what's the difference between...

Lots of Greeks in FLOs, they're really good to join. Basically, they're a bit of a popularity contest and a little more competitive than sorority rush (in general) but FLOs try to go for a bit more diversity. Greek Life is more about the social aspect and skews more conservative. FLOs more on grades and activities and "Aggie spirit."

Women's orgs suck.

Some men's orgs are better than mid-tier fraternities. Just search on this site for the good ones. As a girl, I don't really care if you're in one of the good men's orgs vs KA, Beta, SAE, or the old Sig Ep.

Easy to say flo's aren't any good but about 900 freshman try to get into them and the top ones are very competitive. The biggest difference in my opinion is the connections. If you are impressive and social maybe from a small town or the suburbs but didn't grow up in a "right" area you can get into a top FLO but maybe not a top fraternity. With that being said, if you grew up in a wealthy area (memorial, Highland park, etc) you can probably get into a top fraternity if you are just decent socially....so you choose. Also, I know a lot of amazing guys who would have been great in a fraternity and probably could have done a top or for sure upper mid one but did a FLO instead because they were worried about pledge semester and their grades. Those are the same type guys who end up doing things like Ol ags. Top girls can do both FLO and sorority because sororities encourage good grades.

Lots of guys who did only a FLO their freshman year because of grades or they aren't from a target area where lots of frat guys are from, but they make connections (especially the business FLOs like PREP) and join sophomore year. There are actually a ton of pledges.

Girls mostly join sororities as freshmen though, and generally get more involved in school, meaning SGA, Big Event, Fish Camp, FLOs, etc. Women's orgs can't really compete at all with sororities in terms of connections, involvement, or social life here. Men sort of can though.

Literally just rush, it's the best decision socially and it's not that hard ... all the other things people are talking about on here are for people who were either too lazy to rush or got rejected ... I wouldn't want to hang out with lazies or rejects just saying

I feel that a lot of people (freshmen) would rush more if FLOs werent such a thing at a&m

FLO's are a great springboard into getting involved in the organizations that run the school. Good for co-ed networking and friendships. Sororities love to have members in FLO's. Time commitment - freshman year only. Benefits - all 4 years if you network and stay in touch.

Womens social organizations are kind of an alternative to sororities as they have a similar structure and time commitment. Sorority meembers are rarely members of these orgs. Time commitment - all 4 years. Benefits - all 4 years.

Sororities are unique in that they are lifelong meemberships that extend beyond Aggieland into every part of the country and even in other parts of the world. You get the benefits of FLO's and women's social orgs (social activities, friendship, leadership training & opportunities) but in the context of 100-150 year old organizations with their own traditions and rituals. It's also something you can pass on to your daughters and granddaughters regardless of where they go to college. All of my mom's college friends are her sorority sisters; I don't think she's in touch with anyone from whatever else she was involved in 30 years later. Time commitment - 4 years, plus optional alumnae involvement. Benefits - lifetime.

I joined a sorority and a FLO as a freshman, and I would have to say it was one of the best desicions I have made. As a senior, I still consider myself to have best friends from both organizations. The time commitment could become a problem, but it was doable AND WORTH IT for sure!!!

Women's orgs are wannabe sororities.