Greek Life

[I'm No Superman]

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What are your thoughts on fraternities and sororities?

Personally, I'm looking forward to joining a fraternity. The schools I'm looking at show that the frats have a higher gpa on average than the college average, and of course, the social aspect is appealing to me.

 

[HH Holmes]

No comment on any personal experiences as I don't have any (yet), but it all depends on when the frats rush and if the college has any rules about rushing. I had a very, very smart friend go to Cornell last year (c/o 2014) and he is now home, working three jobs to pay his parents back (~35k) for the year he wasted due to rushing for a fraternity. I think he's going back next year but his 2.1 isn't going to be good when he is applying for medical school/PhD programs.

 

[bajastapler]

one of my most defining college experiences. For better or worse. I'll try to keep it focused on how its applicable to a career/applying to grad school

Pros: Personally, it's helped me develop a set of social skills that will be very practical in the real-world: how to manage a 100 man fraternity (how to lead as a doctor), interact w/ new rushees/new people (interact with a diverse patient population), how to deal with administration/pledge educator (how to deal with other authoritative figures), & etc. Also, I was able to work my fraternity experience into a very positive frame. Although it's barely mentioned in my work resume, I will definitely mention it in my med school application when I apply next cycle.

Cons:
1) It's definitely hindered my academic performance. The jist of the dilemma I always faced: party with close friends & girls or study for a midterm? party with close friends and girls. (hope that didn't sound too d*uchey).
2) Peers/professors and I'm sure adcoms too will have a tendency to typecast you in a certain frame. It's easy to fall victim to it. It'll be your job to "break the mold" Despite these barriers, it's still possible to achieve in an academic environment.

long story short, just do it! The only real piece of advice that I wish I got on greek life is this: don't let greek life affect your gpa & make ur greek experience is a positive one.

 

[I'm No Superman]

No comment on any personal experiences as I don't have any (yet), but it all depends on when the frats rush and if the college has any rules about rushing. I had a very, very smart friend go to Cornell last year (c/o 2014) and he is now home, working three jobs to pay his parents back (~35k) for the year he wasted due to rushing for a fraternity. I think he's going back next year but his 2.1 isn't going to be good when he is applying for medical school/PhD programs.

Yeah, the only down side I could think of was the time spent rushing and the possibility of a lowered gpa first semester. I still think that it would be worth it in the end, as long as I keep my priorities straight and commit enough time to school work.

I also have a question for those who are in/were in a fraternity; were you able to manage your school work while rushing, and why or why not?

 

[sineapse]

1) It's definitely hindered my academic performance. The jist of the dilemma I always faced: party with close friends & girls or study for a midterm? party with close friends and girls. (hope that didn't sound too d*uchey).

If there is one thing I am jealous of about not going to uni in America, it's the chance of some sick fraternity parties.

 

[bajastapler]

I think you might be confusing "rushing" with "pledging" a fraternity.

Depending on the campus, rush is, usually, a week long event held once a quarter/semester where fraternities hold free events for rushees to attend. At the end, fraternities extend a formal bid to rushees to join their chapter as a probationary member/pledge. If you, the rushee, thinks that fraternity is a good fit you officially declare your acceptance of the bid. At our school it was done by signing an "official bid card"

"Pledging" is the idea of learning the history of a greek organization and proving your understanding of that groups ideals. At the end of pledging you cross and become a fully initiated member.

As far as hazing goes, it will vary and depend on what school you attend and what fraternity you choose. Having been on the interfraternity council (IFC) at my school ( the governing board of all fraternities on campus) the general rule of thumb I've used to define hazing is this: hazing is anything you would not willingly participate in when in front of your family. Ultimately, however, each person/fraternity has their own definition. I'll just leave it at that.

**but to address your original question about keeping up with coursework. as long as you time manage, and stick to a schedule you will be fine.

***and no fraternities, at least respectable ones, don't haze. 🙂 (seriously, they don't)

EDIT: for more literature on anti-hazing policies and developing your own definition, you should search the internet.

 

[Glazebrook]

I loved my fraternity experience back in college. Some of the closest relationships I have in my life are with my fraternity brothers. In fact, a lot of the opportunities I've had are a result of being in a fraternity. The major EC I had in college working with underprivileged high school students at my college's med school was due to an older brother forwarding me the application. The reason I'm in TFA right now is because 4 of my pledge brothers and I decided to do it together to make a difference in education.

By junior / senior year, you'll get tired of the parties. But being with the brothers that you've formed close relationships with as well as being able to mentor the younger brothers is an amazing experience.

Make sure to rush because there's nothing to lose. If you find a chapter that fits YOU, then go for it.

 

[BigRedBeta]

Joining a fraternity was absolutely the best decision I've ever made in my life - I wouldn't have gotten into med school (and as such, wouldn't be a physician now) had it not been for joining my fraternity...not to mention that college was about a billion times better.

Now, the first rule of greek life is that it's entirely dependent on campus. There are some schools that attract the best and brightest to rush, while at others...well, let's just say that you'll suffer the consequences. The best fraternities make you a better person, push you towards your goal and enhance your college experience. The worst waste your time, destroy your chances at accomplishing your goals and leave you with a a cocaine habit you can't afford.

Go through rush. There's nothing to lose. If it's not right for you, it's not right, but there's a great chance it could make you a better applicant for med school.

 

[I'm No Superman]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm kind of upset because one of the schools that I would love to go to does not recognize fraternities and sororities. Would it be worth it to go for my second choice because of the much better and more developed Greek-life?

 

[Glazebrook]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm kind of upset because one of the schools that I would love to go to does not recognize fraternities and sororities. Would it be worth it to go for my second choice because of the much better and more developed Greek-life?

You have to think about your future school in terms of the whole package. Would you mind naming the universities?

 

[I'm No Superman]

You have to think about your future school in terms of the whole package. Would you mind naming the universities?

Princeton and U-Mich, If I could get into Princeton, my aforementioned question would be ridiculous now that I think about it, but being in a fraternity just seems like a great experience.

 

[deleted357625]

What are your thoughts on fraternities and sororities?

Personally, I'm looking forward to joining a fraternity. The schools I'm looking at show that the frats have a higher gpa on average than the college average, and of course, the social aspect is appealing to me.

Don't do it

 

[TheMightySmiter]

My undergrad didn't have frats or sororities and I didn't miss them. But I can't see anything wrong with joining a frat as long as it doesn't take over your life.

ETA: Missed the post where you were reconsidering Princeton because it doesn't have frats or sororities. I didn't go to Princeton, but I would absolutely NOT recommend turning down a first choice otherwise because of the absence of Greek life. At my undergrad, student groups took the place of frats in terms of the party scene and socializing. There are plenty of other places in college to get the benefits of joining a frat/sorority. Student groups like the one I was in was a lot like a frat, but service-based and with no dues or hazing. Pretty win-win if you ask me.

 

[nctw]

I'm still debating the issue, but as of right now I think I'm going to avoid them. It just doesn't really appeal to who I am

 

[I'm No Superman]

Looking back, I'm fairly certain that UNL's Rush week kind of got the Greek idea into my head.

 

[SitraAchra]

Everything that a fraternity touts is easily acheivable without having to pay several grand a semester for parties and fees to feel like you belong.

In college, you will make life-long friends no matter what. You will also go to tons of parties no matter what. You can also do any extracurriular without the helping hand of a fraternity. Volunteering is volunteering is volunteering.

However, joining a fraternity DOES put you at high risk for getting poor grades dealing with pledging and all the other nonsense that goes on to feel like part of something exclusive. So in my mind, it has much greater potential for harming an application.

But if you think you'd really like it and that kind of thing appeals to you, then go for it.

 

[URHere]

I was in a sorority (granted, this is different than being in a fraternity, but many of the pros and cons are similar).

The things I loved:

1) The ability to grow as a person. OK, this sounds really cheesy, but when you take the lead as a greek president (or other officer), you can't help but learn a lot about yourself in the process. That kind of drama-packed leadership taught me about stress management, motivating other people, prioritizing, running damage control, and working professionally with the administration.

2) The support net. My entire sorority family line was made up of women who are now physicians. Throughout college I had a group of people to cram with, vent to, and come to with career-related questions.

3) The time to unwind was absolutely priceless.

The things that took some getting used to:

1) Scheduling. The greek system doesn't care if you have a final, a study group, or a volunteer shift. If you miss too many events, they will fine you, yell at you, and make you feel like the worst greek in history. You will either learn to plan wisely or you will slide academically.

2) The drama. There is some seriously pointless drama in the greek system. Did someone hook up with someone else's crush? Does sister/brother X get too drunk at parties and vomit in your shoes every week? Either way, you have to deal with it.

 

[TriagePreMed]

What are your thoughts on fraternities and sororities?

Personally, I'm looking forward to joining a fraternity. The schools I'm looking at show that the frats have a higher gpa on average than the college average, and of course, the social aspect is appealing to me.

I can definitely tell you that it's bull**** the thing about averages. Usually what happens is that the people that party most end up not being enrolled in school or officially in the fraternity. The ones with high GPA are usually the ones not around. At my fraternity, our pledge class of 20 people, some literally ended up with a 0.00 GPA and a bunch in academic probation. Even when they joined, they weren't officially on active roster. Sure, some ended with a 3.0 or higher, but the school's average is like a 2.5 and that won't get you into med school.

I went to a UC.

 

[I'm No Superman]

It sounds like people are about 50/50 on this topic.

TheMightySmiter: Your right, the lack of a Greek system would be a terrible reason to forego my top choice school.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[ktran17]

I'm very tempted to give a shout out to my fraternity, but I'll refrain from doing so. Anyways, If you feel like you're capable of performing successfully while being in a fraternity, do so! I'm entering my junior year now, and I can tell you, I'm already sick of the parties. However, the only reason I stay is because of my brothers! You'll get out how much you put in, so if you want to network with other alumni, be proactive. I went through the entire alumni list, and looked for physicians so that I can shadow them. I knew that if I found one, they would be more than willing, plus even teach me more just because I'm a brother. In the end, do what you want and always remember, use the rest of your free time studying !

 

[NickNaylor]

Greek life is overrated, and the "value" it provides you is highly dependent on the importance/prominence of the Greek system on campus life. I went to a school where ~30% of students were Greek, so you would probably know at least a few people that were involved. Other than providing an easy way to meet people, I really don't see any value in it at all. It's a serious time crunch, especially when you're pledging, and it will more than likely cost a ton of money (a frat one of my friends was in charged ~$500/semester in dues; sororities are way more). I also found that most people didn't even enjoy it all that much after 2-3 semesters.

The Greek system tries very, very hard to demonstrate how cool they are to maintain its status amongst the student body. Don't fall into the trap. If you really want to do it, that's totally fine - I would encourage it. But it's not the end all be all like some high school students seem to fantasize.

 

[DoctwoB]

It sounds like people are about 50/50 on this topic.

TheMightySmiter: Your right, the lack of a Greek system would be a terrible reason to forego my top choice school.

Thanks again everyone.

Plus, Princeton has the eating club system, which can be very similar to frats for some of them with a rush/pledge process and all (though others you just sign up for). I'd take Princeton hands down.

 

[I'm No Superman]

Plus, Princeton has the eating club system, which can be very similar to frats for some of them with a rush/pledge process and all (though others you just sign up for). I'd take Princeton hands down.

I just read that Princeton has a grading system where only 35% of the class can get an A. Seems like total crap to me, if I got a 98% in a class of 10 people, but 5 people got a 99%, I'd get a C...😡.

 

[AntiHouseMD]

I hate it when teachers feel the need to have a specific quota for grades. If someone deserves an A, they should get the A. If someone deserves an F, they deserve the F. Not that tough to understand.

 

[CuttingCorneas]

one of my most defining college experiences. For better or worse. I'll try to keep it focused on how its applicable to a career/applying to grad school

Pros: Personally, it's helped me develop a set of social skills that will be very practical in the real-world: how to manage a 100 man fraternity (how to lead as a doctor), interact w/ new rushees/new people (interact with a diverse patient population), how to deal with administration/pledge educator (how to deal with other authoritative figures), & etc. Also, I was able to work my fraternity experience into a very positive frame. Although it's barely mentioned in my work resume, I will definitely mention it in my med school application when I apply next cycle.

Cons:
1) It's definitely hindered my academic performance. The jist of the dilemma I always faced: party with close friends & girls or study for a midterm? party with close friends and girls. (hope that didn't sound too d*uchey).
2) Peers/professors and I'm sure adcoms too will have a tendency to typecast you in a certain frame. It's easy to fall victim to it. It'll be your job to "break the mold" Despite these barriers, it's still possible to achieve in an academic environment.

long story short, just do it! The only real piece of advice that I wish I got on greek life is this: don't let greek life affect your gpa & make ur greek experience is a positive one.

For the most part, I second this. I've held a lot of leadership positions in my sorority, for good or bad. My house isn't the stereotypical sorority image, but that doesn't mean I don't get treated as such. It's provided me a lot of opportunities that I don't think I would have had (I probably would have curled up in a ball and studied all the time if I hadn't joined), and it's definitely helped me with conversation and interview skills, and how to deal with people I otherwise wouldn't. But it's a HUGE time commitment, especially if you don't know how to deal with the being-on-you-own-in-college thing.

So, moral of this story: I say yes, do it. But don't get so bogged down in Greek life that you forget about your main goal: med school.

 

[Doxorubicin]

Would you guys say that fraternities helped better yourselves academically? It seems like the overwhelming majority say that Greek life only pulled down their GPA, but would it be possible to find a fraternity with goal-minded people who, while social, still make their personal goals/their philanthropy their major goals? How could you distinguish/find these organizations (if they do exist?)

 

[CuttingCorneas]

Would you guys say that fraternities helped better yourselves academically? It seems like the overwhelming majority say that Greek life only pulled down their GPA, but would it be possible to find a fraternity with goal-minded people who, while social, still make their personal goals/their philanthropy their major goals? How could you distinguish/find these organizations (if they do exist?)

Here's the truth. The reason Greek GPAs are higher is because:

1) Organizations pick you based on grades, among other things. At least in sorority rush, a lot of houses cut you if you don't meet their minimum grade requirement (anywhere from a 2.5 to a 2.8)

2) There's a thing called TestFiles. Basically every house has folders set up that have previous tests and quizzes from every class ever taken. While some files are a little outdated, most have stuff from the previous couple of semesters. So you get a leg up on the competition (aka the non-Greeks) before the first test even rolls around. Some professors, however, have caught onto this system, and so they refuse to give back hard copies of exams, just the scores. You have to go to office hours if you actually want to see what you missed. Thus the "bad attitude" that most professors have toward Greeks, because they see them as "cheating bottom-feeders," which in essence, we kind of are.

3) Most Greeks are Business/non-Science majors. Easier classes=higher GPAs, while us Pre-Meds are stuck in study hall, reading ourselves to death.

 

[BigRedBeta]

Test files are only part of it. Greek Systems with high GPA's that do have intelligent, motivated individuals.

The real benefit of Greek Life is the mentoring system. You have older members who have done it, can advise you on issues directly relevant to your school and your situation, and are there to support you through the process. It's a level of advising that just isn't available through standard means. All those kids that come to SDN asking questions that only matter at their school are obviously not Greeks...

The best chapters will help their new members manage the transition from HS to college, and that included academics. Every fraternity I know of has required study hours for new members. Yes, most pre-meds are going to study beyond those, but it's helpful to have the extra structure.

When you add it all together, joining a fraternity or sorority can be an incredible asset. But you have to be at a school with a good greek system, join a chapter that has a good track record, and then still do the work.

 

[CuttingCorneas]

The best chapters will help their new members manage the transition from HS to college, and that included academics. Every fraternity I know of has required study hours for new members. Yes, most pre-meds are going to study beyond those, but it's helpful to have the extra structure.

I think the "theory" of study hall is really nice. I use it all the time, and so do some of my friends. But a lot of the houses on my campus (including my own) only require 6-10 hours a week for new members, which is half of what you should be doing as a freshman, if you go by the "1 lower-division credit hour = 2 study hours" rule. Add this to the fact that initiated members usually aren't required, and you have the running joke known as study hall.

Also, if you don't make above a certain GPA, you're required to do study hall for a certain number of hours equivalent to your GPA. For example, 2.8-3.0 = 4 hours a week, while 2.6-2.8 = 5 hours a week, etc. Once again, not very effective considering you should be studying much more than that on a weekly basis. The "incentive" if you make above a certain GPA (say 3.0 is the cutoff) is that you are no longer required to complete mandatory study hall hours! But you still should be studying regardless, so this is a bit counter-intuitive.

The truth is, you're going to study or you're not. Being in a fraternity or sorority shouldn't affect that. Sure, you'll be exposed to more parties and have more social opportunities than a regular GDI, but you have the chance to go or stay home. It's up to you, and study hall doesn't change that.

 

[Seahawk]

Stay away from greek life.

 

[I'm No Superman]

Stay away from greek life.

Why?

 

[Masterus]

It really depends on the type of person you are and how big greek life is at your school. I pledged last semester and it was really fun, though academics were not as strong. It does force you to time manage better. Over 80% of the fortune 500 CEOs were all a part of a fraternity during their college years. So many successful and well-known people have gone through the system.