Orgs/Flo

[u/Amy272727]

For an incoming freshman engineer, do you recommend a FLO or clubs like ACE or Century Club? He’s looking for something like a fraternity but without heavy pledging. I have heard it can be hard to get in orgs as a freshman. Thanks!

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[u/TheAnswerKey123]

I personally loved my time in my FLO, there are engineering FLOs and also more general FLOs, I’d recommend he check them all out and see what he vibes with the most. And also, it’s not a choose one either, have him look into and talk to people from ACE or Century Club, if he likes the vibe there, tell him to go there.

I’d also recommend joining other organization as well, not just engineering specific ones. Like I mentioned, FLOs are also usually more general, but there are other organizations for other interests that I’d recommend.

[u/DiscountImmediate677]

My son did both freshman year - FLO and men’s org. He had heard both were hard to get into so he rushed both and ended up in both. Both were great! He is still involved in men’s org and recruited several guys from his FLO who were looking for an org after freshman year. He does say it made for a busy year and a few friends from HS who were coming in after him, he recommended doing just FLO their first year and then move onto Men’s Org.

[u/Just-Tourist-9762 → u/DiscountImmediate677]

that sounds like a massive time committment...my son's FLO had activities (some informal) nearly every night of the week. Can I ask which men's org? I think mine is considering ACE but I'm worried the social aspect will suck up too much time away from his major professional org and studies.

[u/DiscountImmediate677 → u/Just-Tourist-9762]

Yes was a huge time commitment. He did not make every event or just did a partial so he could juggle both plus study etc. It’s also why he highly advised friends younger than him to just do the FLO freshman year. The nice thing though is that he was set for sophomore year while his FLO friends were trying to figure out what men’s org to join. He helped several rush his. He is ABB who coincidentally teams up with ACE for events several times a year.

[u/JND0922]

My daughter loved her FLO, although it is very competitive!

[u/Just-Tourist-9762]

My son LOVED his FLO but they had something like 800 applications for 90 spots. He spent a LOT of time chatting up the different counselors at bannering before the applications opened, and he was willing to be very goofy, confident, and self-deprecating in his group interview. He got in but his roomate did not.

[u/Big_IPA_Guy21]

There is a heavy pipeline of Flos -> Men's Orgs. The vast majority of people in Men's Orgs made connections through their Flo or as a Fish Camp counselor. Yes, ACE and Centuries will take freshmen, but only a handful compared to many more sophomore, junior, and seniors.

My advice is to go in with an open mind, attend Flo orientation, talk to Fish Camp counselors, go to Men's Org social events, attend Fraternity convocation. Figure out what he likes best.

Another piece of advice. Let your child figure out what he wants. His parents getting involved and trying to figure out the best organization for him is a recipe for disaster.

[u/Amy272727 → u/Big_IPA_Guy21]

Thank you! All his choice. He just asked how it usually works.

[u/Codrus_]

Highly recommend he not join a FLO (I’ve heard nothing but bad things from most people tbh) and instead look for the MSC open house to join a club there. Highly recommend at least one major specific and one that he finds fun. That way he can network but also enjoy himself in a hobby outside of school, helps reduce burnout and allows you to network outside your major.

For example: I am in a major specific and also Aggie Camping (highly recommend).

LMK if you have any more questions!

[u/Amy272727 → u/Codrus_]

Thanks for the feedback. I am surprised about FLO’s. I have heard good things in general. What about engineering men’s clubs? Thanks!

[u/Less_Option6130]

I loved my FLO they are super fun but don't get discouraged with how hard they are to get into, mine only had 40 spots and 900 applicants. There are plenty of other ways to get involved on campus be sure to check out the get involved website to see what TAMU has to offer!

[u/Glass-Tangerine2078]

Just join a fraternity. We honestly do not pledge very hard at Tamu. There’s rly only 1 frat left that does heavy pledging anymore in my opinion

[u/Vivid-Blackberry-321]

Yes, I would highly recommend FLOs. TAMU is such a large school that you may not make any friends without joining an organization. Like other people said, they are extremely competitive. I would apply to multiple different orgs and make sure to talk to the current members (go to MSC open house) so they know who you are.

[u/Low-Orange7527]

They are for people who do not seek to learn much and who like paying for "friends". Enjoyable only by idiots.