<p>I've heard a lot of people my age talking about joining a sorority or a fraternity. Aside from what I've seen in movies, I'm kind of unsure what those two things are. I used to work with a girl from the school I want to go to that is in a sorority that really seemed to like it. </p>
<p>Now my parents are talking about me joining one, but they can't seem to explain it in a way that makes it seem any different than just living in a dorm. </p>
<p>I'd be in a sorority, since I'm a girl, so can anybody explain to me what exactly a sorority is? What do they do? Why do so many people think it's important?</p>
<p>I think the sorority experience varies by school. At some colleges, Greek organizations are more like clubs, without houses. At other schools, you would be expected to live in the sorority house and almost all of your social life would occur within the Greek system.
I went to a school that was in between these two extremes, and I really enjoyed my experience. I was pre-law and worked at least 20 hours a week throughout college. For me, having a structured, planned way to be with my friends every Monday night at house meetings and planned social activities was a great way to have fun while I still got everything else done.
I will say that I have friends who went a little overboard. I think the key is to make sure you have some friends outside your sorority and that you do not let your social life take first priority in your schedule.</p>
<p>I completely agree with siliconvalleymom! My school is also in the middle of these extremes, which is great for me since I'm pre-med and am involved in other extracurriculars. In my sorority, I'm expected to go to weekly meetings and other activities throughout the week, such as service activities and rush events. We also don't have a house, but most of the sisters live together in apartments anyways.<br>
Being in a sorority is a lot different than just living in a dorm. It's obviously a lot more time consuming because you have to be involved with many activities. But, it is a great way to meet people--most of my closest friends are sisters. Like siliconvalleymom said, the key is balancing your friends and social life. You still need to do things with your other friends who are not in your sorority and definitely balance and plan your time wisely. Overall, for me, it has been a very positive experience.</p>