<p>Hello, I am a transfer student here at UCR and I really want to join a professional frat next quarter. I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about pledging? How time consuming is it? I don't want pledging for a frat to come in the way of my grades.</p>
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<li>Don’t say “frat”. Members of fraternities hate that word. You won’t get a bid if they hear you say it.</li>
<li>Don’t limit yourself to just professional fraternities. Check out some of the other councils (IFC, CMC, etc.) before you make your decision on who you want to rush for. The different groups may surprise you.</li>
<li>Pledging is different for every organization. Depending on the group, pledging can be the equivalent of taking another class. But, remember that fraternities (and sororities) really emphasize getting good grades. No one wants you to do poorly in school. I won’t go into specifics, but if you’re looking to join the professional fraternity I’m thinking of, prepare to go through some “unique bonding experiences”. It’s not my place to tell what other organizations may or may not do.</li>
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<p>Good luck with rushing and pledging. It will be worth it.</p>
<p>I’m in a fraternity right now, even though it’s not legitimately Greek haha. What I can tell you is that each fraternity will have rush periods that will last the whole quarter, I believe. Apart from professional fraternities, there are social, community service, honors (mine), and academically focused ones (like Theta Tau, engineering) as well. As with any fraternity, you need to try and see which one is the right fit, that way both the active members and yourself can feel better about the other and thereby getting a good chance of a bid!</p>
<p>Good luck out there bud :D</p>
<p>You will be in good shape, just be yourself and apply. But like 42327119 said, don’t use the word “frat”. That will screw up your chances majorly.</p>