Tips for Deciding to Join a College Sorority
Consider the Factors of Cost, Time, Academics, Housing and Issues
Feb 23, 2008 Sallie Schaaf Borrink
Most women who join sororities will tell you it was one of the best parts of their college experience and they gained much from the many benefits of sorority membership. By making sure you are comfortable with the various sacrifices you will have to make in order to participate in Greek life, you too can discover the fun of sisterhood on campus!
Cost of Sorority Membership
Yes, what you’ve heard is true. It costs money to belong to a sorority. The first semester is usually the most expensive as there are various fees associated with becoming a new member. These can include a new member fee, initiation fee, and badge/pin fee. After the first semester there will still be chapter dues as well as national dues. If you live out of the house, you may also pay a parlor fee which is your part of keeping up the house itself. The cost varies from sorority to sorority so be sure to ask in advance what kind of expenses you should plan for.
Time Devoted to Sorority Activities
Sorority members are usually very active, busy women. The amount of time devoted to the sorority will vary from member to member. Those who hold offices in the chapter will devote a great deal of time to their responsibilities. Beyond that, there will be all kinds of social activities to choose from as well as impromptu gatherings and outings. There will also be rituals and ceremonies. While fun and worthwhile, they all do take time.
Sorority Housing Requirements
If the sororities on your campus have houses, living in the house may be required. If this is the case, make sure you are willing to live with a large group of women. The types of housing can also vary greatly. Some sorority houses have private rooms shared by a few members. Some houses have sleeping porches where all of the women sleep in one large room and have other rooms for their clothing, studying, etc. If you have any hesitation about living with a large group of women for a year or two, think long and hard before you commit to joining a sorority.
Personal Issues Impacted by Sorority Membership
Sororities are full of all kinds of women. Despite the media stereotypes that abound, sorority women are not all gorgeous, skinny party animals. That being said, however, there can be tremendous pressure in some sorority chapters regarding physical appearance, alcohol, dating relationships, etc. Anyone thinking of joining a sorority who has issues with eating disorders, alcohol or dating relationships should think long and hard before putting themselves in a situation where there may be increased pressure and challenges.
Importance of Balancing Academics
Last, and perhaps most importantly, consider the impact sorority membership will have on your academic performance. While the sorority experience is a fantastic way to network, develop leadership skills, and make new friends, it can also be a drain on the time you will have available to study. If you believe your academic work will suffer, then a sorority isn’t worth it. The point of being in college is to get an education. While that education should extend beyond the classroom, the extra activities will never make up for a poor performance academically.
Deciding to go through membership recruitment and join a sorority in college is a big step. But thinking through the different factors related to cost, time, academics, housing and personal issues should help you decide if sorority life is right for you. If so, you can move forward with confidence in preparing for membership recruitment, knowing that you are making a wise choice!
Young Woman Thinks About Joining Sorority
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