I am a sophomore in high school, and my dream school is University of Southern California. If you are a part of greek life there, your help is greatly appreciated, but if you're not, your help is still greatly appreciated. I just have a couple of questions.
1. I am of a mixed race, my mom is hispanic, and my dad is caribbean and white. Does race really come into play in terms of being in a sorority? In other words, do they tend to be very prejudice? I know there are the NPHC sororities, but does that mean that only african-amercians can be in those and not any other one?
Look at the chapter websites - you will see that there are many different races represented. It might be a factor for some chapters (can't speak for USC) but it does not mean you are limited only to NPHC sororities.
2. What is rush week truly like?
Read recruitment stories.
3. How long can you be in a sorority? Like, is it by semester or by the school year?
You may be an active as long as you are taking a full load and have not graduated. Some sororities allow graduate students to be active: most do not.
4. Do you need recommendations, and if so, from who?
Yes. Sorority alumnae - preferably from women who know you, but you should also register with your closest alumnae panhellenic.
5. What are frat parties truly like?
6. If you are a part of greek life, to you, what is the greatest thing about being in a fraternity/sorority?
Read the "Stories of sisterhood" thread.
7. Is being in a sorority very time consuming? Will it be easy for me to be friends with other people outside of greek life, and can i easily participate in other "non-greek" activities?
Time management is important. However, look at all the successful women in sororities - obviously it can be done. Greeks also tend to be very active in other campus organizations.
8. Are girls from different sororities friends with each other, or is it very cliquey?
Depends on the campus and YOU. If you are open to have friends from different sororities, you can. Women often make friends in their recruitment groups who end up pledging different sororities.
FOR NOW - concentrate on your academics and extracurricular activities.
Even if you can only answer one of these questions, your input is very much appreciated.