As I understand, the vast majority of students are involved in Greek Life.
I wasn’t originally planning on being part of Greek Life but I don’t want to feel like I’m missing out. Are there any stereotypes regarding the sororities at W&L or how the process works?
@DramaMama2021 can give you near first hand info…as her daughter is a student there.
Thanks, @tsbna44.
My D is a current junior at W&L so I can share her impression of sorority life there. It is vastly different than my own experience at a large Southern university (in a positive way, in our opinion).
About 75% of students participate in Greek life, the recruitment experience is relatively low-key and inclusive. Formal rush is in January; fall semester is used for informal meets (rush dates) to give students time to acclimate and learn about the sororities. As long as a potential new member participates through the entirety of rush, they will get a bid. My best advice is to be open minded as there are amazing young women in all the sororities.
Rush attire is more casual than many schools. The PNMs are given a t-shirt to wear the first round. Additional rounds are dressier but not over the top at all.
Let me know if you have other questions. Best of luck with your college decisions!
Is it the same process for guys trying to join W&L fraternities? I have no Greek experience at all.
Sort of. They also have activities throughout the fall before winter rush but theirs are more structured than the sororities. Parents are invited to some events during parents weekend. I also understand it to be an inclusive process.
I’ll tag @cinnamon1212 whose son is there now.
My son is in a fraternity and yes, I agree it’s inclusive. I could not tell you what the nuts and bolts of recruitment are as I didn’t pay attention (and my son wouldn’t have shared every detail, because: he’s a boy).
The fall is a process where both the first years and the fraternities are trying to get to know each other. The goal is to end up with a bunch of guys you really like and want to spend time with. There’s definitely a place for everybody.
My daughter is a sophomore, and is unaffiliated. The high percentage of Greek life participants was one of the major concerns she had about committing to W&L. It was never on her radar as something she expected to do, she kept an open mind through the first semester and went on a handful of rush dates but ultimately decided against rushing. A good percentage of her friends rushed and are happy in their sororities and fraternities, but she hasn’t regretted her decision, and said that not being part of the Greek system hasn’t affected her social life at all. She’s attended several formals both years, so feels like she’s been able to have the best of all worlds.
If you have any specific questions let me know and I can put you in touch with my daughter.
Thank you for sharing! My D has multiple friends who chose not to affiliate, but since my knowledge of their experience was third hand I hesitated to share it here. I’m glad your D’s first hand experience aligns with my D’s friends.
Yes, something that was very worrisome initially ended up as a total non-issue! I can’t say enough great things about W&L, so I’m relieved my daughter didn’t make any commitment decisions based on that!
@DramaMama2021 @SnowyAnchor thank you for your kind responses. I’m very relieved there isn’t pressure to join but rather, it is something to consider if you are interested. I am a finalist for the Johnson so will be seeing the college in person for the first time next week!
Congratulations! My daughter is a Johnson scholar and it’s an incredible opportunity. I hope you have a great experience there!
@strawberryjam07 Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the Johnson weekend. My D is a Johnson Scholar, currently on a semester abroad. She’s having a fantastic experience at W&L, and we’ve been extremely pleased with the resources and support the school provides to all students.
My daughter is also a finalist and will be there March 3rd. If you would like to connect, please let me know and I’ll send you her contact information. Have a wonderful trip/experience!