Yale University - Greek Life

C

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Quick Stats

Undergrad Men in Fraternities		15%
Undergrad Women in Sororities		10%
Number of Fraternities		9
Number of Sororities		7

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

For most students, the Greek scene at Yale comprises only a fraction of student social life. Fraternities are know primarily for their parties, complete with sticky floors, stepped-on toes, and red plastic cups. Many of the fraternities serve as clubs for varsity athletes (such as Alpha Delta Phi and the Yale varsity lacrosse team) and most of the houses (if the group has one) are run-down. Sororities are even less visible than the fraternities. They act primarily as emotional, intellectual, and social support systems for their members.

The reason Greek life remains less popular at Yale is most likely the strength of the residential college system; students are already inherantly part of a familial group that offers support, social opportunities, and camaraderie. Thus, frats and sororities are stuck in the background because they simply aren't necessary. That said, there are many students who enjoy the Greek system and make it an integral part of their life at Yale. Essentially, Greek life is only one of the hundreds of ways to get connected and have fun on campus.

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Greek Life at Yale University

WarriorSam

'15

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering

B+

Not Especially Important

Greek life really isn't a huge part of life at Yale. Some people are in Greek societies and really like them, but your social life is definitely not limited if you aren't in one. Everyone can goes to most frat parties. I like that aspect, so that's why I'd rate it highly.

Jan 30, 2012

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Greek Life at Yale University

MidnightMarauder

'14

History

B+

Not a Big Deal

Most frats are uninteresting or unsavory, with some exceptions. Sororities don't have much of a presence.

Mar 16, 2011

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Greek Life at Yale University

yale14

'14

History

C-

There If You Want It, but Don't Bother

Doesn't affect the lives of most students, but can stir up controversy for its own sake.

Nov 06, 2010

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First

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

What is Greek life’s role in the campus social scene?

What is the general attitude of non-Greeks toward Greeks?

What kind of housing is available for Greek students?

How difficult is it to get into a fraternity or sorority?

Facts

Fraternities		Alpha Delta Phi Alpha Phi Alpha Delta Kappa Epsilon Lambda Upsilon Lambda Sigma Alpha Epsiolon Sigma Chi Sigma Nu Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Psi
Sororities		Alpha Epsilon Phi Alpha Kappa Alpha Delta Sigma Theta Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Kappa Gamma Pi Beta Phi Sigma Psi Zeta
Multicultural Colonies		Alpha Epsilon Phi Alpha Kappa Alpha Alpha Phi Alpha Delta Sigma Theta Sigma Psi Zeta
Other Greek Organizations		Pan-hellenic Council
Did You Know?		Some Yalies might suggest the a cappella groups serve as an equivalent for Greek life. Like most fraternity and sorority pledges, the singing groups’ potential members go through an intense Rush and initiation process. The a cappella culture is highly visible during the year, performing jams and concerts each semester. One of the highlights of October is the incredible Tap Night rush across Old Campus as groups pick their new members. Yale is known for its underground network of secret societies. There are over 10 prominent groups including Skull and Bones, Berzelius, Book and Snake, Elihu, Society of St. Anthony Hall, and Wolf’s Head. The groups often act as replacements to Greek life.

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College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Yale

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What is Greek life’s role in the campus social scene?

What is the general attitude of non-Greeks toward Greeks?

What kind of housing is available for Greek students?

How difficult is it to get into a fraternity or sorority?

Facts

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Greek Life at Yale University

What is Greek life’s role in the campus social scene?

What is the general attitude of non-Greeks toward Greeks?

What kind of housing is available for Greek students?

How difficult is it to get into a fraternity or sorority?

Facts

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