The Fraternity Experience

Joining a fraternity is an age old practice that was instituted hundreds and hundreds of years ago. To be part of a fraternity means to be part of a brotherhood. Frats take pride in the close bonds that are formed between the fraternity brothers. Joining the right fraternity for you is important, because each will offer a different experience. It is important, before pledging, to visit each of the frats on your college campus and see what they have to offer and which will best suit you.

There are many common myths about being in a fraternity. The most common is that all frats encourage their “brothers” to live a party lifestyle. This is not true. There is this stigma due to “Animal House” and the way frats are portrayed on television on other movies. Fraternity members actually encourage each other to excel in their studies and promote academic excellence.

Another common myth is the hazing process. Frats all over have implemented anti-hazing practices. The hype over the hazing process comes from the negative press the process receives. Only extreme situations gone badly are shown. It is safe to say that there are more frats that practice anti-hazing then there are those who don’t.

The fraternity experience also opens many doors for your future once college is over. All together there is a network of over 5 million fraternity alumni worldwide. No other organization is large enough to offer you that many potential employers, friends and co-workers. Being in a fraternity connects you in way that can only benefit you future career path.

Also a common myth is the legacy card. This means you have an automatic in to the fraternity your father, uncle, grandfather, cousin, brother, etc belonged to previously. While the automatic acceptance is true, what isn’t true is that you have to join that fraternity. Frats respect the fact that each offer different things for their members. Just because your father was in one fraternity doesn’t mean you can’t find one that more suits you. Ultimately it is your decision.

Frats also provide you with a full social calendar. Between fundraising for the house, to throwing mixers, and donating your time to various charities and social service organizations you are constantly bonding with your brothers and meeting new people. Being in a fraternity definitely means being part of an extremely social environment. You never have to worry about what you are doing on a Friday night. Along with that come the parties. Frats have a reputation for throwing wild parties. Remember “Animal House” is a movie. Join a fraternity for the whole experience, not just what you think it will be like.

Today’s fraternity is also about leadership and developing skills that will help make you a success in and out of school. Almost all frats provide paid leadership training for its members. These leadership skills will carry you through your college life as well as your career after graduation. Being part of a fraternity means succeeding.