I rushed and didn't tell my parents (they didn't want me to join anything) but a) I was 20-21 at the time of pledging b)
I didn't expect them to (directly)
pay for it, c) I was living on campus (normally I commute) at the time so it was easy to hide and d)
i didn't expect them to pay for it (directly). If you, yourself, and you can fund it and you're over 18 then when you are ready to rush, then go ahead, but since you're concerned about grades, save up your spare finaid or pocket change, etc. so that way you don't have to worry about what anyone think when the time comes.
p.s. my mom found out after initiation when I came home to stay over the break (the dorms were empty
) by then I didn't care and she didn't get mad because there wasn't anything she could do, but she doesn't like it and calls it "my cult" and i wear "cult shirts" and sing "cult songs" so be prepared for some kind of backlash!
hope i helped!