<p>There is “hazing”, but of the bonding fun variety rather than the dangerous or demeaning variety. No he won’t be hurt, no he won’t be on the verge of death or physically harmed. I believe the expression is “the most fun I only want to have once” to describe pledge term. Rush is like 2 days for guys, because its more dependant on having hung out at a house and knowing the brothers and fitting in with them and having them know you, and then pledge term is until the end of the term in which a guy rushes, usually sophomore fall. Only one of my close guy friends is unaffiliated, although I have a number of other unaffiliated social friends. Of my many affiliated friends, some drink, some don’t, all have made amazing friendships in their house and really enjoy being affiliated. I know there are unhappy students and the system isn’t perfect, but I think the majority of affiliated students have a net positive experience. Oh, and a guy can absolutely rush dry, and even if they rush “wet” they’re not going to be drinking to the point of danger.</p>
<p>I’d say Dartmouth’s greek system is so different from most places that it really is only something that can be experienced…I cannot stress the importance of a visit enough.</p>