Pre-frosh say they're 'impressed by Greeks'

Penn's reputation as "the social Ivy" is well-known among the Ancient Eight, and apparently among the prospective class of 2013 as well.

"I'm really impressed by the Greek life at Penn," Monica Lindrooth, a high-school senior from New York City, said during Penn Previews last week. "It's supposed to be the best of the Ivy League."

High-school senior Eric Rosen from Los Altos, Calif., had similar impressions. "It's a really happening scene," he said. "At least, I've heard that."

One high-school senior, who wished to remain anonymous, described her impressions as "mostly from JuicyCampus." She said she read up on the Greek chapters' reputations and "kind of cried a river" when the site shut down.

But Greek life at Penn is not just about the parties.

Last year's average Greek-affiliated GPA was 3.38 - about the same as the average for non-affiliated students. Chapter houses generally require their members to maintain a minimum GPA, and many offer study hall or tutoring sessions.

"One big misconception is that Penn Greeks are socially, not academically focused," said College junior and former Daily Pennsylvanian editor Alissa Eisenberg, president of the Panhellenic Council. "While the social life plays a big part, this isn't totally true - all sororities are above the average Penn GPA."

Incoming students' impressions came from a variety of sources. Most students learned about Penn's Greek life through friends, relatives and a variety of college review books and Web sites, such as collegeprowler.com and Students' Guide to Colleges.

However, a few admitted to relying on Hollywood for their perceptions of fraternities and sororities. Said Brian of Cleveland, "I kind of see it as an Animal House-type thing, but without John Belushi . with maybe some community service in there."

In fact, community service is a particularly understated part of Greek life. The Greek social life may revolve around weekend parties, but chapters also host a variety speakers, panels and other events.

Penn Greeks contributed 22,893 hours of community service last year and raised $137,881 for charity, according to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Web site.

Some prospective students expressed concerns about hazing as part of Greek initiation. While hazing is an issue in college Greek life, no major incidents have been reported for several years and University and OFSA officials provide hazing-awareness education for members of Greek organizations.

"There are so many benefits to joining the Greek system," Eisenberg said. "It's so much more than you expect."

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