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As a Non-Greek, I Really Liked the Greek System.
I wanted to rush when I came to Centre, but when I got here...I saw no need to. We delay rush until second term, so you get to know the people you want to hang out with rather than buy friends first and ask questions later.
I had a lot of Greek friends, but just as many independents, and I never felt compelled to join a fraternity. From the outside observer though, the Greek system was generally very service oriented and seemed like a lot of fun. Very few of my Greek friends had a negative word to say.
Greek parties definitely dominate the night life, but they do so in so much as providing a setting for your group of friends to hang out, dance, or hook up. Every frat house is open to every student regardless of Greek affiliation or non-affiliation and is very welcoming.
Based on my observations, 70% of the on campus drinking was done at these parties. So that may factor into a student's choice on whether or not to join...it was a contributing factor to why I didn't.