DS is a 2nd semester freshman at a small, fairly highly regarded liberal arts school in the south. He is planning to major in accounting and econ and did very well first semester (3.75–with A’s in both accounting and econ and 1 B+ as his lowest grade in philosophy). He chose his college primarily because of the great scholarship he was offered, 33 ACT/4.2WGPA) and he was also attracted to greek life, which is very prevalent on campus. He has made friends and has been happy, but has now twice been rejected by the fraternity he had hoped to pledge. (There seems to be one kid in particular who doesn’t like him – although from what DS has said, the kid is a senior who is never around and he doesn’t really even know him).After he was rejected the first time, he was told it was fluky situation and he was welcome – even encouraged – to continue attending their parties … and to rush again. He took it on the chin and went on with life.
I’m afraid this second rejection is a going to be a huger blow. I am concerned about his mental state after so much rejection, and his chances for social success in such a small environment – only about 2k students. (most of his social network is in that fraternity).
I am wondering about if he might not be better off transferring next fall and am wondering if anyone has guidance regarding finding liberal arts colleges that offer transfer scholarships to good students. I know he is not interested in big state schools and would prefer not to be too far north. He was waitlisted at his two top choice schools, so maybe that would be a good place to start, but I fear we would be paying full sticker price. At this point I think we would pay whatever to see him in a more welcoming situation, but we’re not wealthy, so some sort of scholarship would be really helpful.
Any ideas or advice? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? It really never occurred to me that he would have trouble getting into a fraternity or end up in such an awkward social situation. I can’t say he’s ever been Mr. Popularity, but he is outgoing, involved and always has friends. I’m also wondering if maybe he wouldn’t be better off in an environment where the greek system is less prominent or non-existent. Do those schools exist in the south? I can’t imagine he would be up for putting himself out there again.