To Torn01 and AlphaChiGirl,

Please keep in mind what my Soror ZetaAce said a few posts prior to mine.

AKA, DST, Zeta and SGRho are ALL ELITE SORORITIES.

Choosing the sorority (or fraternity) that is right for you is an important PERSONAL decision. Just because you know an individual or several individuals who have picked one sorority over the other three doesn't mean that one is more "elite" than the others.

It simply means that person or persons have exercised their right to choose.

Uhhh...I didn't say it wasn't elite. I know that in different areas (like the South), different sororities are more elite than others. I have heard that SGRho is very popular in Indiana, because of the fact that it was founded in Indiana.

Don't read into something that's just not there. Besides, all sororities are elite. Think about it.

I am really not trying to get into a debate about something I admit I don't know much about, but my understanding of the word elite has always been: the hardest to get into, and for that reason, the smallest. I am not suggesting any particular org. is elite, and as we've already established, in terms of NPHC sororities, mine is the largest, so , I certainly don't think the definition applies all the time http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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If you can't raise conciousness, at least raise hell!--Rita Mae Brown

Awatters-
Pi Phi, DG, Kappa and Theta are considered the top houses at my school as well. I don't know what your deal is, but I'm sorry you are so bitter with us "elitists." Maybe these chapters are known as elitists because we have reason to be. We are proud of our sorority and its accomplishments. AS far as reputations, well that depends on our actions in our school and community. We get reputations by the positive feedback of the student body. Our pride (what you have called being full of ourselves or having a bad attitude) is derived from our strong performance on campus and in the community and our wonderful members. Just because we get recognition for being involved with such a wonderful group of girls, you're angry? Sucks to live your life in such negativity.

OK, pbpck, here's the thing: awatters said that those girls did not have the best attitudes at his school. I think he has a right to entitle his opinion. Yes, even though I am a Theta, I can accept that not all of us are perfect. All sororities all have a few bad seeds in 'em, as well as the good seeds, too. Don't forget that awatters does not mean that all KKG's, DG's, Thetas, and Pi Phi's have bad attitudes, it's just the ones he has encountered have bad attitudes.

At my school, it's the same "ranking," except XO ranks up w/Theta, too. Also, DZ is "rated" pretty high too. BUT, we all respect each other, and no matter HOW "exclusive" we think we ought to be, it does not excuse the attitude for being stuck-up, snobby, or "elitist." Of course we are all exclusive--all Greeks included--but it DOES NOT give us the right to act that way. I think that his school's chapters probably did not conduct themselves w/pride--rather, with more "snobbery" than pride. There is a difference, you know!! Pride can be shown w/class--snobbery on the other hand, is totally different. If Theta, KKG, DG, and Pi Phi want to keep our "exclusive" rankings, we ought to refrain from acts of snobbery. My Theta chapter is VERY well respected, has a "number one" status, YET, we respect each and every sorority, as well as all GDI's! That has helped us rise to the ranks of "number one."

Well said Theta-cutie, as a Kappa--I very much want my sorority to remain one of the "best"--but you must respect each other to remain on top.

Hey...I saw that ur quote is from Steel Magnolias...Did u know that Shelby in real life was a Phi Mu? Thats why everyting is pink. I heard they also made Julia Roberts an honorary Phi Mu cuz of that movie. Just wanted to let u know!


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I duno what I been told, Phi Mu girls are made of gold!
Phildo
PM W'00

This thread makes me so mad. Yes ADPi was the first sorority, and Phi Mu came in 1852 and is the 2nd. I think they used to be secret societies, dont remember the whole story. But numbers shouldnt decide whether that particular sorority is "elite" or not. I personally enjoy my small sorority. The biggest we have been since I've been in is 43 and total is 45. I've noticed that when all you worry about is quantity, the special sisterhood gets lost. So lets look at the personalities of the girls, and not who's prettier, who parties more, who has sex with more fraternity men, or who has more girls. Look at quality.

I've been told by friends at various schools in my state that the "elite" include KKG, Tri-Delt, and KD. None of them have chapters at my school though, so I guess it just varies from place to place like someone else said in this thread. All my black female friends who want to rush a BGLO have told me they want either AKA or Delta. I don't know if that means they are "elite" though, lol.

Well As Far As I Am Concerned, ALL GREEK SOROITYS ARE THE ELITE!
Thank you for you time in this exteme matter!!!!!!!!!!!

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Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)

This entire thread is so unnecessary! Each individual chapter is different. You can say that a sorority is "elite" because it was first or whatever, but national organizations don't always reflect the local chapters.

For instance, at my school Phi Mu, KD, and ADPi would be considered "good". We also have Chi Omega, Zeta, and AGD that are not "as good" by a popular majority. However, that doesn't mean that these two sororities are not nationally "elite" or desireable. Chi Omega, Zeta and AGD have very good national reputations.

To label any sorority as higher than any other is a waste of time. Take Chi Omega for instance. We all know what happened at a local chapter, but does that mean that ALL Chi-O chapters and their nationals are not "elite"? Every sorority has something to offer each individual sister or perspective member, so don't waste your time trying to label the "elite" sororities.

I think we should all spend a little less time analyzing questions like these with bias and just enjoy our own organizations.

-VSUPhiMu



[This message has been edited by VSUPhiMu (edited July 06, 2001).]

I dont like talking about whos the best, whos elite, whos' first... because were all special for a reason. Some orgs are bigger, some are smaller, some changed over from other names to greek letters, some were founded with greek letters, some are big in this state or region, and others not. Just because a chapter of XYZ (or YZ for all of those two letter gals!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif ) isnt big, popular, elite or whatever at your school, or your friends school, dosent mean its not a wonderful worthwhile organization at another school or nationally. You may be a wonderful Phi Sig at school A, but at school b, your personality fits better with the DZ's. Dont listen to anyone but yourself, dont go where your 4th cousins, brothers girlfriends, grandmothers, uncles, sister went... go where (insert your name here) feels at home!!!

Im almost done with my rant, now some Phi Sig preaching... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Y'all already know that Phi Sigma Sigma was the first sorority to let women of all faiths join in sisterhood... so I dont need to repeat it... hehe

One thing Ive noticed about Phi Sig is we are 'big' and 'popular' (we have alot of chapters in...) Pennsylvania...(I hate typing out my states name, PA works just fine for me!) New York, Florida and believe it or not California! Ive looked through the chapter roll, and counting all chapters (even deactivated ones) there are a ton in PA! I was amazed... well its my bed time!!
<3 Ali

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"...A dynamic sisterhood of powerful and passionate women maintaining uncompromising principles, igniting positive change, and embracing individuality!"

Phi Sigma Sigma - Gamma Gamma Chapter
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1-9-4-6 Doohretsis!

Tau Beta Sigma - Delta Omicron Chapter
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Go Golden Chickens! I mean EAGLES!

There are only a few good things that came out of Clarion- Chris Kirkpatrick of NSync, Kurt Angle (Pre WWF!) and any PHI SIGMA SIGMA!

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I have to agree with you that in Maryland and even New Jersey and New York houses such as Phi Sig http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif KD, AOPi and ZTA are very strong! Down south sororities are viewed VERY differently then they are here in Maryland and I suppose that older houses are indeed seen as more prestigious...but either way I am still very proud of Phi Sigma Sigma

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I have to agree with you that in Maryland and even New Jersey and New York houses such as Phi Sig http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif KD, AOPi and ZTA are very strong! Down south sororities are viewed VERY differently then they are here in Maryland and I suppose that older houses are indeed seen as more prestigious...but either way I am still very proud of Phi Sigma Sigma

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I have to agree with you that in Maryland and even New Jersey and New York (and at U of Deleware) houses such as Phi Sig http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif are very strong! Down south sororities are viewed VERY differently then they are here in Maryland and I suppose that older houses are indeed seen as more prestigious...but either way I am still very proud of Phi Sigma Sigma

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I have to agree with you that in Maryland and even New Jersey and New York (and at U of Deleware) houses such as Phi Sig http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif are very strong! Down south sororities are viewed VERY differently then they are here in Maryland and I suppose that older houses indeed seen as being more prestigious...but either way I am still very proud of Phi Sigma Sigma

I had to respond because I just was reading something in Time, I think, that noted Theta as being an "elite" sorority because of it's famous affiliations currently. They were writing about the Bush girls, Laura Bush was a Theta, and now Jenna Bush...all us at the house thought it was an interesting comment on Theta, since we don't really see us as elitests, but as down to earth girls!

VSUPHIMU

You maybe upset about the elite sorority thing. But you did wrong by singling out who is good at VSU and who is not in YOUR OPINION.

As you know everyone has their own opinion who is good or not. It might look bad if you thought Phi Mu was bad. You could have made your point without insulting the other sororities. But since you did single out sororites your going to hear my opinion.

First what do you consider good? Each sorority has a fraterntiy they primarily (yes I know no sorority hangs out exclusively with one fraternity)have guys that like them. So could you mean popular with guys? I know many guys from almost every fraternity and I never here them talking big about Phi Mu. Heck from what I seen most fraternity guys on the campus date GDI's in alot of cases. Could you mean best by winning awards and good at scholarship? Chi Omega and Zta have won almost all the president cups and greek week awards in the past five years. Heck AGD has been here only 3 years and they came one award short of winning presidents cup.

I think every sorority has made great strides in the past years and no sorority is realy better than the other. Kappa Alpha and ADPI would be the "elite" from this school simply because they most the local people and the people with lots of money. But looking at the people they have got that title may change soon. So if you chose best by achievements Phi MU would be on the bottom. Do I really believe one sorority is better than another? No. I just decided to single out since you did. Just about every sorority and fraternity on campus have has socials with supposed "elite" groups. What does that mean? Wouldn't only the elites talk to the elites? That just proves there are none and no real best groups.

Oh and I know you will make a comment on how TKE on the campus is at the bottom here too. Well, let me just comment on that too. Yes TKE here hasn't won many awards or been the biggest fratenity. But I do believe we are getting better especially since after rush that ended yesterday. We will now be a 50+ chapter and definately not the smallest chapter on campus. We even done very well in greek week last year compared to past ones and we are in contention for awards this year. Sorority that in the past would not have nothing to do with TKE now have members that hang out. Their social chairs now call us instead of us them.

Well thanks for listening to my ramblings.

Please try not to single anyone out again. Everyone has their own good qualities.

I don't really think that our soroities at my school are all that elite but I do know that the Chi Omega's have the repuation of being stuck up and that they care way too much about money. The KD's are pretty popular though. I do know that our DZ chapter is the smallest sorority at our school and they arent all that elite. I don't really know too much about the other sororities though


Nichole

What I believe to be elite among HBGLO's...

Alpha Kappa Alpha
Delta Sigma Theta
Zeta Phi Beta
Sigma Gamma Rho

(from oldest to newest top to bottom..)

I do agree that this is too hard of a topic. There may be group(s) that are nationally strong, but it boils down to who was good on your campus. I think no matter how awesome a groups is nationally, you always use your experience with that group.

All NPC groups are great, but the older the group is has a lot to do with numbers and strength...I think so at least.

hrm...

I think this is an interesting thread... I agree with what 33girl and others have had to say, that the BEST house is the one that's BEST for you.

By our very definition, Greeks are elite. We choose some women and not others. We are hierarchal and in some cases, Greeks socialize only with other Greeks (but I bet everyone reading this maintains friendships beyond their chapter!). So by that definition, all houses are elitist.

AXO is not the largest sorority in the country. We do not boast the most famous members, and at some schools we are probably not the most desired by rushees. On my campus, we are one of the top 4 houses, so I guess that makes us "elite" here. But what has kept me so close with my chapter is not our 98% rushee return rate or the reaction from people when I wear my letters. It is the foundations we were built upon and continue to live our lives according to. The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega for me, defines grace, class, and dignity. I am sure that for each of you out there, you have similar feelings about your chapter. So let's stop worrying over who's "elite" or who's the "best," and accept that we have a myriad of houses because we are such a diverse population, and each house is special and valued by the girls in it.

I think the term "elite" is alot like the term "sex appeal." Like Sophia Loren said, "It's half what you've got, half what other people THINK you've got."

*steps off soapbox*

AMEN AlphaChiS2K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wait a gosh darn mintue...
 

MY NPC POV...
 

In my eyes, NPC groups are judged on size when you ask about being elite.

Like many NPC groups the larger you are the more well known you are and the more you are able to do for your members and the community.

I guess I look at it as more Potential Members want that group and the elite groups are more sought after, but that's how it was at my school, and how I think it is in NC if not NPC nationally.

This thread makes me laugh. The fuitility of it is astounding. Its like bickering over which is better: Vanillia or Chocolate.

Heres a new one for you.. Which is the least elite sorority around?? The obvious answer is my own beloved national. How many of you have ever heard of Theta Phi Alpha?? Not many I assure you. It is only large at a few sparse school, mine included. We are # 7 in our GLO. But does it matter?? I sure dont lose any sleep over it. The only thing that concerns me is the wonderful woman that surround me, and the great things that we do for each other and the community.

So when you bother to ponder which Sorority is the most "elite", dont worry about it too much, or you may miss the best years of your life, wondering about petty things.

Well said TPA! You can't compare a group who has 150,000 initiates with one that has only 50,000. Groups that are older have had more time to establish their roots and grow. Delta Phi Epsilon is only 84 years young. We continue to grow and flourish with three new colonies starting this year. We may not be elite in the eyes of all of the world, but it's not the point to me. Without D Phi E, I wouldn't have made it through college...wouldn't have made the lifelong friendship I have with my sisters, even though I graduated 5 years ago. I wouldn't have gotten to volunteer on a national level and meet all of the wonderful sisters I have from all over the country and in Canada (GO SIOB :)). Say what you will about all of the sororities. The most elite in my heart will of course be D Phi E, but I believe we all can learn from EVERY sorority. So if you're a Kappa or a Theta or a TPA or a D Phi E, let's learn from each other, support each other, and live the Panhellenic way in boosting our sorority system. When that happens, we will all be called elite, no matter what letters we have!

I don't think anyone is fighting.

I do not think it matters if your organization is thought of as elite or not. I think every campus and every city is so different that you need to choose the group who is the best fit; there are too many factors to determine things like this.

I do think there are always going to be sororites who are thought of as elite and no one will change that, it isn't something to fight over.

WHAT THE?
 

It is time to forget this bashing crap!

In each area of the country each Fraternity and each Soroity are stronger than some!

In each School there are some stronger than others!

It is time to really figure out that we as Greeks are stronger than the norm, we do more, have better GPA, serve the community and school more, and upon Graduation do better, and donate more money back to the school as Alums!

Yes, I am better as I learned more by doing , participating, supporting, involvement and having a better feeling from what I learned as A Greek in college than 95 % of the people with sheepskins on the wall!

We are the elite no matter what Organization we are from.

Da, Figure it out now! What say ye to that Poor Yorrick?

Ever notice how much weight he lost!

this is a fun site and I for one want to keep it that way.

I may be getting OLD AND CRUSTY, but hope not Stupid Yet!

Nichole,
I guess you meant by your post in the Chi Omega forum......

"Have a great rush MTSU Chi-O's!!
Hey girls! I just wanted to say Have a wonderful rush this week! I know you will get many great sisters! I hope you have a great week!

*Nichole*


__________________
~*Love in friends forever!*~"


that you wanted to wish us the best of luck in getting the most snotty and greediest girls MTSU has to offer!! Thank you! Please keep me posted if we accomplished our goal!

he he he he he - just kidding Nicole - I just thought it was ironic - the two posts your wrote. I'm sorry you felt the MTSU girls were like that...I hope they give you a better impression in the coming years of your college experience. Sue

Well, of course this has probably been said, but it bears repeating: any chapter can be the elite on any campus, and conversely any chapter can be the animal house of the campus, or not really that well regarded. People should work hard to improve their chapter.

Here at Nebraska, I would say that the top sororities are (in no particular order)

Kappa Alpha Theta
Gamma Phi Beta
Chi Omega

These are the ones that jump out in my mind, but every house has it's advantages. Plus I haven't interacted with ladies from all the houses, so I may be missing someone like A Phi or A Chi O.

I have to agree with Leslie Anne on this one. She made some very valid points along with some other people who posted on this thread. For example anyone at all who said that all sororities are elite since not everyone is in a sorority...or that each chapter as something different to offer.

We are all elite in our own eyes...each chapter has something special that they can contribute that maybe another can not at a certain time. It always was frustrating to me that all sororities don't get along better than we do...and I am not saying at every school or every sorority, because I have seen on Greekchat that there are schools where other sororities are there for one another...wish it happened more often.

Why is everyone so upset over this?

I thought it was common knowledge that some NPC groups are more well known/stronger than others.

I mean, locally and nationally are two separate issues. Some groups are stronger in some areas and weak in others, but they all balance out, why is that a crazy concept?

I was not aware we couldn't discuss sorority standings without upsetting everyone.

AOT

I think that Tau Delta TriMu is the best because they have all the blondes, but if you are going for the richest Alpha Nu Xi is the best because it costs SO much money and your parents have to make at least a million a year to get in. The worst sorority though is Rho Gamma Sigma Beta because their girls are all fat, you have to weigh 300 pounds to get in there and also they don't bathe.

I mean come on! ELITE? I can tell you right now for a FACT which sorority is the most ELITE! THe one that tries to live up to the ideals their founders set, day by day. If you strive to attain what ideals you sorority stands for you are elite.

That is my $.04 worth!

Excellent point, from my fellow Alpha Gam sister!:D

Sarah, (ilovemyglo)

I totally agree! It's really an opinion. I liked your post :0)

LiEP

Can someone describe to me what makes one org stronger than another? I just dont get that, because each org is based on different ideals and concepts and you cant possibly compare them.
I think one reason that people are getting mad is because you get tired of hearing "my sorority is better than yours and etc." And all that people are going by is little petty jugdemental things. Who has the most girls, who is the prettiest, who is the snottiest. Thats kinda shallow and lots of people play into that crap when they rush :mad:
An org is an org. Chi-O is no better than DG, which is no better than Zeta or SDT and so on. At a time when Greek Rush is down (My old system went down from nearly 1000 girls rushing to just around 700) shouldnt we all be helping each other out instead of competing over materialistic and shallow honors?

I can understand why certain sororities would be considered "elite" in the sense that they started the NPC.

I think the word "elite" is a strange word to use..... but apparently that is what has stuck over the years.

I may be speaking from my own sorority pride but I think ADPi should be included in that list because we were the first. I know other sororities sometimes make that claim but...
-NPC recognizes us as the first (founding date: May 15, 1851 in Macon, Goergia)
-Our international motto is "First and Finest"
-We were the first sorority to celebrate our 150th birthday this past May

This is not to say that being the first makes us any better than anyone else.

On the other had, I can see why ADPi might not be included in the "elite" list..
-we didn't go national until around 1904
-we didn't join NPC until sometime around 1909 or later (I forget the exact year)

This may explain why although ADPi has chapters all over the US, we'll always be strongest in the deep south...but I hear we're pretty strong in the mid-west too?

The only sorority that I never heard of having a weak chapter is KKG so I'm sure they deserve the title of elite!

I know people are going to hate me for this, but this thread is tiresome.

There is no way to be objective about this. There simply isn't unless one can come up with objective standards by which to measure "elite-ness" (I know, probably not a word).

I've read through the posts and the following comes to mind:

* We are all elite
* We are all special
* We all have things to be proud of
* We all have interesting and unique histories that should be celebrated

We can continue to make claims as to why XYZ is more elite than ABC, but, let's face it, there is no real way to prove these claims or prove that ABC is any better than XYZ.

I know you're probably thinking, "just don't read the thread anymore if you don't like it." That's just what I plan to do because I truly believe each and every organization has its own claim to the title "elite."

Flame me if you will, but those are just my thoughts (for what they're worth). :)

Angel(a)