We just got a letter in the mail saying that the average fraternity dues last year were about $4700. That seems really expensive. Do the dues vary widely from fraternity to fraternity, or are they all pretty close to that number? Thanks.
The average fraternity dues are around that number with different fraternities paying less for their cooks or national dues and etc.
In any case that number is very decieving. Instead you should pay attention to the total cost of being in a fraternity. This includes the room and board (personal cooks at the houses), as well as the fraternity dues.
The total cost hovers around 9,750 for a soph living ina double room in the fraternity house, since you live on the school owned building. However this figuer will drop a couple of thousand when you are living in an off campus house if you choose to do so.
The prices range from around 9,000 to 12,200 for doubles, and 9,500 to 13,500 for singles. The cause of this range is the difference in the amound paid for cooks and etc at the diff houses.
For example, my house pays around half as much as some others for food.
Also you have to be careful in comparing that with what you would pay otherwise. Instead of just assuming you would pay the same for room and board as you would living in university housing and then assuming dues are the extra cost, compare costs of room and board - they may be more or less expensive. Wait until you get the booklet in the fall listing all the total fees and then compare.
How is life, outside of a frat? I mean, I am asian(turkish) I look white though, (kinda Jewish) anyways, how is the social life for someone not in a fraternity? Do people still go to parties or interact closely with people in frats? Are there any girls left to do? Not to sound rude or anything, I heard W&L was very cliquey and that if you aren't in a Frat, then you are basically all alone for 4 years? Can someone answer this please?
There is plenty to do if you are not in a fraternity. I recommend taking a look at SAO - the Student Activities Organization - when you get to campus. Also neither being or looking white have anything to do with life inside or outside of a fraternity, so there is no reason that should come into play.
W&L is extremely cliquey, but you can still interact with other people as long as you make the effort. I have a couple of friends who are extremely happy as independents. That being said, you should look at a variety of fraternities because they are all different and you may decide you want to join one of them in the end.
I agree with Morgan. As a girl, I came to W&L extremely wary of the frat/srat scene. Coming from the Midwest, where most sorority girls are anorexic whores, and most frat boys are *******s, I was actually fairly contemptuous of those who were involved in the Greek scene. Nevertheless, a few months in, I was faced with the tasks of convincing my parents to pay for rush. It wasn't what I expected. With some exceptions (there will ALWAYS be *******s) it seems like the frat (or srat) is just something else you do. Just because you're in one frat doesn't mean you can't go to someone else's party. I have friends in every sorority, most of the fraternities, and who are independent. The time when it will matter the most is Winter Term, when everyone is caught up in Rush and pledging. Yes, it will matter some if you go GDI (that's a God Damn Independent) but not as much as you might think right now. And at the same time, don't just write the frats off. I know a lot of guys who would NEVER have rushed in any other situation, but did here. So keep an open mind. Hope this helped.
