Is it worth it?
 

At FSU orientation, which I just got back from, there was a small presentation that the new 'Noles could opt to attend for information and introduction to sororities and fraternities. Previously, I had not so much as considered joining a sorority but, on a whim, I decided that I would attend this meeting.

The meeting itself was not very informative but it did get me interested in the possibility. I did not know much about sororities, no one I know is an alumna, and so, upon arriving home, I decided to do some research into them. In my research, I came upon the obvious conclusion - it is going to cost quite a bit of money.

I understand that if I go for recruitment, I have no obligation to join, but even the recruitment will cost a good deal to buy the clothing as I do not possess formal clothes. I am wondering if it is worth the cost when I may not have any bids.

I am not the most outgoing of persons, and while I am improving upon this, I'm not sure I could stand above the other candidates to get a bid. However, the benefits of sorority life, the friends that will be formed, the philanthropic opportunities, the networking opportunities, and the opportunity to have a support system as I grow into a more confident individual is certainly something that I would like.

Honestly, only you can determine if going through recruitment is worth it.

Do keep in mind that if you did accept a bid, a sorority is a significant financial commitment, Be sure you can afford it.

My esteemed fellow Ohioan is correct. Only you can determine if this is worth it. Keep in mind, though, that this is one of those things you get one shot at in life (generally). You're never going to be an undergrad again, and if you're interested, this might be your one and only chance. I don't say this to pressure you, I say this in the "Carpe Diem", "nothing ventured nothing gained" sense.

Yes, rush can be a significant investment in time and emotional energy, but the payoff regardless of your end result is huge. If you join a sisterhood, then you've made a bond for life. If you decide sorority life isn't for you, then you know a lot more about yourself as a person.

The financial investment is significant, and that may mean not taking an executive position so that you can work part time and pay your fees (had a lot of friends do this). Most sisterhoods offer some sort of financial plans or will work with you to make paying your fees do-able. Definitely don't take this lightly, but the sororities will be upfront with you about their fees, you have to be upfront about what you will be willing to do to meet that responsibility of membership.

RE: Clothes for rush. Do you have older sisters/cousins? Friends? I'm sure you can find someone to swap clothes with for formal rounds. And they don't have to be super formal/expensive, just smartly worn...clean, pressed, well fitted.

Only you know what your financial situation is, so it's hard to generalize. The costs of being in a sorority are significant, but so are the benefits. I had no interest in joining a sorority when I left for college, and ended up pledging spring semester of my freshmen year, and I still count it as one of the best decisions I ever made. I can't imagine my life without my sisters, who are my life-long friends. (I've been out of college long enough to say this with confidence!) I also know that I wouldn't be the person that I am today without the experiences that I had as a collegiate member.

I guess what I'm saying is that if money is really tight and you know that you couldn't swing the dues and other expenses, then going through recruitment is probably not the right choice. However, if your hesitance is that you think you're going to spend the money for recruitment and "blow it" because you won't get a bid, I think you should go for it. You just don't know what might happen. You have all summer to figure out what to wear...to echo a previous comment, try to borrow some things or catch things on sale.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Looking at the FSU website, as far as clothes are concerned, the only vaguely "formal" outfit you would need to wear would be for pref - and they don't even specify cocktail dress. (FSU people, please correct me if I'm wrong) If that has you worried, just buy one from a store that has a decent return policy (like Macy's) and don't take the tags off until you are sure you need it (i.e. till you're sure you are in the pref round).

The other things, like sundresses and capris and nice shoes, are something every 18 year old girl should own, whether you are rushing or not. You can't spend all your life in jeans and sweatpants.

If the dues are what concerns you, ask the Greek life office if any of the groups offer payment plans. The first year is always the most expensive. Also compare what costs of living in the house are as opposed to other housing available on/off campus.

Florida State lists the dues on the Panhellenic website, if you have not found it already.
http://greeklife.fsu.edu/PH/duestable.html

and remember, before you think wow that's high ... that out of house dues include meals and in house dues include rent as well as meals.

Like most things in life, you will get out of a sorority what you put into it. Only you can know if you are willing to dedicate yourself enough to make it worthwhile financially. It's a common misconception that slapping letters on a girl will suddenly spark deep bonds of sisterhood and lifelong committment.

The thing is those bonds and that committment can and does happen. Thinking back now on the years of dues I paid as an active, it's a pitance compared to what I have gotten in return. I couldn't put a price tag on the love and support I have enjoyed all these years.

you do not need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to participate in recruitment-remember, you are meeting these people for the first time, so all you outfits will be new to them. it is more important to wear something that looks good on you and that you feel comfortable wearing. if wearing something new would make you feel more confident, but you don't have the $$ for a brand new wardrobe, buy some new earrings, a necklace or a bracelet-and they don't have to be designer to look good.

whatever you do wear, make sure it is a step up from what the fsu website recommends. truth be told, most girls will be in cute skirts with polo style tops or sundresses and will wear a dress suitable for a wedding guest or church attendee to wear for prefs.

I rushed last year. Things didnt turn out to well for me but I still remember it being one of the best moments in my life. I never had more fun than I did during recruitment, it was just great. I'm actually rerushing so you know I think its worth it. theres so many houses and theres just so much open to you. Im not outgoing when Im around new people so I understand you, but I think a sorority can really help that. I would say definitely give it a try.

Yes, it is a pet peeve for PNM's to go through recruitment, accept a bid/receive a bid and then suddenly decide they cant afford it when that spot could have gone to someone else.

Contact your college Panhellenic/Greek Life office. They may be able to give you a lot more information about the average financial obligations of the chapters. Also during all rounds of recruitment with the exception of preference (including the first day/open house when you will visit every house on campus) posters are displayed with that particular chapter's financial information on it. Any member you talk to should be able to give you that information in addition to what your dues will and wont include. Keep in mind every chapter has a different amount required for dues and what is included in them also varies.

Just because you choose to go through recruitment doesnt obligate you to stay in recruitment if you feel being greek is not for you. You can quit at anytime for any reason you like. While clothing for recruitment may be a significant cost for you, think of it as an investment. Whether you end up joining a sorority or not, you will still have a few nice outfits that can be worn on other occasions.

Only you can decide if recruitment/sorority life is right for you. I wouldnt make the decision lightly either. I believe (and someone correct me if I am wrong) FSU has a competitive recruitment where sophomores, juniors, and seniors may have a harder time getting bids.

Oops! I should have scrolled down all the way before making my post :)

As a greek Nole, I can tell you that being in a sorority has made my experience at FSU a memorable one. The wardrobe suggestions are very basic; shorts, tank tops, shirts, sundresses, sandals/flip flops, etc. If you are from Florida, I imagine you would already have some of these pieces in your wardrobe. Pref Day IS a little bit more formal, with girls wearing dressier sundresses and strappy sandals (usually heels).

As far as you determining if it's worth it for YOU or not, that is not something I can help you with. If you want to go through and decide it's not for you, all you've lost is the registration fee, and you will have probably made some new friends from your Rho Gam group.

I will back up what FlaGirl07 said, all you'd be out is your registration fee. However, if you decide that joining is financially impossible at this time, please do not sign a bid card after preference round. If you know you can't accept an invitation to membership, do not put yourself in a position to receive an invitation.

Sounds to me that you have the right idea, a sorority has been the best thing I have ever done. It allows you to overstep the boundaries that you felt held you back in high school or wherever you come from. If you are going to be financially ready to take this step, it is completely worth it. I wouldn't worry about other candidates, just worry about yourself. Stop comparing yourself to what you think sororities want and you will find you have a better chance of finding the house that is right for you.