Should I join a sorority?
 

I want to join a sorority for the sisters and lifelong memories, but I'm afraid it will be too time consuming for me. I have a boyfriend and am planning on working around 20 hours a week as a college freshman. I'm also worried about dues- can someone tell me how much they are a month/semester? I also want to join two other clubs on campus, but I think being in a sorority would take up too much time for leisure activities! Is sorority life right for me?

Honestly nobody can tell you if sorority life is right for you.

On the time issue, it really depends on how good you are in time management. I've seen people balance insane schedules, so it is definitely possible. As for the second, each chapter has their own dues, so it can vary widely. Also there might be incidental cost associated with the sorority. That is something which you are best asking your Greek Life office. They would have a better idea then we would.

Co-sign on what Vito said.

Also, there are many people who balance Greek life, working full time, and being involved in campus and community activities (I was one of them). You just need to be organized.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Agreed.

In addition, it's up to you to prioritize what's important to you. I know people who chose other organizations over joining a sorority (had to choose due to conflicting meeting times), and some regret it while others don't. It depends on what is important to you, and what you are willing to make work. It is often said that membership is for a lifetime- and it is. But you do have to get through undergrad first before you can enjoy the rest of your lifetime as an alumna.

If every freshman with a boyfriend, a part time job, and other extracurriculars automatically ruled out joining a sorority it'd be a very small system. I had all three when I joined and I made it work. Many others here have as well. But... we made it a priority and found a way to keep all aspects in balance.

If you think you can make it work, sign up for recruitment and find out. You'll get dues information and learn about all the organizations on your campus, and you can decide whether it's right for you.

Sounds like you are still in high school. My suggestions:

1) get accepted to a school
2) Look at the houses on YOUR campus. Are they locals or are they national?
3) What do YOU want out of your membership?
4) What can you bring to the group?
5) What kind of grades do you have? Remember, you are in school for an education, not just to join various organizations.
6) How well have you been able to balance your time so far?
7) What is your own budget? Remember to add in tuition, books, fees, housing, food, transportation, school supplies, etc. Do you have extra to pay the dues? Again, you have to look at the houses on YOUR campus, as fees differ from school to school. Some have dorm rooms, some have large houses to be maintained, some use classrooms to meet. Some houses have very large memberships while others have low numbers. All of these things affect the cost and whether or not it will fit your budget.

Hope some of this helps.

DaffyKD

Your user name is a little conflicted, isn't it? :confused:

If you are planning to go to Texas, your first year living outside the house will run roughly $4000 - $5000 per year. As an active living in the house, you are looking at roughly $10,000 to $12,000 per year. It all depends on what sorority you're in, but they are all in that general range.

I think A&M is a little less expensive, but not by that much as far as I know.

LOL I didn't even notice that.

I hope that's not a nickname she keeps if she's deciding to go to either one of those schools.

Haha, I actually am waiting for acceptance letters from both schools. Right now, I'm torn between both schools! How much are dues each month, on average? If no one I know is Greek, where do I get my recs from? Could someone tell me more about the rush process? Sorry about all these questions, I've just never been around anyone that's in a sorority! Thank you all!

Read: http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=54403

Thanks so much! :)

I was never part of the Greek system, but I know a few people who were. They all loved it, and I'm sure that it is a wonderful experience. Not ever sorority is going to be the same. Even the same groups on different campuses may vary, the game is all about picking the one that's right for you, the one that will help you be who you're supposed to be. If it's something that you're interested in you can always join next year, or second semester sometimes there is a mini-rush. Perhaps try talking to some girls from various sororities on your campus and see what they have to say. Rushing is a big deal, and it may conflict with some of your plans, but some sororities may even understand and be happy to help you keep your old friends AND make new ones, as well as your job...

That is where this post should have ended.

That's not really what the "game is." It's a mutual selection process. It's not so much "sorority picking."

Nope. Not so at Texas.

Please refrain from giving advice about things you don't know about.

I know she means COR but I'm picturing a rush event in the form of a tricycle race.