This might sound crazy but one of my really good friends and I acted as if we didn't know each other beofre we got accepted. The reason being, we wanted to cover all of our bases (parinoid interested girls we were) just incase there was a member out to split up friends who wanted to get in. I have never heard of friends purposely getting turned down, but we wanted to make sure that, that wasn't the case for us. We would talk before an event and after on the phone, but we would d**n near crack up trying to ignore each other.

What sources do you recommend to use 4 researching sororities in the NPHC?
And what is a "sweetheart"?

1. National websites that can be found through www.google.com by entering in each sorority name.
2. Attending programs on your campus and in your community
3. Getting to know (NOT interrogating) members on your campus and in your community.

After re-reading this thread I'm not sure this point was made. One of the major differences between NPHC and NPC is you shouldn't Rush your freshman year. Most likely you are not eligible. Thus you have a whole year to get to see what each of the org about and do your research via websites, and conversations.

For some of us Rush is structured nationally as the place where you get the final instructions for joining and receive an application packet. And we don't like handing those out to folx who are just curious. On top of that you MUST attend the Rush to get a packet, because there are some legalities that are covered.

Eight pointers...
 

Dredging up the past: My take. How would I go about it these days?

1) I would have completed 1 semester (or 2 quarters) as a FULL TIME, non-remediated student. At some universities/college you are not allowed to join until your sophomore year. Then, you need at least a B average. Even if others say you just need a minimum GPA requirement, aim higher!
2) I would search EVERYTHING from the National PanHellenic Council on my local college campus and internationally.
3) If you are attending school outside of your hometown, then this summer, you would want to attend some functions if you are able. Some cities have small gatherings for families. Much more, you it is very wise to get to know the elders at your church.
4) Lastly, when you have made a choice, attend ALL FUNCTIONS of the organization of your choice. Find time, make an effort and remember, Grades and class units!
5) Familiarize yourself with the members on your campus. Also, familiarize yourself with the older members on your campus. Confidence is key and you need to know yourself and what you can do to still be successful in college. Your first objective at the undergraduate level is college.
6) Partying like a rock star will cause you to be looked over as a PNM.
7) Any letters need to be reviewed professionally.
8) Is it wise to say anything? Your questions you ever had to ask, ask how you can best serve your NPHC organization of your choice.

it really isn't any of my business how other orgs conduct their interest groups or what the rules of their interest groups are..... but I'm curious what people think about an interest group that has their own hand sign, call, colors, etc? I feel these things, while they can bond the members, can also detract from the org they are interested in.

Since CULater is digging up old threads that I forgot existed, LOL:

This will definitely be based on the specific members in a chapter, as well as chapter and campus dynamics (for instance, small campuses and small chapters). We never had problems with friends coming to programs together. That could be 2 friends or 5 friends. It is silly to try to break friends up. If they are all qualified and wanted, then they are all qualified and wanted. If only one or none is/are qualified and wanted, you know the rest.

better than getting flamed for not using the search button :p

Search and read does not always equal post, though. :p

Although I'm non-greek, my mother was/is a sweetheart. Back when she was in school 70's-80's I believe certain fraternities had sweethearts and some referred to them as little sisters and such. However, there were some that were used for "other purposes". I'm not sure whether or not sweethearts are as big now as they were when my mom was in school, but I do know that they are frowned upon by some. They are commonly known as being auxillary groups and only "have" 2 letters. Many have their own calls, chants, etc. and I've seen old vids of actual lines and probates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GggwMk1d3V0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ub62uWZw60

yeah it is silly, but I know a chapter that purposely tried to split up twins.

From what I understand the only NPHC frat with nationally recognized sweethearts are the Iota.

The Kappas have Silhouettes (their wives) that is its on group. But their used to be sweethearts (friend and gfs) are not recognized. Many of those groups supposedly have incorporated on their own.

umm i'm new to the site but i was online "looking around" and have a question. You ladies seem to know your stuff.

SIDE NOTE: IF I EVER GET TOO SPECIFIC, FEEL FREE TO SAY "SORRY SISTAH GIRL, I CAN'T TELL YOU"

Suppose Patty Pledge wants to be a member of an org in the NPHC called "XYZ".. she is encouraged to go to ALL events correct? How would Patty per se make her "interest" known discreetly without walking up to a member of "XYZ" and saying "Hi, my name is Patty and i would be so thankful if you extend me an invitation etc" I mean is there a code word to show interest? lol I know that sounds silly but Patty may not know ANYONE and may be there by herself scared "ishless".

Also, how common is it for NPHC to have "intakes" over the spring and summer months to be revealed at a Fall probate?

For your last question, I have only seen that once, and that was this past year. It was a fraternity.

You can figure out the answer to both of those questions on your own.