PNM Question :)
 

I just have one question...I'm rushing this fall as you might know, and I'm a transfer student (sophomore), which I don't think will affect my chances of getting a bid. However, I'm concerned because I'm living at home and commuting to school. (Note: My house is in the same town as my college, probably a 3 minute drive so it's not like I'm commuting from a different town.) What do you guys think? I know it's hard to say because you don't know my school yada yada yada, but I can tell you it's a less competitive Northern state school.

Thanks in advance, you guys rock :D

Based on the information you gave us about your school, I doubt being a commuter would greatly affect your chances. You could maybe stress during recruitment that because you're a commuter, you're really excited to join a sorority and meet girls (since you're missing out on dorm life). I'd definitely mention that you live 3 minutes from campus too, that may even be closer than some girls in the dorms.

Thanks so much for the advice. I was definitely planning on stressing the fact that I'm missing out on dorm life/didn't get to meet people last year (because I obviously went to a different school). Thanks again :)

ps. Do you know anyone in Alpha Xi Delta at WVU? One of my really good friends is in that sorority :)

I went to a Northern state school, and when I went this was no big deal. If they have houses, it may be a problem for you if you cannot live in though, but they may have an exception if you live at home. We did.

I'm not sure what school you'll be attending, but I would recommend not bringing it up unless someone else does. And if they do, definitely emphasize how close you are. In my experience, at schools where there are very few commuters other students tend to think of them as being kind of detached from student life, and potentially not being around much outside of classes. That doesn't sound like it's the case for you, and that may not be your campus culture! Just something to keep in mind.

laura, We don't have houses so I don't think it's a concern...and also, I'm looking to get a place closer to campus next year with some friends (or maybe even sisters, who knows ;)) but I didn't this year because I got accepted so late and all the places were virtually taken. But thanks for the advice!

owl, You make a very good point. I'm sure they'll ask where I'm living but I will definitely stress how close I am to campus and it's very accessible to me. (Also, at transfer orientation, it seemed that there were A LOT of commuters, so I don't think I'm the only one :) My major concern is that I'm living with my parents..but they aren't strict.)

Thanks guys!

The other posters have given some great advice too. I agree with not bringing it up unless someone asks, but like you seem to realize, that's a pretty common question during recruitment. My chapter had a commuter in it, and she ended up dropping out after a semester, but I think it was more about her lacking willingness to come around for evening activities. Not participating after pledging can be just as common for someone on campus and it can for a commuter. Sounds like this won't be a problem in your case! :)

To answer your question, yes, I knew a lot of Alpha Xis at WVU when I was there (I graduated in 07). Great group of girls, very fun and friendly!

WVU alpha phi...I agree, it could be an issue if I wasn't willing to come around, but I will :)!

And nevermind then, the girl I know joined this past fall.

My grand-little lived at home with her parents her freshman year. It was a quick drive to her house and honestly it was so great because her parents would often invite some of us over for home cooked meals!

Good point, Maggie :)

It won't hurt. Just be sure to have a loooooong talk with the 'rents and let them know that if you do get a bid, there are nights you're going to be crashing at people's apartments or the informal house (if you have one). Not for alcohol reasons, that's just part of being in a sorority. It sounds like they're cool with that though.

We had a girl who lived at home, but her dad was also one of the wrestling coaches so needless to say he was very understanding about her having a well rounded college life. I think he preferred her to be with us than to be at their house with men running around everywhere! LOL

I will be sure to talk to them about that, 33girl! They are pretty cool with me sleeping out and coming home late because I'm 19 so I don't think it will be an issue. They know I'm interested in sorority life and I'm sure they know all that comes along with it (or, at least what Lifetime's told them :rolleyes:).

Court,
I also go to a northern school, and we have lots of commuters in the sororities here. Its really not a big deal, but be prepared- they MAY ask you to live on campus. Make sure you talk to your parents about that possibility as well. As was mentioned earlier, the whole sorority experience will be a good way to you to be more a part of the "typical" college life. But for that to happen, be prepared to spend a lot of your free time with your new sisters once you pledge. We have several girls in my chapter that are commuters. Some are really involved and active with the chapter, and others do only the bare minimum. (You don't want to be one of the ones doing the bare minimum- not only do you not have the same bond with your sisters, but it starts to make the rest of the chapter feel like they're pulling your weight.) Enjoy recruitment! Let us know how it goes!

Nevermind about the living in the house bit- you already said you dont have them. Sorry.

My school has many commuters and we have a lot in the sorority. I live in an apartment specifically because of school and am still farther away than some of the girls lol. If your school is anything like mine it shouldn't matter at all, but obviously I don't know your school :) I think it mostly depends on campus environment.