bama vs tcu/smu
by: Undecided Senior
Hi all,
I've been accepted to all 3 schools mentioned, but I'm still undecided as to which school to attend. I'm from Dallas (not Highland Park, but still upper-middle class/professional neighborhood). I have a lot of friends who go to SMU/TCU but not as many who go to Alabama. Could anyone who's familiar with the different schools give me a run down of the differences in Greek Life between these two different types of GL environment?
#1 by: Bless your heart....
If you are from Dallas and upper middle as you say then you should know about SMU/TCU. But I'll break it down for you.
I've heard from many many SMU girls, including a lot who transferred to Bama. It's over priced, very small and just like HS. Its very cliquey. Girls will transfer just because they didn't get in a house or a bottom house. Also I've heard academics aren't that great.
TCU, it's a about double the size so not quite as bad as SMU in the high school feeling. People tend to not transfer out in droves.
Bama is huge, there is a lot more to do outside of Greek life. You are more likely to maintain friendships with people in other houses/GDI.
When it comes down to it Greek life is huge at all 3 schools and recruitment is tough. It's up to you. Do you want a smaller school where your letters totally define who you are or Bama where it's a big deal but you can be a more rounded person.
Also you really really shouldn't choose a school based on Greek life school is for education.
Comment#2 by: BYH
Truly sorry if it came off rude. On this site it seems like there no pan love but in real life there is. Connections more than money do make a difference if you are set on Old Row. Also being OOS can make it a bit harder. Sucks but true. Being a legacy only guarantees you make it to round two. If you are open minded you will be fine.
I'll still stick with my statement that your letters dont 100% define you here like at TCU (which was in my top 3 too along with Vanderbilt). There are girls in all levels of houses here that are on payment plans/drive everything from a Honda to a top the line BMW/all designer everything to a budget smart stylish wardrobe. Still its SEC and competitive and it's Bama so it's a little elitist. I chose Alabama primarly because I wanted more choices in education and I had interests beyond GL. It was the best choice for me.
#4 by: Thought
Agree with BYH postings.
Another Thought: Since you are from Texas... I would say Bama is def. more like a UT environment than a TCU/SMU. But not as liberal, and so more southern.
Do you dream of tons of opportunities? Or do you crave a small, close environment ? Both are legit. What's for you?
by: Also From DallasJan 19, 2016 10:02:09 PM
I'm also from Dallas who had several friends go to UT, SMU, TCU, and I go here. I would actually say that UT is much more similar to SMU/TCU than to Bama though. Though UT is in a liberal city, members of Greek Life are extremely conservative and exclusive. PC sizes at UT are similar in size to SMU/TCU, even though the general student body is a LOT larger. The 3 Texas schools also are similar in that there is pretty much no Panhellenic spirit to speak of, and dirty rushing and some slight hazing still exists.
A lot of my friends decided to stay at home in Dallas, but here at Bama, like the above person mentioned, there are SO many different types of girls in each chapter. It's more fun IMO to go through rush at Bama because there are so many more sororities to choose from! And don't worry about being from Texas - there are a lot of girls in every house from Texas. If you're from a well-known high school or neighborhood, there will most likely be someone on the other side who knows about your area and can put in a good word.
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by: OPJan 19, 2016 6:03:22 PM
Yeah, I already know a lot about TCU/SMU so that's why I didn't post this same message on their board. I was more curious about whether there are more differences between the two types of systems other than "this one is smaller and this one is larger."
Like for example, I know that TCU/SMU are rather exclusive, not really Panhellenic-spirited, and very money-driven. I've heard that there can be some degree of traditionalism at Alabama as well, but for those of you familiar with both, is it more/less/equal to the Texas schools? Does it matter more/less/equal who your parents are and how much money your daddy makes? And Texans considered in the "Southern with Southern values" category?
I'm sorry if my questions seem "stupid" or trivial to you, but I'm not really familiar with large SEC style recruitments and Greek Life. All I know is the exclusive UT/private school styles. But thank you for "breaking it down" for me.
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