Societies and "Teaing"

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wellesley College
1

<p>I'm a Wellesley student interested in teaing this upcoming semester (Spring 2014). I'm mostly interested in teaing ZA but also Phi Sig is an option. Before I begin though, I'm just wondering (preferably from someone who is in a society or who is close with someone in a society): </p>

<ul>
<li>How much of a time commitment is being in a society? </li>
<li>Is there a specific "type" that these societies (specifically ZA and Phi Sig) are looking for (ie sporty, artistic, hipster, super-girly, etc)? </li>
<li>Some of the teas are advertised as having themes-- do I need to dress for them? </li>
<li>What is the application process for societies, particularly ZA and Phi Sig (I know TZE requires an artistic project of some sort)? </li>
<li>Are teas like sorority recruitments where you only get invited back to certain teas? </li>
<li>Do people ever tea multiple societies (and pick the one they prefer if they are accepted into more than one)? </li>
<li>How competitive is the application process? </li>
<li>How long does it take from being an initiate to being a final member? Does being an initiate require a lot of chores that older members aren't required to do? </li>
<li>Is it necessary to know/talk to anyone in the society before teaing, or do you just show up? </li>
<li>What is appropriate dress for teas? </li>
<li>How often are there formals? </li>
<li>What are the society's connections like with other schools, frats, finals clubs, etc (ie are these groups close with frats and finals clubs, or do they only hang out on occasion?</li>
<li>How would the societies be ranked from "most like a sorority" to "least-sorority like"?<br></li>
<li>How involved, interested and engaged are society members in their society's respective themes (ie are the ZA's always reading and discussing literature, are the TZE's always working on art and music projects, are the Shakes always rehearsing for a play)? </li>
<li>Any other important notes or tips for teaing societies? </li>
</ul>

<p>Thank you!!!</p>

2

<p>I was in TZE about 5 years ago, but maybe I can help answer some of your questions.</p>

<p>It is less of a “time commitment” and more of a way to make friends. We had weekly required meetings (30min usually), and lots of fun social events we could choose from. Our first semester we were required to hold a position in the society, so that was the most time consuming part. That said, the positions vary in terms of work load, so you can choose one that suits your personality/interests.</p>

<p>The “type” of girl in each society probably changes with each year. I would recommend going to the parties, events, teas and striking up conversation with the girls in each society. You’ll find that you’ll mesh well or not (make sure you talk to as many members as possible for a good sense). If you mesh well, then keep teaing! If not, then that is okay too, but you probably wouldn’t even like hanging out with them if you got in. Also, if you’re in a class with an upperclassman who is in a society, she likely can help answer your questions.</p>

<p>I often describe my experience in TZE to non-Wellesley types as “my sorority.” It is pretty similar. I loved it though. We got to have mixers with final clubs and MIT frats all the time. Being in TZE was the best social decision I ever made.</p>

<p>One negative of being in TZE is that I felt that some girls who tea-ed but did not get in were resentful. I had friends drift away after I was accepted, which made me feel sort of sad. I did, however, find that every girl in TZE was friend and that many ZA girls were as well.</p>

<p>Phi Sig doesn’t have a house, so that’s a big minus logistically. That said, I’d still recommend going to the events and teas to see if you click with the girls. In the end, if you get in, these will be your closest college friends, so keep that in mind and you won’t go wrong. :)</p>

<p>However, DO NOT put in applications for more than one society, and don’t be sneaky. That is the kiss of death. Society girls talk to each other and know who is teaing where.</p>

<p>I also recommend going to teas (open to everyone) before you are eligible to apply (i.e fall of first year). This is useful to you because you can get a sense of the “vibe” without looking like a sycophant. Then, come the semester you apply, you’ll be able to only throw your attention into the society you like best.</p>

<p>Another pro tip: Apply in the fall! The odds of acceptance are much greater. I remember rejecting a few great girls in the spring just because the numbers were too great for us to accept everyone we loved. We would encourage them to re-tea in the fall, but many didn’t. Anyway, it was a shame to see.</p>