Doing Greek life at a school not known for it

[Anonymous]

I know Greek life is not for the faint of heart at the big southern schools, among others. But, my daughter is attending a smaller, Catholic/Jesuit college in an urban area where less than 10% is involved in Greek Life. Does anyone have experiences with Greek life at schools like these? On principle I am pretty opposed to Greek life, but my daughter is the kind of person who needs to find a "niche" before feeling comfortable and I feel like it could be a great way to create a smaller community so I am considering suggesting it to her.

[Anonymous]

I attended Georgetown, which you may be describing. As far back as I attended (late 90s:early 00s) there was a business co-Ed frat and a service frat. It may have expanded now, but I didn't know very many people involved. I'm assuming the business frat was good for making connections after graduation, since it was before the time of LinkedIn.

I would suggest your dd join several clubs that match her interest, that she join some of the retreats that her university may offer for freshman, and that since she's in an urban area, she make an effort to get off campus with internships and the like. It will make her experience rich and diverse, and hopefully she will find a good group of friends.

Basically get out, and get involved. She doesn't need a Greek system to have a good college experience.

[Anonymous]

I attended a school with similar numbers in the west. My bother attendee h same school and went Greek. He loved it. I rushed at his insistence and decided it wasn't for me.

I think one problem with the low % is that you don't have a lot to choose from, in terms of culture. And since only 10% of school is there it's sort of self-selective. Party-hard date-rapey frats (and the one stoner group) and highly cliquey sororities. I'd be very cautious and follow PPs advice about clubs, etc before going this route. I fell in with the female athletes from the dorms and they were a much better fit and a real positive influence throughout college. Consider myself lucky