Anonymous wrote:OP here. Why do you think schools like Northwestern and WUSL have a high% of students in a Greek life. I think 1/3 is high. They are both near big cities with lots to do. Why does Greek life not die out?

Because some people enjoy Greek Life organizations.

If you don't, fine.

Anonymous wrote:What is weird to most of us parents is that Greek life has increased so much compared to the 1970's, 1980's even early 1990's. Including at places like Harvard, Princeton, and some of the schools originally mentioned by the PP that had no or little Greek life back then. I have no clear idea why, but really a big change that has changed the social flavor of campuses quite a bit. Perhaps the decrease in the drinking age to 18 accelerated this, off campus parties becoming more important because less consequences if "caught" than on campus once drinking age raised.

Where has the drinking age decreased to 18? As far as I know, it's 21 in every state.

This information is a little out of date, but I went to NU, my brother went to Wash U, and my cousin went to Cornell.

I was in a sorority at NU. I liked the other women, the house, the football games, the T-shirts ... not so keen on Rush. I would say my friends were 50/50 Greek and non-Greek. No one lacked for a social life.

My brother dropped out of a fraternity as a pledge at Wash U. Not for him. Judging by the constant stream of college friends in and out of his apartment, the social demands of his job, and the huge number of weddings he attends, he did not lack for a social life or for networking opportunities as a non-Greek.

My cousin was in a sorority at Cornell. She's the most studious of the three of us. Being in a sorority did not negatively impact her studies or her social life.

My point is, I think you can thrive either way at any of these schools. I found the Greek scene at NU to be fairly low pressure and relatively inclusive.

there are schools with no Greek life. Someone could post a list, I'm sure. if your DC knows that is something s/he doesn't want, hat should focus the schools you look at.

What is weird to most of us parents is that Greek life has increased so much compared to the 1970's, 1980's even early 1990's. Including at places like Harvard, Princeton, and some of the schools originally mentioned by the PP that had no or little Greek life back then. I have no clear idea why, but really a big change that has changed the social flavor of campuses quite a bit. Perhaps the decrease in the drinking age to 18 accelerated this, off campus parties becoming more important because less consequences if "caught" than on campus once drinking age raised.

Anonymous wrote:

Well, I was at Cornell 20 years ago, so things could very well be different now, but it was such a big place it was easy to find your niche without going Greek.

I had the same experience,15 years ago. It is a big part of some people's social lives there, but certainly not everyone's, and there are plenty of other ways to socialize and have fun.

I totally agree with this and I graduated only a "few" years ago. Cornell is big enough where you can get involved if you want, but it is not overwhelming if it is something that you don't want. There are so many other clubs and organizations where you can find your niche.

Theta Delta Chi was suspended this week at Cornell (per Cornell website) for serious hazing allegations. Even at a $60,000 a year Ivy, the stupidity continues

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Why do you think schools like Northwestern and WUSL have a high% of students in a Greek life. I think 1/3 is high. They are both near big cities with lots to do. Why does Greek life not die out?

Wash U is a rich kid school so they need sororities and fraternities to reinforce their sense of exclusivity.

You have a rich imagination.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Why do you think schools like Northwestern and WUSL have a high% of students in a Greek life. I think 1/3 is high. They are both near big cities with lots to do. Why does Greek life not die out?

Wash U is a rich kid school so they need sororities and fraternities to reinforce their sense of exclusivity.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Why do you think schools like Northwestern and WUSL have a high% of students in a Greek life. I think 1/3 is high. They are both near big cities with lots to do. Why does Greek life not die out?

Why would it die out?

It doesn't die out because many, many people think it's a positive thing. You honestly don't sound the least bit open-minded, OP. It's perfectly fine for your child not to have any interest in joining a fraternity, but to question why it doesn't die out reflects a remarkable inability to even imagine other viewpoints/perspectives. Many different types of people at many different types of schools join the Greek system and enjoy it for various reasons. It can make a big school feel smaller and more comfortable, can introduce people to friends they never would have otherwise met, can provide social and community service opportunities easily, etc. I'm certainly not saying it's perfect or for everyone, but it seems a bit ridiculous to not see ANY potential positives.

OP here. Why do you think schools like Northwestern and WUSL have a high% of students in a Greek life. I think 1/3 is high. They are both near big cities with lots to do. Why does Greek life not die out?