Tips for Choosing the Right Sorority
Choosing a sorority is a decision that will significantly impact your college experience. However, like all major decisions, you shouldn’t rush into it but instead do your research to find a sisterhood that will best suit your needs and interests. Additionally, you’ll need to ask yourself what you hope to gain from being a part of a sorority. For example, many sororities focus on community services and academic achievement, but others emphasize leadership, planning, and hosting various events.
There are many different types of sororities, and you’ll need to do more than slap on some greek and sorority apparel to fit in with your sisterhood. Instead, you’ll want to find a group with similar values, goals, and interests. Therefore, it’s good to look at the current big and little sorority members of a chapter and research its history before making your final decision.
Do You Have a Choice in the Sorority You Join?
While you have some choice in choosing your sorority, it is worth knowing that you may be invited to a sorority you didn’t initially select. Furthermore, should you decline an invitation, it’s not uncommon for you to be restricted from joining a different sorority for a semester or longer. Therefore, it’s essential to keep an open mind and get to know multiple sorority options available at your campus.
Additionally, you may be more likely to be invited to a particular sorority if you are a legacy. A legacy is a person who has a close relationship with a current or previous sorority member. For example, if your sister or mother is part of a sorority, you would be considered a legacy. However, you’re not guaranteed to be chosen on bid day, even if you are a legacy. Some schools will also require you to meet academic or other requirements, so do your research well before bid day to ensure that you qualify.
6 Tips for Choosing the Right Sorority
To help you identify which sorority is right for you, here are six tips to consider when choosing a sorority.
1. Choose a Sorority You Can Afford
When selecting a sorority, it’s essential to consider your budget. Not all sororities are created equal, and some sisterhoods will be a better financial fit. Most sororities require sorority members to pay a fee each semester in addition to the initial recruitment fee you’ll be expected to pay when welcomed into a sisterhood. These fees can range significantly. For example, Bell State University sororities have an average of $850 in fees each semester, while the University of South Dakota has an average semester cost of around $3,200.
2. Find a Sorority That’s Inclusive
Every sorority has different missions and values. While it’s more common for sisterhoods to be involved in various community activities and have a diverse membership, that’s not always the case. When finding a sorority, look for a sisterhood that’s inclusive, welcoming, and without discrimination. Find a sorority that’s open to all women, regardless of their backgrounds, financial status, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs.
3. Look for a Sorority With Like-Minded Values, Vision, and Purpose
Joining a sorority offers many benefits that will stay with you beyond this chapter in your life. Not only will you have the opportunity to build a diverse network of friends and contacts, but you’ll get to surround yourself with women that share your interests, values, vision, and purpose. Each sorority has a different focus. For example, some sisterhoods are more driven towards academic achievement, while others are focused on volunteering within their community.
4. Determine the Expectations of Sorority Members
Participation is a must in every sorority. While showing your pride and spirit about your sisterhood with greek sorority apparel is excellent, there will be expectations that you and your sisters will need to meet. This may be event attendance, community service, or other expectations based on the chapter’s values and mission. Therefore, you must take the time to research these expectations before settling on a particular sorority.
5. Find a Sorority That Has Events That Interest You
Joining a sorority will require a significant time commitment, so finding a sisterhood that hosts events you’re genuinely interested in is crucial. Take the initiative and ask sisters questions about the events they host and attend and any work they commonly take on in their community. While you shouldn’t base your decision solely on the events a chapter hosts, asking about a sorority’s events ahead of time will help you determine the sisterhood that suits you best.
6. Ask Yourself What a Particular Sorority Will Provide You
Joining a sorority offers many benefits, but not all sororities are the same. Some sororities may help you do better academically, while others may provide you with a support group through your college years and beyond. Additionally, some sisterhoods focus on delivering their sorority members with leadership and community engagement opportunities. These benefits can help you during the school year and once you begin pursuing a career.
To determine which sorority will benefit you most, you’ll have to ask yourself what benefits you are looking for and that speaks to you most about joining a sisterhood. In doing so, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect sorority for you.
Fit in With Your New Sorority With Greek Sorority Apparel
Choosing the right sorority is an important decision that will impact your college experience, social circle, community engagement, and professional career. It’s a decision that should be taken with great care and consideration. Therefore, you must choose a sisterhood that feels right to you and aligns with your interests, values, and goals, and one that you can meet the expectations of, both financial and otherwise.
After you match with a sorority you can show your sorority spirit and interest in joining a particular sisterhood by sporting unique Greek sorority apparel or providing sorority gifts for yourself, your future sisters, and friends. Fortunately, Go Greek Chic has everything you need. Each item sports your chosen sorority’s colors, logo, or name.
What are you waiting for? Find your favorite Greek sorority apparel by viewing the complete Go Greek Chic collection.