<p>No, you can still apply under regular admission (i applied regular decision, most richmond scholars i know did too), you just submit your app by Dec 1st and select regular decision plan. It is not the plan, but the submission date that determines your eligibility. Well, I am an incoming freshman, but I have visited campus numerous times, including the richmond artist scholar finalist trip which is 3 days on campus. Greek life exists on campus, however, sororities and fraternities do not have houses they they live in together. They are integrated with everyone else and have “houses” assigned to them that they can use for gatherings and such, but they don’t live there. In addition, those involved in greek life don’t rival one another socially, for example, you won’t lose a friend because you decided to join different sororities. Also, many people never join greek life, which is perfectly acceptable. </p>
<p>As a freshman, you have the option to be in a substance-free dorm, which has stricter punishments for being caught with alcohol. Most freshman live in freshman-only dorms, but all of the live in same-sex dorms. This means as a freshman, there will be no guys living in your dorm. Alcohol from what I’ve heard isn’t a huge issue because everyone has to do an alcohol education course their freshman year. That’s not to say people don’t drink, but most drink responsibly. In addition, one of the clubs (i think the christian student association) sponsors friday night substance-free events so people have alternatives to going to parties. You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to and no one will judge you for your choice.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’d be a culture shock to you. </p>