<p>I really, really want to rush, but I'm not sure if I should or not. Joining a sorority is a great way to make friends, get involved on campus, give back to the community, and (possibly) network. </p>
<p>However, the financial commitment is pretty hefty (the average cost for the new-member semester at my school is $1,320!). My parents are already having to shell out $4,500/year to cover my room and board costs, and I would feel really bad asking them to pay for my sorority dues. I would pay for them myself, but my parents don't want me to get a job.</p>
<p>Also, I'm afraid that if I join a sorority, I might not be able to be as involved in other organizations on campus. Can anyone who is currently in a sorority comment on this? </p>
<p>Lastly, the financial aid program I'm in requires students to attend a certain number of campus events each semester and to be involved in a certain number of clubs/organizations. I feel like being a part of Greek Life would make fulfilling these requirements easier since there is always something going on in the Greek community.</p>
<p>Should I rush or should I just become involved in other on-campus organizations?</p>
<p>Well, first of all, rushing is not joining, it’s checking it out and seeing if it would be right for you. So on that note I say RUSHHH! I didn’t plan on joining a sorority until I rushed and I joined the one I never thought I would.</p>
<p>Yes, it can get expensive, but if you have a house to live in it can actually wind up being cheaper then on campus housing.</p>
<p>I do always say rush. You literally have nothing to lose. That is awfully expensive though…geez. I thought mine was bad at $600/semester. You can be in other organizations if you want, I never had problems with not having time, except maybe when I was pledging, which can get mildly time-consuming but nothing too bad. If it’s important to you you’ll make time for it.</p>
<p>I always suggest rushing, as mentioned it is not joining and you really have nothing to lose.</p>
<p>I think you should definitely rush if you are even thinking (even just a little bit!) that you may want to join a sorority. It would be better to rush and find out that it’s not for you than to wait and regret it later.</p>
<p>Sorority dues can really add up; however, many (most) Greek organizations have scholarships that you can apply for that may help to cover the cost. Additionally, if you decide to live in the sorority house at some point during your college career, that will probably save you money – most places, living in the house costs less than living in the dorms or in an apartment.</p>
<p>In my (admittedly somewhat limited) experience, being in a sorority usually won’t interfere with being active in other organizations. Exceptions may be varsity sports or other extremely time-intensive commitments. Most girls in my sorority are actually involved in several other outside organizations, and many become more involved on campus after joining.</p>
<p>If you’re required to attend campus events, Greek life will definitely help out with that. There is something going on every week/weekend for most sororities. :)</p>
<p>Obviously my experience at my school could be totally different from yours at your school, but I would say you should rush if you’re thinking about it. It’s a great way to make friends and feel like a bigger part of your campus community. And if it’s not for you, then no worries! You really have nothing to lose by checking it out. :)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the advice, everyone! I think I’ll go ahead and register for recruitment and then have a talk with my parents about paying for the dues if I decide to join. Thanks again! (:</p>
<p>Good luck! Joining my sorority was one of the best, if not the best, decision I made in college. :)</p>