So I am a transfer student, my previous college didn’t have any greek at all until right before I transferred out. When I transferred my GPA wasn’t high enough to go through recruitment for any sororities. Now after 3 semesters here, I am finally up to a place where I feel like I could join a sorority with my GPA, my only issue now is that I will be a Senior in the fall, and although I plan to attend grad school, I don’t know where I would be going, maybe the same school, maybe somewhere else. So I don’t really know if joining is even worth it. There are two or three chapters on my campus that I am interested in, and there aren’t houses, they are just organizations. I have heard that it is pretty common for Seniors to rush/pledge and to get in, but still, it is only one year. Suggestions? Advice? Personal Stories?
My mom was in a sorority her freshman year at University of Utah, my aunt was in a sorority at University of Idaho, and another aunt was in a sorority at Yale. Even my Great-Grandma was in a sorority at University of Utah. I know that my sister is not interested in joining a sorority at all, and I have always been interested, if there was ever the opportunity.
If I don’t rush now, can I rush as a grad student? Would that be totally awkward? Would it be totally awkward to go through recruitment as a 22 year old Senior? I have several friends in different sororities. WHAT TO DO???
It sounds like your GPA is just getting into a good place…would being in a sorority hurt that? Would it take up much of your time to the detriment of your studies? As a new sister, how would you fit in the heirarchy of the sorority? e.g., would your “big sister” actually be younger than you? How would that feel? If you are taking GREs and workign with professors to get recommendations, do you have time for sorority activities too? Can you afford it? There are many fees (plus perhaps hidden fees like gifts for big sisters)
Generally speaking, sororities don’t pledge seniors. However…if you’re at a “different” type of school, such as an urban campus with a LOT of older students, it’s entirely possible. Many sororities require in their Constitutions that candidates for membership be undergraduate students, but there are some that initiate graduate students. I would suggest contacting the Greek Life or Panhellenic office at your school and talking to them.
I also suggest talking to your friends in sororities to find out more. Good luck!
There is nothing preventing you from Rushing, and it’s up to the school if they want to have a senior as a pledge. Since there are no houses, I think you’d probable fit in more than if you were expecting to room with 18-19 year olds. Some of the benefits will probably never be available to you, like leadership roles or going to conventions for the national chapter (as an undergrad), but many of the benefits will follow you - alum contacts, alum participation, philanthropy.
As a grad student, you’d be considered an alum. Most young alums, especially grad students, can still be active with the chapter but not active IN the chapter (not officers, but advisers). The sorority I am a member of actually initiates alums, usually relatives like a mom or sister of an active member, or someone like you with a connection to the group through mothers or grandmothers. I even know one who so wanted to be a member of my group that she passed on joining any group at her college and only initiated after she graduated from college. Those alum initiates can become active in the alum groups in their areas, at their daughter’s chapter, or at the national level.
Contact the greek life office at your school and they’ll give you the information.
Not all sororites require you to be a freshman or sophomore to rush. In my opinion its never too late. But most sororites will not let you rush as a grad student so your chance is now. You can still be involved as an alumni so dont feel like its over once you graduate