[phisigduchesscv]

Smiley,
Don't give up on Greeks just because of the discussions here. As with anything, good or bad, realize we are only a small representative of the Greek world as a whole. And what we are representative of may or may not be what your school is like.
I grew up and still live in the city of Carson which is a suburb of Los Angeles. At one point we were the most racially diverse city in the US with, give or take a few points, approximately 25% each Asian, Black, White, and Latino. When I was in kindergarten through 12th grade there were times when I as a Caucasian was the minority in my classes. I now attend and work at California State University Dominguez Hills which has been recognized in higher education as a diverse University. We are known as a Hispanic Serving Institution and we've been recoginzed for serving African Americans. Again give or take some percentage points we're still fairly mixed up with about 30-35% hispanic, 25-30% black, 20-25% white, with Asians and declined to state or multiracial making up the mix. Anyway, because of this background it's almost inconceivable for me as I read about Greeks at other schools where it may be a problem to be a "minority". I just don't understand the concept that race can even play into being chosen for a sorority or not and yet I know that in other regions of the country there are still issues about race and whether someone should be accepted or not. And I also realize that in some schools because I am a fat woman I may not have been invited in to a sorority, in other areas that wouldn't have played a factor. I joined my sorority as a 32 year old. most sororities with formal rush would probably have dropped me from the very beginning and yet at my school where the average age is 28/29 it's not as unusual to see sororities with women from 18 to 30-something. It all comes down to the cultural of the school and the women in the sororities.
All I can say is look at all the groups, NPC and NPHC. Check out their websites, get to know the women in each of the chapters if at all possible, see if you can strongly support their philanthropy or not. Go to all the recruitment events, see how each of the sisters treat each other and interested women, look at what type of bond they have and then choose the one that is best for you. Ignore race as you ask it to be ignored for you. Ignore whether they are know on campus as the pretty or fat girls, the ones who like to party or the brains. What you are looking for is an organization that after you have graduated you will want to still be a part of (hopefully as an active Alumnae) and will always be proud to say "I am a member of XYZ" not "I was a member of XYZ while in College". Being Greek and being in a sorority is for Life not just the 4 years in college.
I hope you will continue with the decision to join a sorority, you truly won't regret it.
Carolyn