Should I Join a Fraternity/Sorority?
For the sake of brevity, I am going to refer to a Fraternity/Sorority collectively as a “frat”. You need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I like people?
- Do I want to learn to like people?
- Do I have extra cash to fork over for dues and frequent social gatherings?
If you answered no to these questions, then you do not need to join a frat, unless they are offering you a scholarship. (If you’re into frat shenanigans but don’t think joining is for you, check out these dorm room pranks.)
By joining one of these organizations, you can expect to do more socializing than you have ever done in your entire life. There are usually weekly parties or things going on in which you are expected to participate. This also requires a fair amount of money. Though alumni frat members seem to love donating houses once they become successful, new members still have to pay membership dues. Supposedly this helps fund volunteer projects and other worthy endeavors. Don’t forget that going out to restaurants or bars adds up pretty quick, too.
Now for round 2. More questions:
- Do you want to do well in college?
- Are you being offered a scholarship for joining a specific frat?
- Does frat life only interest you because of its dark side?
I realize that stereotypes exist for a reason, but I prefer the exceptions to the rule in this case. Take a trip down memory lane at some point and watch Animal House or Revenge of the Nerds. I grew up thinking that all colleges had constant feuds amongst frats and that all most students did at college was drink and do nothing. If you have this same misconception as I once did, pay attention. Some students do this, but you should not. You do not go to college to get drunk three or more nights a week and you do not go to college to find a new hook-up every night…
…all of your drinking and Don Juan’ing should be done in moderation.
If you willingly put yourself in a fraternity infamous for its late-night escapades and laundry list of expectant mothers, then you are setting yourself up for failure. Many successful and prominent people were in frats back in the day, but I can guarantee you that they did it for the right reasons. These reasons include networking for future business/employment opportunities and leadership experience.
As I mentioned earlier, if you are being offered a one semester or one year scholarship for joining a frat, consider joining even if going Greek is the last thing you ever wanted to do. If the amount if not substantial, though, tell them to keep the toga.
Meet all the criteria thus far? If so, a frat is probably for you. Before joining, there are a few more things you need to do:
- Do your research. Talk to students and go online. See what this fraternity is all about. Find the one that fits your lifestyle, personality, and budget
- Don’t get duped during “rush” week. At the start of every semester, all fraternities perform what is known as rush. This is essentially just a membership drive where tons of parties and giveaways occur and most frat members are extra-nice. Let your research guide you, and participate primarily in the activities of the fraternities of which you have knowledge.
- Don’t be afraid to quit. Some fraternities used to be notorious for horrendous hazing practices for new members. Undoubtedly, some of this nonsense still goes on. If for any reason you want to get out of a frat, quit. It doesn’t matter how many current members drank the cup of skunk piss before. If you are being forced to do something that makes you feel unsafe get the hell out of there and let somebody on campus know what’s going on.
You now have the self-awareness and information to make your own decision. If nothing else, take advantage of the free food and prizes during rush week.
Joining a fraternity or sorority can be fun, though many online universities don’t have a huge Greek life presence. Though, if you don’t have the time for classes and clubs, online degree programs might be a good choice for you. Whether you want your online MBA or Bachelors degree, you can do it all from the comfort of your home!
This is clearly a biased opinion. Learn to make friends with out paying for them. Be an individual not one sheep in the herd. Going Greek is great if you have low self esteem, are shy, need help getting a date.
PAY FOR COLLEGE NOT FREIENDS!
ya i agree its lame. google “greekisweak” it explains it all
Im in the greek system at the University of Washington. I love my every one of my experiences being a greek member. I agree dont change yourself to fit in. rather find a fraternity that will except you for you. Also great networking. I got my internship at a law firm due to an alumni. GREEK RULES
There are some fraternities that are strict about performing community service and that also provide social activities and opportunities for networking. You just gotta do the research and if you take into account pieces of what everyone else here has posted, you’ll be fine if you choose to “Go Greek”.
There are valid arguments for both sides. I look at fraternities as positive as long as you perform your research and due diligence.
There are some great fraternities as well as terrible ones. Each fraternity chapter is different on each campus as well. Just because a Zeta Psi chapter hazes at Northeastern doesn’t mean they will haze at South Florida. Each chapter has its own personality and values. Make sure their values line up with yours.
There are many great fraternities that do a great job helping you make connections with alumni, excel academically, and make a different philanthropically.
Fraternities help you establish a connection to the university after you graduate. Try coming back to the Campbell Hall Dorm and tell the residents you were the president there 20 years ago. I doubt you’ll be taken in with open arms. Doing the same with fraternity undergrads will spark some interesting conversation.
Fraternities also give you a great connection across state lines at other universities. During my college days, I knew I had a couch to sleep on at 80+ universities throughout the country. It’s hard to find another organization on campus that can match that perk.
I also had easy access to thousands of professional alumni who were willing to give advice and help on a moment’s notice. I’m sure other organizations have similar programs, but this was a great help to me as I was transitioning into my professional life.
Would you call your country a cunt? Then dont call a fraternity a frat, or you show yourself as the strange loony outsider that wishes they could go greek. Im sure that there are plenty of independents out there that are fine and have a fine time at college. But if you do not go greek you have no access to the fraternal test bank, you will miss greek olympics and shot block contests, and you will have no chance of getting a cushy job from an alum during old school week. As to the crazy questions about hazing, this isnt 1940! The most hazing i ever saw was having pledges drive us home and clean up after parties, considering they are 18 or 19 this is not necessarily a bad thing. One final note to all of those that believe that fraternities promote underage drinking: they do not! Every fraternity has to declare a risk management officer with IFC who is responsible for making sure no underage drinking or intoxicated shenanigans occur under the auspices of the fraternity, if these things do occur the fraternity can risk probation, suspension, or even having their charter pulled.