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Looking to join a collegiate sorority as an undergrad. AND grad. student.
Looking to join a collegiate sorority as an undergrad. AND FUTURE grad. student.
I have been reading the forums as a guest for quite some time, and have not stumbled upon my specific situation. I am looking for some advice, or some suggestions for some collegiate sororities that accept undergrad. and nearing-grad. students. Pan-hellenic, or non-panhellic, so long as they are collegiate (preferably). I do NOT yet have a bachelor's degree, but am taking some graduate classes for personal enrichment and to boost my GPA. I just moved to a new state, a new school, and am really lacking any connection to my new/current school, ABC University. I want be a part of a close sisterhood, full of friendship and community service. However, I am not sure which collegiate sororities that would accept me as an upperclassman undergraduate, soon to be graduate student. About me: 24 years old. Just moved to attend college, then attend graduate school at ABC University. I am taking a few graduate classes, but am not busy.. at all. I do not have a job here, and do not plan on having a rigid schedule for graduate school. I have plenty of spare time (just as much, if not more than an 18 year old freshman), and really want to fill it with meaningful friendships and a lot of fun. I feel that a sorority would fit perfectly in my situation, and that I could easy mesh with the 18-24ish college student organization. Old/previous school (will receive bachelor's degree from): In 1-2 semesters, I will complete my bachelor's degree from my previous school, XYZ University. This school considers me an undergraduate. New/current school (for pre-grad. school classes and graduate school): I am taking courses to count towards my master's degree at ABC University, my new school. So, I have essentially an upperclassman undergraduate who will be here for at least 5 more years (1-2 semesters left of undergraduate, then 2 master's degrees, consecutively). This school considers me non-degree, at the graduate level. I have tried the non-collegiate sorority route, and do not feel it is for me at this time. I attended meetings of a service sorority, and thought that it was a great organization with delightful women-- but, we just had nothing in common (most of them were 50+, with kids my age). I really want a meaningful connection to my university, and to be a part of an organization for at least several years here. I have tried talking to the student activites office at my school, but they have referred me to the greek orgs. web site listing. It does not list any regulations regarding older undergraduates who will be graduate students. I would appreciate any advice on pledging in my situation. How should I go about selecting a sorority here? Am I considered a graduate student, or a transfer undergraduate upperclassmen, or something else entirely? Thanks for any suggestions or advice. |
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First, I suggest using the search feature here. These questions have been asked many, many times. Second, every situation is different, and no one here can predict your chances, possible outcomes, etc. Third, one's search for a sorority is a personal experience. No two people will have the same reasons for pursuing membership, so it's hard to tell you what to look for when "selecting a sorority". We can't answer WHY for you. There are WAY too many variables here for anyone to give you any solid advice. You need to figure much of this out yourself. |
Thanks. I did search, but could not find an undergraduate who was nearly an undergraduate looking to pledge. I saw AIs, grad. students looking to join, and such, but not really an undergrad. who will be a grad. student looking to join.
I saw the list of graduate student-friendly sororities, but, again, I do not know if I would be considered, for pledging purposes, a graduate student, an undergrad., or so on. If I joined an undergraduate sorority that accepted upperclassman, and continued to be involved as a future official graduate student, how does that affect my situation? |
I wouldn't recommend that you pursue NPC sorority membership.
Grad students are not eligible for membership at 95% of the NPC sororities. The ones who may take graduate members typically don't. You may want to consider a community activity like a non-collegiate activity. Also, look at professional organizations and clubs within your graduate program. You will be in a close-knit group of people for the next few years, and you will have considerably larger responsibilities to your classes than in undergrad. |
adpiuf,
Thanks for the comments. Since I do not have a bachelor's degree yet, could I still rush NPC as an upperclassman? I don't want to focus on that if most sororities would reject upperclassman, but would look into it if there's a chance. The thing is, I haven't decided on a graduate program (it's narrowed down to 2), and really am not into the "intense" nature of grad. school like some graduate students are. The few graduate classes that I'm taking now are so easy. I have so much time on my hands, especially compared to my freshman year of college. I did not have the time or money to participate in a sorority in college, but have all the time imaginable now. I spend less than 10 hours a week in class and doing homework. It's ridiculously easy and will remain that way in the foreseable future. I don't have a job or any other responsibilities tying me down, and am looking for an activity that really takes a lot of time. I haven't met many people here yet (just moved here), and want the friendships that Greek life offers-- I'm really looking for a more intense involvement than just some civic group that meets every once and again. I'm not sure what community activities would provide the same close-knit group. I've done volunteering, which was rewarding but did not really lead to close relationships. Professional/work organizations really don't appeal to me. I am not that interested in career pursuits, and don't have a whole lot in common with the folks typically in them (i.e., people who are totally into their careers, are older, or otherwise very gung-ho). There isn't a Junior League in my city, and I'm not sure what other groups really have the "social" aspect. I want something that can be a lifelong involvement, and that is a bit more engrossing than just volunteerism and intramural sports. |
Absolutely! If you have not yet earned a first BA degree, you are eligible to participate in recruitment, and would be eligible to receive a sorority bid. Give it a shot and go in with an open mind.
Plenty of undergraduate students take graduate level classes as electives-- at least they did at my school. That won't affect your eligibility. Good luck! If you go through formal recruitment and it doesn't work out, some of the sororities at your university may hold separate and more informal recruitment events later on in the school year to take in new members. Upperclassmen who perhaps did not get what they wanted out of formal recruitment may have a better opportunity in this process. That being said, formal recruitment is the best time to go through a recruitment, b/c you have the most options open to you and a chance to meet all of the sororities. ETA: I meant to type in my previous post that you may want to consider a non-collegiate SORORITY as an activity. Sorry about the confusion! |
There might be a problem if your school considers you a non-degree student.
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Yes, this is true. Delta Gamma requires that you be enrolled as a regular student, taking whatever the institution considers a "full load" towards a degree. However, you can continue to be a member of the chapter when you get to grad school if you want as long as you adhere to the rules for all members.
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Good point. You do need to be a full time student, and enrolled full time @ the university to pledge a collegiate sorority.
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In your original post you state that you will have earned a bachelor's degree from your first school. For most NPCs you are not eligible for undergraduate membership after you receive that degree. Even if you work toward a second bachelor's degree as a full-time student, once you have that first one you are considered a graduate. There may be a few GLOs who don't consider this, but by and large you will be disqualified.
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No, I do not have a bachelor's degree... yet. The school I went to will be where I WILL receive it from after completing additional courses. The school I'm going to now is where I will attend graduate school ONCE I actually earn the bachelor's degree.. (that I do NOT yet have). I'm 1-2 semesters away from earning a bachlor's degree.
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That's one of my concerns. I am still an undergrad. seeking a degree and completing requirements towards the degree, but the school that I am a full-time student at is where I will attend grad. school. I'm taking grad. classes at my new school, but am still an undergrad. at my previous/other school. It's complicated, to say the least.
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The sororities are only going to be concerned with what your status is during recruitment at the school where you are going through recruitment (NPCs anyway).
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If you are a full time undergraduate student at the university this semester, you are eligible to join a sorority if invited.
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