involved in some of the most amazing things, on a level that people who aren't involved with can't be. To not include these things as a part of your college experience (and for many it is a part of who they are) is kind of sad in my opinion. But yeah, every college and every frat is different.

 

[Law2Doc]

Was the reputation at your school a bad one? Frats and Sororities where I went to college are involved in some of the most amazing things, on a level that people who aren't involved with can't be. To not include these things as a part of your college experience (and for many it is a part of who they are) is kind of sad in my opinion. But yeah, every college and every frat is different.

There was a range. But you have to realize that most adcoms went to college in a very different generation than you or I, before things like dry rush, where hazing, blackballing and the like still were in effect.

 

[Eric Lindros]

There was a range. But you have to realize that most adcoms went to college in a very different generation than you or I, before things like dry rush, where hazing, blackballing and the like still were in effect.

That's a good point. Frats have changed drastically over the years, but many still get a bad rep as party only groups.

I still wouldn't hesitate to share greek experiences if they were particularly meaningful. My one regret in college was not joining a frat because I was totally envious of the things they were able to get involved with and the level of involvment that they put in. But if you were really involved in a good greek system, you will be able to show for it and I don't think you should exclude it just because of some stigma that exists. Many adcom members were probably part of greek life themselves, and I don't think they are dumb enough to think that frats function as they did 30 years ago.

 

[Haemulon]

There was a range. But you have to realize that most adcoms went to college in a very different generation than you or I, before things like dry rush, where hazing, blackballing and the like still were in effect.

I understand your opinion Law2Doc, but still disagree. Lets just say for the sake of argument that all fraternities and sororities emphasized partying and socializing. Lets say that it is true that being in a frat meant weekly beer bong marathons and swinging at campus ragers with co-eds. If you held a leadership position in such a group, there are still very serious and demanding things that need to be done to maintain group cohesiveness, retain the charter, fulfill financial obligations to the national organization, campus budgets to prepare and administrative meetings to attend. Such a group still needs guidance and leadership no matter what its primary function. There are many things still that rquire committment and devotion above and beyond a normal club or marginal EC.

Plus, if one has been able to become a serious med school applicant, then it goes without saying that the grades, intelligence, experience, and dedication to the profession should already be evident in other ways in the application. If one could party and socialize throughout college and still achieve good numbers (including MCAT), EC's and a solid preparation/foundation for medicine, then I really don't see how one's degree of partying has any relevance. Some adcoms may disregard greek participation as irrelevant, but I really doubt anyone views it as a mark against an applicants worthiness for acceptance. One's achievements, experiences, and references speak for themselves in the application process. And this is reinforced further through the interview process.

Come on and admit it, Greeks are just plain cool. 😎 I could not imagine college without them! Don't give up fellow greeks! We didn't give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor and we sure as heck won't give up now! 😉

 

[ratjo077]

3.87 BCPM, 3.8 overall
32O MCAT

Rush Chairman at an SEC school. It came up in an interview bc I had put it on my amcas, but they were pretty cool about it. I have ok stats, but no acceptances yet...

 

[ssquared]

I find some of the comments on here interesting because by far at my school the most impressive people I know of are all in Greek organizations. Almost everybody I know who is pre-med is Greek as well. Almost every major student leader on campus for other organizations-medical mission corps, bone marrow drive, programming boards, cultural groups, etc-is Greek. Given the very academic focus of my school, in fact, what comes down to is anybody who wants to work on their social skills (no, I don't mean drinking, I mean networking and the like) joins a Greek organization.

That, and I've met the best friends I've ever had in my organization. I'm Vice President of the Inter-Sorority Council, which oversees about 30% of the female population of my college. No other organization wields that kind of power. I don't think I should have to shy away from putting that on my app because perhaps some ADCOM member will write me off because I'm Greek. Would I want to go to that med school anyways, if they hate Greeks so much?

People need to get away from the idea that all Greeks do is drink. Maybe that might hold some truth at some schools, but it is hardly universal, and certainly no more fair than me saying that every non-Greek is anti-social and nerdy.

 

[Haemulon]

I find some of the comments on here interesting because by far at my school the most impressive people I know of are all in Greek organizations. Almost everybody I know who is pre-med is Greek as well. Almost every major student leader on campus for other organizations-medical mission corps, bone marrow drive, programming boards, cultural groups, etc-is Greek. Given the very academic focus of my school, in fact, what comes down to is anybody who wants to work on their social skills (no, I don't mean drinking, I mean networking and the like) joins a Greek organization.

That, and I've met the best friends I've ever had in my organization. I'm Vice President of the Inter-Sorority Council, which oversees about 30% of the female population of my college. No other organization wields that kind of power. I don't think I should have to shy away from putting that on my app because perhaps some ADCOM member will write me off because I'm Greek. Would I want to go to that med school anyways, if they hate Greeks so much?

People need to get away from the idea that all Greeks do is drink. Maybe that might hold some truth at some schools, but it is hardly universal, and certainly no more fair than me saying that every non-Greek is anti-social and nerdy.

👍 Thats what i'm talking about. Right on.

And as a further point: One does not need to be in a frat/sororiety to drink and party. We certainly don't have the market cornered on that. That being said, there is really nothing like a good greek party 😉 (I know I'm feeding the stereotype, but who says you can't both work hard and play hard?) If you don't take advantage of the social freedom of college, then you will be hard pressed to find such an accomodating environment later on in life.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

I've had no leadership in my fraternity, but I put it on AMCAS anyway. I really doubt that an adcom member with a negative perception of fraternities would reject me based off of my membership in a fraternity, that is a rather shallow and baseless reason to reject someone. It is a rather meaningless EC to med schools but does show that I am a social individual, a characteristic usually regarded as positive for someone in a health care profession.

If you aren't Greek, its hard to understand why Greeks love their organizations the way they do. To me, it comes down to the fact that the fraternity has helped me to establish connections and to enter social circles that I would have had a hard time entering without the help of my brothers. If I weren't in a fraternity I would be blissfully ignorant of all the opportunities in life that I would have missed if I weren't in a fraternity.

I am very active in my fraternity as a member with no actual responsibilities. I feel that the fraternity has been a very important part of college years as it has helped me in so many ways, and I would feel that not putting it on the amcas would be, in a way, lying about what is truly important to me.