Sorority Life

<p>I'm hoping on rushing next year and I was wondering how competitive rush is. Also with the fraternity getting accused of hazing and sororities accused of underage drinking, should I be worried?</p>

<p>It depends on the sorority. There are some sororities that are more exclusive than others. But I know for a fact that not all of them are. It’s about finding the one that’s the best fit for you and rush for sororities is almost 2 weeks long, so you have time to figure it out. Hopefully I’m answering your question</p>

<p>This is going to sound horrible, but one of the big reasons for Greek life (at least at USC) is for drinking underage. Less so for sororities than frats, but still. As for hazing, most of the girls who I’ve talked to (from a number of different sororities) have said that there was no hazing at all. Basically they got presents from their bigs for a couple weeks and then got initiated.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>Your screenname describes myself!</p>

<p>But yes, like jmarietol said, some sororities are very exclusive while others aren’t. On top of that, sororities hand out more bids than girls they expect to actually keep, because when it comes right down to it, they know some girls are going to drop or simply can’t afford the dues. A lot of girls go through the rush process to make friends and meet people, but have absolutely no plans of actually joining.</p>

<p>Also, you really shouldn’t be worried. Sorority rush is extremely rule-oriented. They have a zero tolerance policy for drinking during Rush. You also can’t be around boys. that basically rules out any partying over the first two weeks. They don’t haze, but they’re very strict and the days are long.</p>

<p>But basically, if you go to every party you’re invited to and you get invited to at least one party each time, you are guaranteed to get a place in a sorority. :)</p>

<p>Which sororities would you consider more exclusive? Just out of curiosity!</p>

<p>Sent you a message.</p>

<p>i’m a frequent lurker on here and a current USC senior in a sorority and wanted to clarify something. Sororities DO NOT give out more bids than they expect girls to take. There is a computer matching system used throughout recruitment that determines the number of bids given by each chapter. Girls will only receive one bid on bid day. Each chapter expects to keep all their members from bid day forward. Sororities make an effort to keep all of their new members and make them feel comfortable within the chapter.</p>

<p>gamecockfan08 is exactly right about bids. You should really go into rush with an open mind. Don’t set your heart on a specific sorority, because then you might overlook one that is really a better fit for you. The girls rushing you have a really good understanding of who will and won’t enjoy their sorority, so trust them. If you’re a bit shy, the process could be a little overwhelming, but they’ll help you through it. And the days aren’t as long as they used to be. The sororities have very strict rules with regards to underage drinking and hazing- you should be absolutely fine no matter where you end up. And if you’re not, Greek Life is very good about handling those things, particularly while maintaining your anonymity, if that’s what you want.</p>

<p>Hi Ladies,
I know that girls in a sorority eat some of their meals at the sorority house. How many meals do they eat at the house - is it just dinner? I was wondering how that works with the USC Dining plan?
Thanks!</p>

<p>How many letters of recommendations should you get for each sorority?</p>

<p>My daughter is in a sorority at USC. Her meal plan includes 10 meals a week. It is billed out on your tuition bill with your other housing fees. You don’t have to change to the sorority meal plan until second semester. You keep your existing first semester meal plan, however there are sorority dues and fees that are due soon after you pledge.</p>

<p>Regarding letters of recommendation, a minimum of one per house. Two would be better.</p>

<p>When should rec letters be sent? And how hurtful will it be if I don’t have letters to half of the houses, does not having a rec letter really put you at a disadvantage at USC?</p>

<p>I’m having the same problems. I can have letters of recs for 7 sororities no problem but I dont know for the last 3. Should I just so in with the 7 and just let the other 3 go like not except anything from them?</p>

<p>See if your town has a Panhellenic Alumni group. They helped us with some of the ones we were missing. Also, ask the ladies you already know they may have friends in the ones you are missing. People you would not expect are in sororities. We found out the Art teacher from elementary school was in one. Good luck!</p>

HELP! I am going to rushing in the fall but I live up North and no one, and I mean no one I know was in greek life. It is frowned upon big time. Well, I really have no way of getting Rec letters so I am afraid I won’t get into a sorority. Will not having letters really hurt me that much?

Lots girls are in the same situation. As someone said, go in with open mind and don’t let someone tell you that you have to be in X or Y. Also, the “popular” sororities in your part of country may not be a big deal here so it is best to just go in and focus on girls you are meeting.

Go to this link. http://www.sa.sc.edu/fsl/sorority/ There you can look at last year’s recruitment guide to see information on the process and how the schedule goes. Also page states that recs are not required. Early registration for rush starts in the summer and if you participate you get to move in a few days early. If you don’t feel ready or overwhelmed with doing this as a freshmen you can rush as sophomore. Two of D’s roommates did this and both got bids they were very excited about.

An option to the traditional sororities at USC – the ones in the Greek Village – there are a couple of multi-culture sororities or service sororities such as Epsilon Sigma Alpha that have a mission of service without the expense of the house & meal plan. They have social events as well – retreats, dances, big/little events and the ubiquitous lettered t-shirts.Their recruitment is after school starts and is a lot lower key.

Some sororities have a second spring rush as well. Pi Beta Phi just recolonized at USC this past fall. It is a national sorority with a great reputation. Since they don’t have a house at this point, there isn’t that added expense. Like others said, just go in with an open mind!