George Washington University - Greek Life

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Greek life does not dominate GW’s social scene, but rather adds another flavor to the social dish. Because there are so many organizations to join and internships to be had in DC, the majority of students do not feel the need to join a fraternity or sorority. There are also so many nightlife options—bars, clubs, and on- and off-campus parties—that frat parties do not control the social scene. For those involved, Greek life is fun and worthwhile. Members attend formals and date parties, meet guys and girls from other frats and sororities, and get decked out in clothing with Greek letters on them. It is also a great way to get involved in community service.

If you’re not involved—and 79 percent of students are not—you can still go to frat parties and befriend members of the Greek community. Girls can always get into frat parties, and guys usually do not have a problem, either. Some frats and sororities are very exclusive, but the ones that throw big parties usually are not. The Greek community is great at coming together, whether for Greek Day at a basketball game or for a charity sports tournament between the fraternities and sororities.
 

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Students Speak Out

GWJC1 says: George Washington University 2016 Social Sciences

Most people only pay attention to... Most people only pay attention to Greek life when the weekend rolls around, and they're looking for a party. For those involved, it seems to be a rewarding experience that doesn't dominate their collegiate experience. 12345 Greek Life: February 27, 2009 Report

GWNS says: George Washington University 2014 Communication and Journalism

Greek life is a huge part of the... Greek life is a huge part of the campus. There are a variety of fraternities and sororities, including professional, social, service, and multicultural ones, so there is something for everybody. They always seem to add a new fraternity and sorority. 12345 Greek Life: February 27, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is present at GW, but... Greek life is present at GW, but by no means does it dominate the social scene. Then again, it depends on whom you talk to. If you get involved, it will probably dominate your social scene, but I never got into it and never felt the need to. There are a lot of people who don’t get involved and just do their own thing. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Sometimes sorority girls can be a... Sometimes sorority girls can be a little cliquey, but it’s not a big deal. I haven’t gone to frat parties that much, but there is always someone you know who can invite you if it is your thing. 12345 Greek Life Report

Anonymous says:

Greek life is great. Greeks do not... Greek life is great. Greeks do not dominate the campus, but they are a significant force. I was in a sorority and loved it, not just for the social aspects but because the Greek community was small then and is continually growing. It’s a great part of campus life to experience and be a part of. 12345 Greek Life Report

Facts

Did You Know?

For those fraternities and sororities who don’t have a house or townhouse, the University offers the chance for them to have a floor or at least a few rooms in the International House residence hall. Students in Greek life now completely fill this dorm, a sign of the increasing Greek population on campus.

The fraternity and sorority recruitment processes are very different. Generally, fraternities host a round of open social events and then a round of invite-only events, which culminate in bids. Sorority recruitment involves a four-day process in which those girls wishing to rush, potential new members (PNMs), are required to meet each sorority and rank them according to preference. The sororities in return rank the PNMs. Each night, the PNMs narrow down their choices, as do the sororities. On Preference Night, PNMs make their final preference and find out if they receive a bid from that sorority.

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