Should I join a fraternity?

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USCTex said:
This is stupid...I got nothing against you. I don't even know you. I was just saying you're being as closed minded as you accuse fraternities of being and there are plenty of good things about being a member of a fraternity (of which I'm proud). But, it ain't a big deal...you keep your opinion and I'll keep mine...

Done.
 
Kiroro said:
Definitely don't join a Fraternity because many girls hate Frat boys.

Just take this as an honest advice from a college girl.
I'd rather date a geek than a greek.
I mean they (frat boys) are trying way too hard to make themselves look good and it really disgusts me. In my opinion, guys should not put so much money into their clothing, hair, and perfume. Also many of them are trying way too hard to be pumped up. I mean having some muscle is sure nice but spending so much time in the gym for body building just makes them look that much more desperate to get girls.
I'm sure many girls have same opinion with me....


I would bet you go to a Yankee school with gel headed frat liberals don't you? Try taking a trip to a true southern school and look at the fraternity system down here. No one is working on there bodies all the time and this crap you talk about. We have better things to do than worrry about these petty things.
 
I am in my first year of medical school (US accredited allopathic). I pledged a Fraternity during my second year and it was an experience I will never forget. You cannot trust the advice of people who did not join a Fraternity, because they have no idea what its about. If its what you really want to do, you should definitely do it. I completely understand your concerns about getting into medical school, because I had the same concerns of my own. However, while pledging my GPA was ~3.74. My semester was not easy that semester either. At the time I was taking Organic Chem, Physics, Functional Human Anatomy, a lab, and Statistical Application in Exercise Science. I ended up becomng president, getting really involved with the InterFraternity Council, stayed active with all my other activities and still found time to have fun. My GPA upon graduation was a 3.8 (no joke). Realize that you can always drop pledging if you feel that it is really hurting you academically. There is always at least one person who drops. Just don't expect to be cool with the brothers afterward. Again, DON'T ASK PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T HAD THE EXPERIENCE! I'm someone who did and made it. Hope this helps.
 
Dr_Smooth said:
There is always at least one person who drops. Just don't expect to be cool with the brothers afterward. Again, DON'T ASK PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T HAD THE EXPERIENCE! I'm someone who did and made it. Hope this helps.

I really ought to stop pressing the issue, but you guys just make some really odd statements that beg to be addressed. I mean, really take a look at the quote. Does the OP really want to join an organization that shuns you for necessarily dropping out? To argue for a point by bringing to light the hideous aspects of your argument is either really bad writing or a truly genious argumentative method that is beyond me. You guys kill me!

Perhaps the frat posters are right. I am absolutely clueless about frats. Shallow has risen to new depths that prior to this thread would never have been thought to exist.
 
I didn't read this entire thread but skimmed through and oh my there are some close minded folks. I love how all those who shoot out sterotypes and assumptions about frats based on what, TV? Movies? Real solid there. Its the same thing as saying, I knew a black/asian/mexican person and boy was a theif....I guess all black/asian/mexican are thieves. Tell me how your sterotying is any different?

If a greek can balance a social life, excell in academics and have time for whatever EC's, what do you have against him?

Of course what do I know, I am in frat, I must be drunk right now and sleeping with sleezy girls.

Anyways, GuyLaroche and the like, keep throwing out your claims, your ignorance is almost entertaining.
 
Reno said:
Anyways, GuyLaroche and the like, keep throwing out your claims, your ignorance is almost entertaining.

I go to a school that showcases all I need to know about Greek life. I know all I need to know. Sometimes, you've got to listen to the outsiders to really take a close look at the inside. Your perspective - as I am guessing you are in a frat - is muddied by the drunken haze from within the frat. Trust me, I am perpetually sober: frats suck!
 
Again explain to me how your argument is different then say,

I go to a school that is predominently white, and lets say there are 10 African American students there. All of them like rap, by your logic every single African American in America loves rap. Again this a purely hypothetical situation, howver you get my point.

You realized I was in a frat? Wow, nothing gets past you. Perhaps a career in crime scene investigation is for you, your quite the problem solver.

I am not gonna argue with some one that is as close minded as you, it is pointless, after all your never wrong, your an all mighty pre-med at a school where you can show all those dumb frat guys.
 
This is just for everyone's benefit. This is my last argument and there is no way to respond to it. Go Greek!

Did you know?

-Forty-three of 50 of the nation's largest corporations are led by Greeks?
-Three Fourths of Congress is Greek?
-Two-thirds of all Presidential Cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek?
-Of Supreme Court Justices since 1910, 85% have been Greek?
-Since fraternities began in 1825, all but three US Presidents belonged to a fraternity?
-Eighty-five percent of the Fortune 500 chief executives belong to a fraternity?
-Today, 65 fraternities with over 6,000 chapters on more than 800 campuses in the U.S. and Canada, include 400,000 undergraduates and a total living membership of over 4.5 million?
-Similarly, there are 26 sororities with over 2,660 chapters in the U.S. in Canada and a total membership of more than 2.5 million women?
-Well over 7 million dollars and a million man hours are contributed to charities and social service agencies each year by fraternities alone?

All this when only 2% of the male population belongs to fraternities.
 
Mephisto said:
This is just for everyone's benefit. This is my last argument and there is no way to respond to it. Go Greek!

Did you know?

-Forty-three of 50 of the nation's largest corporations are led by Greeks?
-Three Fourths of Congress is Greek?
-Two-thirds of all Presidential Cabinet members since 1900 have been Greek?
-Of Supreme Court Justices since 1910, 85% have been Greek?
-Since fraternities began in 1825, all but three US Presidents belonged to a fraternity?
-Eighty-five percent of the Fortune 500 chief executives belong to a fraternity?
-Today, 65 fraternities with over 6,000 chapters on more than 800 campuses in the U.S. and Canada, include 400,000 undergraduates and a total living membership of over 4.5 million?
-Similarly, there are 26 sororities with over 2,660 chapters in the U.S. in Canada and a total membership of more than 2.5 million women?
-Well over 7 million dollars and a million man hours are contributed to charities and social service agencies each year by fraternities alone?

All this when only 2% of the male population belongs to fraternities.


That is a list of about 400 successful frat boys. I could name, off the top of my head, at least that many frat boys that are complete failures in life.
 
USCTex said:
What?? What are you talking about??

These people are leaders because they're charismatic. These people are alcoholics and womanizers because...they're charismatic.

I assure you that alcoholism requires no charisma.
 
ok - woman's perspective ....


Some people have illconceptions of fraternities. This is coming from a woman who in college was one of the ONLY people who didn't rush a sorority, neither did I ever date a fraternity member so I have no Greek affiliation. I came from one of the biggest party schools in the nation at the time I was in undergrad. I was never in the frat scene but there are "good" frats and "bad" frats. Its all what you want to get out of it. I'm going ot assume the OP is smart enough to join a decent frat. Yes University of Delaware had a few who were "suspended" due to new policies implemented to curb the partying. But we actually had about 10 greek social organizations who suited everyone's interest and were actually considered some of the top greek organizations on campus who also most of the smartest people in my classes were in.

I also know some schools the only thing they really have to offer are sports and greek life. As stated, every school is different. Its not about who came from Greek Life, its the networking opportunity and organizational value.

Obviously those who are anti-greek have had back experiences with it. Greek system isn't for all, especially with the various chapters. Each chapter is different for the most part. To the OP - if you are still reading ... just make sure you have a balanced frat, otherwise they can bring you down 🙂 If you find an organization in which you fit, that is what counts the most!!!

Honestly people, stop arguing about it because you can't change peoples view over a forum ... well ... at least Pre-allo 🙄
 
indo said:
That is a list of about 400 successful frat boys. I could name, off the top of my head, at least that many frat boys that are complete failures in life.

You're missing the point...of course you could name that many failures but any logical person would see it's a matter of ratios.

Frat boys make up a small percentage of college graduates yet hold a much larger percentage of these "successful" spots. Clearly, in the measurements this poster was using in citing these stats frat boys (as a group and in statistical terms) are far more "successful" than non-greek college graduates.

indo said:
I assure you that alcoholism requires no charisma.

😀 Granted but for many (not all) it certainly makes them more charismatic...
 
This thread is messed up.

Are the people who are lashing out at greeks using loaded words like "bigotted," "racist," "exclusionary," "prejudiced," and the like aware of their hypocrisy?

Just wondering.


To the OP: Check it out, it couldn't hurt. Most chapters have intensive study programs and requrements for pledges and brothers. It won't hurt your grades or studying unless you let it. Don't watch Animal House to find out what greek life is like. Do unlike others on this thread (I'm referring to YOU Guy LaDouche and your ilk) and find out for yourself.

Phi Kappa Sigma
Rho Chapter
Xi Class
 
GuyLaroche is the kind of person we cut when they come through rush.

You don't know anything about it unless you experienced it.

Thats all I have to say.
 
blebl34 said:
GuyLaroche is the kind of person we cut when they come through rush.

You don't know anything about it unless you experienced it.

Thats all I have to say.

I totally agree. He was probably the uptight kid who wouldn't talk to anyone during rush and was just rushing for the free food, restaurants, and clubs. The reason why you can't be 'cool' with the guys in a fraternity if you depledge is because fraternities spend a lot of time, effort, and money on recruitment and member education. It's a committment both ways. There are always people who take the free stuff and run because they're not willing to commit like the other guys are. Just a raondom comment on what I've seen.
 
blebl34 said:
GuyLaroche is the kind of person we cut when they come through rush.


Well, thanks. I'll take it as a complement.
 
USCTex said:
You're missing the point...of course you could name that many failures but any logical person would see it's a matter of ratios.

Frat boys make up a small percentage of college graduates yet hold a much larger percentage of these "successful" spots. Clearly, in the measurements this poster was using in citing these stats frat boys (as a group and in statistical terms) are far more "successful" than non-greek college graduates.

No, what you're pointing out is that insufferable people tend to be attracted to politics and business, the sort of careers that people with self-respect and dignity maybe wouldn't pursue. Forgive me if I'm not absolutely blown away by your data. "People who bounce around like children and constantly have big sh1t-eating grins on their faces and come from money tend to do better in politics!" No kidding. Is this a compliment to the Greeks or a ringing indictment of the American political system?!
 
sacrament said:
No, what you're pointing out is that insufferable people tend to be attracted to politics and business, the sort of careers that people with self-respect and dignity maybe wouldn't pursue. Forgive me if I'm not absolutely blown away by your data. "People who bounce around like children and constantly have big sh1t-eating grins on their faces and come from money tend to do better in politics!" No kidding. Is this a compliment to the Greeks or a ringing indictment of the American political system?!


We come from the same school of thought. However, you've eloquently stated quite briefly the crux of all of arguments on this thread. In our school of thought, you must have a higher ranking than I do.
 
The original guy asked if he should give it a shot keeping in mind that hes going to apply for med school some day. Some people have gone way off topic, suggesting that going greek is the fastest way to the top and others rip it is full of aholes. Theyre both right. It depends on the frat or sor. And its also not all white. At least in my college in NY, though they are usually pretty exclusive unless advertised as mixed - Russian frats, African frats, Indian frats, Asian (and further divided into Korean or Chinese) frats and then there are mixed frats.

So to answer the original question, keep in mind what gpa's and mcats are needed to be competitive at the schools you want to apply to - if you plan on applying in Cali or Harvard, you dont have much room for error - a 3.3 gpa and 25 mcat arent going to help you if you were in a frat and competing against a coupla thousand 4.0's and 34's. Then there are those with exceptional grades who are also in frats and the frat experience really does help because they do well studying with that group of people. Also, some people live in places where the state school is their safety and accept over 50% of people who apply in state! Those people have more leeway and it can be a worthy experience that doesnt carry much risk if they do mess up a semester or two in the beginning, theyll still end up in med school. So if you want to do it and your desire outweighs the risk you are taking then go for it! The benefits may be great! But remember, theres no easy option - while lots of people in high places may have been in frats, i know that a huge number of fortune 500 chiefs also were in the armed forces or athletes, so why not either one of those?

And not all greek organizations suck. At this one college theres one that raises like 15g a year! for real causes and some people complain about them and they dont do jack. Then there are some frats at my college who did some 100 dollar fundraiser while their members are herbs who go around ripping down highway signs and breaking windows and blowing money on fees. Whats it mean again? nothing! random sprinkling of the general population! there are plenty of *******es and of mad cool people doing things for the community not in frats! So you gotta think about it and see what kind of people your rushing for SPECIFICALLY and then decide on your own! Cuz you dont want to join this one frat at my college but you sure as hell want to join that thing kerry and bush were in!
 
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