The Pros and Cons of Greek Life on Campus

Consider All of the Factors Before You Decide to Go Greek Depending on which best-fit school you choose to enroll in, Greek Life may be a huge presence on campus, an option available for students who are interested, or totally non-existent. While Greek Life can be a fun opportunity to connect with peers and make an impact on the community, some students may choose to look for opportunities to network elsewhere. Before pledging a fraternity or a sorority, it is important to do your diligence and learn exactly what kind of commitment is involved, so you can assess how it aligns with your needs and goals. Keep reading to learn more about the some of the pros and cons students should consider before going Greek. Pro: You Can Make ConnectionsJoining a sorority or fraternity can be excellent way to meet a group of like-minded peers from a variety of class years, backgrounds, majors, and social circles. Your â€Å"brothers† or â€Å"sisters† can become some of your closest friends and can also be a great resource for learning more about on-campus opportunities, such as past-time jobs, school organizations, and internships. Pro: PhilanthropyAlmost all Greek organizations participate in a variety of charity events that allow you to get in touch with your philanthropic side and advocate for causes that matter to you. Being involved in a sorority or fraternity can help give students a platform to raise money for an organization that they are passionate about. Students who get involved in the organization and fundraising side of events can also gain real-life skills that can be utilized in resumes and serve as a foundation for professional work. Pro: You May Feel More InvolvedGreek life is designed to foster a sense of community and help students feel closer to a group of their peers who choose to be in the same sorority or fraternity. Choosing to pledge can help encourage students to try activities outside of their comfort zones and get more involved on campus. Students who choose to serve as their chapter’s president or another leadership role will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of their university and practice working with peers to make important changes. Con: Time and Energy RequiredDepending on the sorority or fraternity you choose to pledge to, participating in Greek life can feel like a tremendous undertaking. Most students in a sorority or fraternity are expected to attend chapter meetings, weekend activities, and monthly events, all while maintaining your grades and participating in other extracurricular activities. While students in Greek life certainly can make friends outside of their sorority or fraternity, there may be less time to mingle with other peers due to the time commitment associated with pledging a sorority or fraternity. It is important to remember that your primary responsibility in college is being a student; be sure you will be able to prioritize your studies throughout your Greek life commitment. Con: CostMany students may not realize this before coming to college, but Greek life comes with a variety of fees. Students must pay memberships dues and also need to budget for events, which may include formal attire, gifts, and short trips. All of these costs can quickly add up and may not seem worthwhile if there are other commitments that are more important to you. At the end of the day, students will have plenty of opportunities to connect with peers and thrive, particularly if they enroll in a best-fit college. If you are working on creating your own list of schools to apply to and looking for expert input, our team of college admissions counselors can help point you in the right direction.