2024 Rushes Listen Up: Stuff to Think About

Here are some factors to think about in addition to the usual ranking tiers.

1. How stable has a frat been long-term? There are a small number of frats here that were founded in the 1800s, have lived in the same house for 100 years or more, and are steady as a rock. There are other frats that are younger, have had multiple periods (some a decade or more) when they’ve been gone from campus, and/or have changed houses every few decades. Stability makes a difference in terms of house traditions, chapter pride, and the strength of the alumni network.

2. How much continuity does a frat have in terms of who it recruits? Strong frats have an identity, they know who they are and they recruit a similar type of brother over generations. If a frat has changed its identity in a big way – for example an athlete house that's changed into a stoner house – it might mean it doesn’t know who and what it is.

3. How many brothers does the frat have? Being one of 80-90 brothers is different from being one of 40-50 brothers. Pros and cons to both in terms of tightness, campus reach, etc.

4. Does a frat own its house, or is it renting it from cornell? Frats that own have more freedom, and owning usually means the frat has money and alums are smart about chapter finances/operations. About half the frats here own. Some frats who brag a lot here and try to portray themselves as wealthy are renting their houses.

5. Are a frat’s alums actually loyal? All frat says they have an amazing alumni network, but the reality is often different. If you asked brothers how often alums more than 5 years out of college visit the house, or how many guys actually got an internship or job through an alum, you might be unimpressed by the answer. And look at the condition of the house: if it’s run down (and a lot are), that says something about alumni involvement and alumni dollars too.

6. Most importantly, where do you really feel at home? There are guys who turn down bids from frats they really like in favor of ones that offer more clout. That strategy sometimes doesn’t turn out well, and sets the stage for being a checked-out brother as a junior or senior. Frats are brotherhoods, so join the one that feels the best for you.