Thoughts on Greek life?

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nctw

nctw

"Don't give up…don't ever give up."
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What are your thoughts on Greek life and being a pre-med student?
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nctw said:
What are your thoughts on Greek life and being a pre-med student?
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I attend a small liberal arts college, where the percentage of students that are greek affiliated is close to 85-90%. Hard to believe but true. My decision to remain independent has been amazing, in that I have made friends from all walks of life, refused to categorize, stigmatize, or compartmentalize myself socially and academically. In my interviews at medical schools this app season, I believe it was my ability to relate my experiences in seeking to make inclusivity a priority in my life that spoke very well about who I believe I am deep down, and who I will continue to be as a physician, that does not limit his compassion to any group, regardless of circumstances. If you think binge drinking is something you can put on your application, or a miniscule affiliation with some frat/sorority sponsored charity, then make frat life your thing and go for it. But if you value real, genuine life defined by an appreciation of all people and all experiences, then remain independent and let it be to your advantage.
 
I interviewed one student who actually brought up his frat. He tried to spin it as a "community service" activity, but it was clear that the activities were weak and his role in them were effortless. I agree with the above. You can be in a frat, but don't bring it up on an application. Short of the rare honors academic frats, few will believe they are substantial, and many can interpret them in a negative light.
 
I hear they are going to default on their debts. Probably shouldn't admit to being Greek during a med school interview.
 
It really depends. I mean frats of course party b/c that's what they are known for but they do also do community service and such. It's a great experience to meet people and socialize and have a EC, but they often cost alot too.

Ultimately, the main question is if you believe you can handle frat life while at the same time managing your school work.
 
Greek life is not all together different than other collegiate extracurricular activities in that some are of value and others are not. I would encourage you to consider your options and interests and then contemplate engaging in "rush" even if you think you're unlikely to pledge. There are certainly positives and negatives to Greek life, but it is not incompatible with pre-med. Throughout undergrad, I had wonderful friends in my sorority, other sororities and fraternities, and many, many independent friends - there were pre-meds among Greeks and non-Greeks. To the poster above who assumes all Greek community service is meaningless, I participated in several meaningful endeavors with my sorority, and I have found that the applicants I have interviewed this season have impressive community service, some of which was affiliated with their Greek organization. Finally, although I would caution against joining a Greek organization solely for this reason, my sorority has paid for about 20% of my tuition over the last four years of medical school. Through the process of applying for my scholarships, I have interacted with many smart, like-minded Greeks who value higher education like I do and who understand that helping with my tuition not only decreases my loan burden but also decreases the amount of interest I owe. There is no "right" answer, but I would not disregard Greek life just because people you don't know said it was a bad idea on an anonymous forum.
 
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My older brother did the Greek life thing at UCSB in the early 90s (IBwhatyousaycallsmeOLD). It almost didn't end well for him both academically and financially.

And when I visited his frat at his graduation I almost vomited at the thought of using their bathroom.
 
You are going to get a lot of mixed reviews on this board. The bottom line is that it really doesn't matter to anyone but you. Some people hate fraternities and some people like them. Do whatever you want - just don't let your grades drop.

I was in a fraternity and I enjoyed it. I put it on my application because what I did there meant stuff to me. I was head of scholarship and we had the highest GPA of any organization on campus. We also did a bunch of fundraising for charity. Fraternities can be respectful and also respected. They can also serve as a great resource for many things you do in life. Find the one that is right for you and they can be a lot of fun. 🙂
 
DrBowtie said:
The Greek system has more money than the Greek government. 😎 TFM.
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^Awesome^. I joined a fraternity my junior year when I transferred from a community college. I honestly think that it has been one of the best decisions of my collegiate life. I suppose it is a possibility that I found a diamond in the rough with my chapter but I really enjoy the brotherhood, philanthropy and opportunities available to me.

Fraternities are a major time commitment but, as an officer, I've learned that as you put more into the success of your chapter, the more personal satisfaction you derive from it. Also, undergrad isn't mindlessly chugging away at satisfying the acceptable formula of a perfect med school application, you shouldn't forget to have a little fun.

Hope that helps.
 
Wow, I guess I shouldn't be surprised with the extreme negativity against the Greek system. It's not like it is on TV and there are some really good things that can come from it. I would have never gone Greek based on my "prior knowledge", but I went to a really small school ivy competitor where most people were Greek. What I found was that at my school, all the GPAs were extremely high, people actually did (and cared about) community service, and everyone hung out with everyone, no matter which sorority or if you were independent. I found an amazing group of women that are still some of my closest friends. I learned not to be shy anymore and how to deal with/have patience with a very wide range of personalities. And let me be clear - I am most definitely not even close to the sorority stereotype. I was the girl that swore she'd never stoop to that level, and it definitely improved my life. And re: the time commitment: it's just like anything else - if you balance your time correctly, you can make it work.
 
Pretty much when you're a GDI you have no fun. I fratted hard, and still rocked my MCATS. In between shotgunning kegs I was even able to study for exams.
 
Too much commitment. All the frats in my college weren't really my type.
 
I don't mind 'em if they're the honors frats for community service and all.
 
I was in a sorority for about three months. My thoughts?
:barf::barf::barf::barf::barf:
 
I live right across from all the frats, so I'm kinda predisposed to bash on them. For instance: just today, about 150 guys danced (jumped up and down) topless on a reeeally tiny roof to loud horrible-sounding music. I watched, just waiting for the thing to collapse. It didn't.
 
Reasons why I have loved being in my sorority:

1. President of organization - learned an enormous amount about managing people, time, events, finances, etc. in general. Specifically:

2. Organized regional convention with large budget, with workshops targeting our philanthropy and business/professional development, Greek-specific strategies (rush/pledging processes), as well as fun activities (and of course parties).

3. Extensive interaction with national governance as well as university administration, and with other organizations on campus. Because I come from a chapter that's a little different from others in the organization at large, I have had plenty of opportunities to meet sisters from professionally, socioeconomically, as well as ethnically diverse backgrounds.

4. Incredibly helpful alumni network. This might have been particular to my chapter, but having alum sisters at top 3 medical schools, top 3 law schools, top 3/4/5 consulting firms has made my senior year so much easier. Oh and having sisters in every major (and not-so-major city) makes couch-surfing a lot safer for an Asian girl traveling alone.

5. I haven't personally made use of this, but our national panlist sends out a billion job/internship opportunities.

6. My chapter does a ton of volunteering work. I won't get into the specifics but we fundraise quite a bit and it's always a blast.

7. (Most importantly) AMAZING FRIENDS FOR LIFE. Okay, you can get this elsewhere too. Mine just happen to be in my sorority 🙂


Make sure that when you rush, all the members have lives outside the GLO. I think the most successful ones are where the members have significant leadership positions in other major campus organizations. Every single member of my chapter has studied abroad for at least one semester, held at least one notable leadership role in another organization, and a GPA of 3.5 or above (you become automatically inactive if your GPA dips below this and we do not allow students with a lower GPA to pledge). I think this type of emphasis on the academic, professional, and personal development of members is integral to building a healthy organization.

Also... make sure you really like them. A lot of people overlook this somehow...


Edit:

Epen said:
I live right across from all the frats, so I'm kinda predisposed to bash on them. For instance: just today, about 150 guys danced (jumped up and down) topless on a reeeally tiny roof to loud horrible-sounding music. I watched, just waiting for the thing to collapse. It didn't.
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This is hilarious. I would grab a beer and watch 😛
 
Nymphicus said:
Waste of time for the large majority of people, imo
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woah hey woah, don't speak for everyone as it definitely was not a waste of my time in the slightest.

Joining my fraternity was definitely one of the better decisions I made during my undergrad. Not only did it provide an outlet to let lose after studies were done (and seriously folks you need time to let lose once in a while, it'll do you some good) but it provided the opportunities for a large majority of the ECs that have helped me in my decision to pursue medicine. I checked out all the frats at my school, rushed the ones i liked and made sure that the one that decided to offer me a pledge was the right one for me. I haven't looked back since.

This is what I say to the OP, pay no attention to what you read on these boards when it comes to greek life, there's so much negativity on here that you'd probably end up with the wrong idea and not only a. judge those who are part of the greek system but b. miss out on what could be a truly life changing experience. Check out the fraternities at your school, ask questions about how they handle studies and extracurriculars, talk to the pre-meds that are in the chapter, find out for yourself if its right for you. If it is, great and if it isn't that's alright too as the greek system isn't for everyone. But don't go thinking that its only bad and that you can't succeed in college if you were to join one.
 
I'd say check them out and see if they are for you. If you check out 10 frats/sororities and find one decent one that offers what you want I'd say go for it. Letting loose after tests and being social is a choice. You do not have to be greek to do it. It only makes it easier. I personally do not like 90% of the greeks at my school, but that is because the guys are mostly spoiled rich kids, and the girls caddy and superficial.This is more of a result of where I go to school. Back home I like the greeks.There are a few here though that do great community service activities (not just the ones explicitly for this purpose) and that have a lot of dedicated, cool students. Greek culture definitely varies by school though, so just take a look and see. Pledging takes up a large amount of time though, regardless of what school you attend.
 
Vandy Premed said:
I'd say check them out and see if they are for you. If you check out 10 frats/sororities and find one decent one that offers what you want I'd say go for it. Letting loose after tests and being social is a choice. You do not have to be greek to do it. It only makes it easier. I personally do not like 90% of the greeks at my school, but that is because the guys are mostly spoiled rich kids, and the girls caddy and superficial.This is more of a result of where I go to school. Back home I like the greeks.There are a few here though that do great community service activities (not just the ones explicitly for this purpose) and that have a lot of dedicated, cool students. Greek culture definitely varies by school though, so just take a look and see. Pledging takes up a large amount of time though, regardless of what school you attend.
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One of the ones I was looking at has nontraditional pledging that is more of a leadership training program. They also have the highest campus GPA among fraternities.
 
I think it really depends on the person. I know 3 types of Greeks

Some of my friends who are Greek are the kindest most down to earth people I know. They have great people skills and are easy to talk to. I think they thrive in this environment of keeping busy and making tons of friends. Staying busy actually helps them manage their time to study

A few Greeks I have met just forget about school. They have high aspirations at first and than realize working as a bartender/waiter and getting smashed every night is more fun..... They do tend to be cool to hang with unless they start to rub off.

Couple of Greeks I know are huge douche bags whose douchieness just multiplies tenfold in a frat/sorority. I think it helps them mold their personality a bit more with all the different interactions.


I'm sure that Greeks have all types of personalities but I can usually nail them down to one of those categories in some capacity.
 
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I think it mostly depends on you whether or not you are interested. If you are, research a good one with good reputation. Even after joining a group, you still must have your individuality as a person and not buy too much into group think. I think greek life can be fun and be a good balance and learning experience for you. I am thinking of starting a chapter at my state university and look forward to the challenges and experiences. Good luck with your decision.
 
nctw said:
One of the ones I was looking at has nontraditional pledging that is more of a leadership training program. They also have the highest campus GPA among fraternities.
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My GLO does this and it's so much better than "traditional pledging". We have some elements of that as well, but coming from the northeast, I would probably have punched actives in the face before agreeing to most hazing tactics...
 
aSagacious said:
👎 - not because it conflicts with being a pre-med, I simply detest frats and sororities (both in theory and in practice).
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Except Phi Kappa Beta and AOA, right? 😉
 
Vandy Premed said:
I'd say check them out and see if they are for you. If you check out 10 frats/sororities and find one decent one that offers what you want I'd say go for it. Letting loose after tests and being social is a choice. You do not have to be greek to do it. It only makes it easier. I personally do not like 90% of the greeks at my school, but that is because the guys are mostly spoiled rich kids, and the girls caddy and superficial.This is more of a result of where I go to school. Back home I like the greeks.There are a few here though that do great community service activities (not just the ones explicitly for this purpose) and that have a lot of dedicated, cool students. Greek culture definitely varies by school though, so just take a look and see. Pledging takes up a large amount of time though, regardless of what school you attend.
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Having been to your fine campus several times, I can attest to the rampant douchebaggery present in your Greek life.
 
isoquin said:
I interviewed one student who actually brought up his frat. He tried to spin it as a "community service" activity, but it was clear that the activities were weak and his role in them were effortless. I agree with the above. You can be in a frat, but don't bring it up on an application. Short of the rare honors academic frats, few will believe they are substantial, and many can interpret them in a negative light.
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Uhh, what?

Every fraternity has leadership roles, how could they possibly be interpreted in a negative light? I'm the interfraternity representative for my chapter, I am on our scholarship committee where I have to keep track of individual members and how they're doing in classes/get them help if they are struggling, and I am the Greek liaison for my university's RSA. How are any of those positions effortless?
 
OP I was interested in a greek organization and I am still interested in one but I didn't make line 🙁. Black Greek Letter Organizations is a different ball game so I may try to work hard towards it before I enter medical school or during medical school. A grad chapter of course 🙂. But that's mine opinion though OP
 
nctw said:
One of the ones I was looking at has nontraditional pledging that is more of a leadership training program. They also have the highest campus GPA among fraternities.
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Be wary of claims about "nontraditional pledging" and "no hazing" and the like.
Morsetlis said:
Except Phi Kappa Beta and AOA, right? 😉
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You mean Phi Beta Kappa?
 
They're definitely fun, but there's certainly a different culture at different schools. Greek life at a big state school can be very different than greek life at a small private school. Even in between fraternities and sororities on the same campus, there are different cultures and fits.

I can only speak for fraternities, and sorority rush is a whole different kind of kettle. If you are interested in greek life, I would definitely go through the rush week and rush events, meet the actives of each fraternity. You can typically get very nice free dinners, do various cool free stuff, and until you actually drop your bid, is non-committal.

Now, regarding balancing premed course with greek life. It is as stated, a major time commitment, especially during pledgeship, and especially for fraternities (guys have it easier before pledging, harder afterwards. Girls are the opposite). As a pledge, you would be responsible for memorizing lore/rituals, doing pledge events 3-5 times a week, doing the brunt and heavy lifting of organizing parties. It can be a part time job.

They can be sometimes helpful (their test files dwarf any dorm collections, etc) for premeds, the major part of greek life will require balancing with premed life. For me, it was certainly worth it for the social aspect, and financially, it made sense. I certainly didn't view it as anything other than social outlet, and never put it on any resume/applications.
 
Just dropped pledging a frat after a week. To much of a time commitment with orgo and two other bio courses.
 
some people can do it, some people can't. I personally love it and make awesome grades at the same time.

coming to SDN to ask about greek life is an awful idea by the way.
 
Greek Life eh?
I enjoy being invincible and throwing lightning bolts on a daily basis.
 
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