|
As already stated most Inter/Nationals set minimum membership GPAs, but individual Chapters have the option to increase these. While these Chapter minimums aren't a ritual secret or anything, they aren't really advertised. Unless a PNM knows and active or an alum it might be difficult to find out what their requirements are.
So how can a PNM get a general idea of what each Chapter's minimum GPA is?
*Note: The larger the campus, the more sororities on campus, and the larger the Greek system as a whole, the more accurate a guage the following usually is.*
Take a look at the grade rankings for all sororities on campus. Most Universities will have this information available either on their website or by contacting the Office of Greek Life (or whatever the equivalent name is). It might be included in the Recruitment book/info. It's even more helpful if you can get lists for several of the past quarters/semesters/years. Also, you'll want to know what the Panhellenic average is. A PNM also needs to factor in the type of campus they are on. What's the all student GPA? The all women GPA? How does the Panhellenic average compare to these?
Then look at which sororities fall where on the lists. Which sororities are consistantly ranked at the top of the Panhellenic Grade Rankings? This usually shows a strong and consistant committment to their academic program. They didn't get there by accident. Odds are they recruit PNMs who have shown academic ability and committment already in high school. They probably have high expectations for academic performance from their members.
Look at which sororities have been consistantly climbing in the rankings. These Chapters have probably committed themselves more to academics in the last several quarters/semesters/years and are now seeing it pay off. Often they may be bumping up their minimum a little each year. (They don't want to kill themselves in Recruitment by making a drastic leap in one year.)
Are any sororities dropping on the lists? Perhaps their scholarship program and committment isn't as strong as it used to be. Then of course is anybody consistantly at the bottom of the ranks? Finally, what's the spread between the top and the bottom? Is it a wide gap or small?
With those things factored in, here are some ballpark estimates.
- Top Quarter - Probably looking for GPA's at least at Panhellenic average and more likely above.
- 2nd Quarter - Probably around or at Panhellenic average. They may consider "grade exceptions" for PNMs if there is a good reason.
- 3rd Quarter - Probably around or somewhat below Panhellenic average. "Grade exceptions" are possibly more common.
- Bottom Quarter - Probably lower still, depending on the spread between the top and bottom may want to check their Inter/Nationals for an idea.
Hopefully that helps some folks.
|