Should Sorority desires impact my college choice?
 

Hello. :)

I haven't posted on GC forums before, so I suppose I should introduce myself. I'm a high school senior living in the upper midwest USA, so I'm less than a year away from beginning my college experience-- and SO excited. :D

Last week I received an acceptance letter to the University of Texas at Austin, my first choice school, and I was THRILLED. UT is my dream school-- I loved every aspect of it when I toured and can't wait to be a part of such an excellent academic program in an exciting social environment...I could go on and on...

Yet, when I think about sending in all the *final* deposits and such, I can't help but feel just a little twinge of sadness, because I feel like I'm kissing goodbye my chance to belong to a sorority if I accept. I mean NO offense to the Greek organization at UT, but I know, realistically, that I would not have a chance of being recruited there. I don't even know how I would get a recommendation- no one in my circle of family or friends has ever been in a sorority, much less one in Texas. I understand that Greek life is VERY competitive there, and I respect that- and long to be a part of it. :(

Of course I'm going to college for higher education. But being in a sorority is something I truly long for- I would love to have lifelong friendships and share the college experience with a group of sisters. I can't believe I would pass up the opportunity to live and learn at UT, the thought of going to a *different* college, with a less competitive Greek system, where I believe I would have a better chance of getting into a sorority IS lurking in the back of my mind.

I hope this post was not offensive. I am simply conflicted and would appreciate any advice you have about considering Greek life when choosing a college.
:)

How you choose where you go to school should depend on the kind of academics your looking for.

Greek life is something you should consider once you've decided what school you're going to attend. It's after that, when you'll need to figure out what you should do to help better yourself in the recruitment process.

I don't personally know much about UT-Austin, and how competitive it is. There's many others on here who will be able to advise you on how recruitment goes, and how competitive it is there. I do know they have a chapter of my sorority there, and they don't do the traditional NPC recruitment there.

UT-Austin is very competitive. That said, don't give up - it may be that you can find a home at UT-Austin. Realistically, it may not be a "top-tier" house, but so what? All of the NPC sororities on the campus are great, and you have absolutely nothing to lose by going through recruitment. Read up on what to do here on GC - get those recs! - and good luck.

While I do hold my sorority experience and sisterhood in high regard, it isn't as valuable to me as my college education.

Look at it this way...what if you don't get a bid at a less-competitive school? Even though the campus may not be as competitive as UT, you're still not guaranteed a bid. What are you going to do then?

The decision is ultimately yours, but my suggestion is to put your priority on that UT education. I doubt that anyone here on GreekChat will tell you otherwise.

The above advice is nice and all but judging from your post you seem really into joining a sorority.

Well I would say to first ask yourself why you "wouldn't be recruited" and fix the things about you that make you feel that way.

You have a good 7+ months ahead of you and you can do a lot of changing until then.

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe it's a guy thing.

This isn't true. Yes, the Greek system here is VERY competitive, but there are girls from outside of Texas in almost every, if not every, chapter. Yes, recruitment will be more difficult. While it may be difficult to impossible to get into the big three, there are lots of other opportunities. Start lining up recs right now. You'd be surprised how many women you might know who are Greek. Check with teachers, family friends, church members, your friends' mothers etc. Put the word out. Also check and see if there is an Alumnae Panhellenic group in your area. They can put you in touch with women who can help with recs too.

Come here for the education. This campus is huge and diverse. There are plenty of other activities to get involved in should you end up not joining a sorority. Austin is also fun and full of things to do. It's very easy to meet people and get involved. If Texas is your dream school and you were one of the lucky ones admitted, you should go for it!

I'll disagree with the "focus on your education and don't give a second thought as to the Greek system when choosing a college sentiment". There are thousands of colleges in the US. Greek Life is one aspect of campus culture to consider when looking for the best fit school for you. Of course finding a school that meets your needs academically is important. Think about this for a second. There are many schools that are academically equivalent to UT, but the campus culture at each school is different. That's also a factor when considering a school.

It's hard for me to turn around and say, "Oh don't worry about Greek Life, you're at college to get an education" because my sorority membership is so valuable to me, and I can't imagine my life without Sigma Kappa. I don't think my college freshman self would have had the opportunity to be Greek if I went to the University of Alabama, for example, but there are other aspects of the school that would make it a poor fit as well. :)

That said, my freshman self would have stood little chance at a school like that because I was uninformed. If I knew about the uphill battle I may face 8 months before recruitment started, I would have had the time to find recs.

So my bottom line for the OP is this: If you feel that UT is a great fit for you in every other way, and that you won't be emotionally scarred forever on the chance you don't get a bid, send in your deposit. You are fortunate to have discovered GC with plenty of time to learn about UT Recrutiment.

And I will cosign everything that LadyLonghorn and KSUViolet06 said. Great advice.

I second LadyLonghorn's advice. You are not without options at UT. But, now that the hard part is over (good hs gpa, acceptance to UT) go after recruitment with the same energy you put into hs.

Google some Texas alumnae panhellenic groups (I think Richardson is a good one, if I remember) and read the booklets they publish for area hs seniors about rush. Be focused and spend spring working on recs. Any alum from any school will work. They don't have to be Texas alumnae.

Also, there is some debate on this elsewhere on GC, but I would recommend at least three recs (or letters) per house for Texas, and I think other Texas, SEC, etc experienced alums will concur.

One more important thing, the Texas groups are highly organized and recs are sent in to most houses in early early summer, as in late May early. Have your info to alums asap and read the many threads on GC regarding how to interact with alums for recs to help this process along.

Good luck!

ETA - I agree with Violet's assessment of considering Greek Life as a component of college. It was a huge part of my collegiate experience and if it something you desire, don't rule it out.

I'm not from UT, in fact the greek system at my alma mater isn't really that competitive, but I would think it couldn't hurt to get in touch with your local alumnae panhellenic. Perhaps if you meet and bond with some of the ladies they can help you with recommendations, and if you're lucky enough to meet a UT alumna maybe she can give you face-to-face advice that you'll find helpful. Plus, you may know sorority women, but just don't know they're members. That happens to me all the time.

Unfortunately, you're only really going to get fairly general advice on GreekChat, because we don't know you.

Congratulations on UT though, that's an awesome school!

The college experience is about more than just an education. Yes that's the main reason you're there, but you're also considering social activities and I think that's smart. How unhappy would you be if you were ultra-conservative and went to Berkeley? Or from the deep south and felt out of place at a large northern school? That's why they recommend and conduct campus tours and overnight visits, so you can get a feel for the school and make sure it's a place you'd like to spend your next 4 years.

It sounds like UT is somewhere you'd like to be academically and socially. It's a big accomplishment to get into your first choice school, and you worked hard to get there. Now you have to work hard to find and meet NPC women and line up recs. There is so much good advice for out of staters on GC, take it all into consideration and apply it. And think of the interesting conversations you'll have during rush- when I think upper Midwest, I think of places probably not a lot of people have been to. You'll be telling these girls all about something they've never experienced before! You might stand out as "the girl from Montana" (or wherever) as opposed to one of hundreds of girls from Houston or something.

I also think the guys suggestions are right.. you have about 9 months before you start college, take this time to address some of the 'issues' you feel like are holding you back from a successful rush.

Many of my cousins went to UT. Only one was Greek. She was not from a "Greek Town" in Texas and lacked a lot of recs that girls from Highland Park, etc. would get.

The year she pledged, a chapter had just colonized. There was a lot of room for opportunity and she eventually held several offices. 25 years later, she is still best friends with 3 of the girls in her chapter -- all moved to LA following Graduation.

The others that were not Greek were very involved on campus. They found many organizations that interested them, and found their spouses as well.

Base your college choice on your eductional needs. The Organizations, Greek or not, will follow.

I am so impressed by this thread. There is plenty of time to make getting a bid at UT a possibility if it is in fact your dream school. did you meet any sorority women on your tour that leads you to believe you would not get a bid? (If so, she was probably a top tier girl who made you feel insecure in yourself and your chances).

I don't recall seeing a similar thread which I think may be a good for future potential new members as well once more people weigh in.

I look forward to reading all the responses and wish you the best of luck!

Agree with all.

UT is a sure thing for you (since you have received your acceptance letter). Greek life is not yet a guarantee at any shcool until you go through recruitment. Take the time to increase your chances at receiving a bid (through recs, etc.) wherever you do decide to go to school. If you get a bid, great. If not, there are likely plenty of other opportunities for you to connect with others (maybe establish a sisterly bond) through other organizations.

Focus on education first, then your social bonds with others. I'm certain that you will find the right fit no matter what organizations you get involved with wherever you choose to go to school.

I concur that there are out of state girls in every house at UT, so it is very attainable.

You have started at a great time to get your ducks in a row for recruitment. Start working on getting your recs now.

From the recs I have done for UT girls, they want 1 formal rec (the form that is downloaded from the sorority website) and 3 letters of support (including the formal rec writer), then 2 pics, one a face shot and one a 3/4, these do NOT have to be formal studio type, your mom can take pics of you outside (and a snowy picture might be a real standout :)).

I also agree that it is a good idea to google some of the Texas panhellenic websites, Houston has one, Katy has one, Richardson is named above, etc. They all have "how to's" that have information about clothing choices, accessories, etc. AND, peruse the threads on GC about "what to do" and Texas Recruitment, there is a TON of good information.

DO NOT let it intimidate you! You are obviously a smart girl or you wouldn't have been accepted this early at UT - you have to be a top oos (no brainer) admit. So, now that you're in, start working on the other stuff.

You will meet a bunch of girls when you come down for orientation week in the summer. Try to get to know other girls who are rushing, they might give you in's with girls they know in houses.

There is a house for every type of girl (who wants to be Greek) at UT. Give it a chance and best of luck to you!! If you want to ask anything else, please feel free to do so. I don't have a daughter at UT, I have a sophomore son, but I have been writitng UT recs for 20 years and I know many wonderful young women there in many different houses.

*I agree that being from the midwest might be a good thing, it makes you different!

^^ all of the above.

Just remember: If you don't play, you can't win. Yes, you may indeed go bidless in recruitment, it happens. But, you could just end up with a bid to a wonderful sorority. And also, you may go through recruitment and realize that the NPC sorority life isn't for you (not likely, but it happens). The bottom line is, that if you don't at least try, you will never know what could have happened.

So you've got bags of time to put yourself in order for rush. You've got all winter to get involved in volunteering, to work on your grades, to plan your recruitment attire, to meet alums*, and to get recs. If you're staring out the window envisioning yourself walking across the quad with a big UT sweater on...don't let maybes stop you. Don't let hypothetical situations ruin your chances to be happy OVERALL. UT is a huge school, there will be tons of opportunities to find friends and happiness, both in Greek life, and without Greek life.

Go get 'em!

* note: if you find an alum and their organization is not represented at UT-Austin, they're still a valuable resource! Talk to them about their experience, ask their advice, and see if they can help you network with a friend from a sorority that IS represented at UT-Austin. Panhellenicism (is that a word?) does not end after college ;)

other options at UT
 

I don't go to UT but my boyfriend is in a fraternity there. The great thing about UT is that Greek life is strong but does not dominate campus life. College board says only 14% of women join sororities at UT. I'm not sure how accurate that is but if it is close to the actual amount, then you will meet LOTS of girls who aren't in sororities. Another great thing is that UT has some awesome women's organizations that aren't traditional NPC sororities, but they have similar functions. For example, Texas Spirits has been around campus for over 60 years. They do a lot of school spirit activities such as painting the windows of local businesses with longhorns and stuff. They get dressed up for the games in "Spirit attire" and I've heard it's really fun. There's also Texas Lonestars, Wrangler Darlings, Texas Honeys, Lassos, etc. These organizations have mixers with the fraternities on campus just like sororities do.

Here is the website for Spirits http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/spirits/
Wrangler Darlins http://www.wranglerdarlins.org/
Lassos http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/txlassos/
Lonestars http://www.texas-lonestars.com/spirit.html

Don't let the competitive nature of greek life at UT scare you! UT is a great school with a good campus life, greek or otherwise.

We haven't heard from the OP since she started this thread, so hopefully she'll return to read all the great advice from people familiar with UT that has been posted so far.

With 20 years of hindsight, I can still say that I gained more in experience and skills that prepared me for "the real world" from my Greek involvement than any of my college coursework. I felt that way my first year out, and still do. This is not to say that another student organization couldn't offer the similar types of opportunities for leadership and friendship.

You may want to check with the local panhellenic organization in your community. You could probably meet with some of those folks and have them write you letters of recommeondations. Recs are great, but ultimatly it needs to be a good fit for both you and the Chapter. A PNM could have 100 recs and not have a good recruitment. A lot of it depends on you. I say go to dream school and participate in recruitment. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain. Good Luck to you.

There is tons of good advice in this post!!!
As much as I loved my Greek experience, it was not everything there is on a campus! UT is an amazing campus academically!!! If you want to join a sorority, do your research and enter recruitment! You will never know if you don't try!

Your post wasn't remotely offensive.

I didn't have this exact problem when I was deciding on colleges, but I was definitely concerned about how greek life would fit into my experience. My mom, grandmother, and great grandmother were all in the same NPC, and I felt a strong pull to carry on the tradition. However, that NPC wasn't on the campuses of two of my first choice schools, and while it was on the campus of one, greek life wasn't big there, and I wanted to have a *real* greek experience. That said, I ended up leaving the sorority thought OUT of my decision process. I figured where ever I ended up, I had to be happy with the school, location, classes, etc. before I worried about sororities. I figured if I didn't join a sorority, I could join some kind of social club or honor society.

I really think if UT-Austin is your dream school, you should go there. And honestly, if you are this interested so early along, you will be able to get recs. And if you show that enthusiasm during recruitment, SOMEONE will notice and want you on board. Just keep reading GC and by next Fall, you will be beating them off with a stick!

Sorry. :o Just trying to be extra sensitive because I don't want anyone to think I'm spreading assumptions about UT sororities.*

I know I haven't replied to this thread in WEEKS, but I really wanted to stop in and thank everyone for taking the time to give me advice about recruitment at UT. I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately, and I'm still struggling with my decision, so I've been trying to take some time to think about it all. I know that being in a sorority, while it would be a wonderful experience, would not define me as a person, and not being in one does not defeat the purpose of a fabulous education.

I truly do appreciate all of the advice. Thank you all.

*Oh, and I absolutely do NOT believe that I am remotely guaranteed a bid if I attend a different university! I was just throwing that out as a way to weigh my chances, which would be *higher* at a less competitive school.

Just a thought but if you go to UT and don't make it into a sorority or decide UT does not meet your expectations for whatever reason you don't have to stay there. You are obviously are a good student so if you study hard at UT and make good grades you should be able to transfer as a sophomore to about any state school in the midwest other than possibly the U of Michigan. While this does not solve your sorority problem as rushing as a sophomore is very difficult at any school at least it would get you out of UT.

Why in the world would she want to transfer out of UT if she didn't get into a sorority? She said in her first post that it's her dream school.

It is not all that unusual for someone to transfer following an unsucessful rush, just to get out and go somewhere else. I know it happens at Vanderbilt.

I would never tell anyone that you can't have a great college experience after begin cut because you can. What I am trying to say is if it really bothers you so much it could be that a change of scenery is the right thing. I would never criticize anyone who made that decision.

ABSOLUTELY!!! There are Spirit Groups, there are clubs, there are over 40,000 people there, the opportunities to get involved on campus are endless! It's up to the student to go out and find a niche.

Only a small percentage are greek, so most people you will meet in classes or in campus organizations aren't in a sorority/fraternity.

And it truly is. For a million reasons other than Greek Life.

I don't think I would transfer if I didn't get a bid (If I even decide to rush...) unless there were other issues. I just hate the thought of spending four years wondering what *could* have been and feeling sad about missing out on the greek experience, and am trying to balance that desire with the (stronger) desire to get the education of my dreams.

If you go through recruitment and don't get a bid, you'll at least know you tried. And, as many others have said, there are so many groups and organizations to be involved in at UT that you can still have a great college experience at the school of your dreams without having a Greek affiliation.

I agree. You can even make your own sorority if you want to. At the school of my dreams University of Maryland,Baltimore County...they have Alpha Sigma Kappa..which is a sorority for women in the IT field.:)

Harder than it sounds. Much harder.

True.

College is what you make of it!

You have four amazing years ahead of you, so truly enjoy each and every experience.

That's life in a nutshell. Sometimes decisions have to be made.

But as far as I can see, it's all good. You have the opportunity to go to the school of your dreams, and to also participate in recruitment. You know to go into recruitment prepared and with an open mind. Yeah, you'll likely get your share of cuts, but then again, so do most of us (at any given school.) You'll be okay. And Austin is such a fun town! You will truly love your time there no matter what happens in recruitment, IMO.

1) You do not attend The University of Texas
2) You are not a member of a sorority, much less an NPC sorority.

You do not have any foundation upon which to base this bit of nonsense. Wasn't it enough for you to take your indiscreet backside trolling in the Zeta Phi Beta forum?

Now,I could say something crass and quite rude,but since you don't know me and I don't know you..I will not stoop to your level of immaturity. I offer my opinions fearlessly.

Ok that's all well and good.

However, it's not approprate for people who are NOT in sororities to give advice in sorority-related threads. You aren't familiar with what you're talking about and you're just saying stuff.

You can't tell someone that "they can just start their own sorority" because that's not something that can JUST HAPPEN. There's a process to it, and a new sorority can't just be started at a school such as UT- Austin.

No one is being rude, they're just saying that you should quit just spouting off stuff about sorority membership if you are not a member of one.