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1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?

As a collegian on a Greek-dominated campus in the Southeast, I was concerned only with the reputations of the chapters on my campus. I rushed as a sophomore, so I had my freshman year to observe the sororities on my campus. I was really only interested in what I had seen on my campus.

2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?

At my university, the strongest chapters were the ones with the most members. These chapters had the highest GPA's, the most awards in intramural sports, were in the news the most for their accomplishments, were involved in more non-Greek activities, etc. Also, every Wednesday on my campus was "Greek Letter Day" and all the Greeks were in letters. The bigger groups had a very obvious presence. Our smaller groups had less prestige and their internal challenges were publicized by disgruntled members.

Again, I only speak of the experience I had on MY campus. I am sure there are many smaller chapters out there that are very successful.

3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?

This was not a consideration when I was a collegian. I was concerned only with the chapters that existed on my campus, their accomplishments, members and campus image.

4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?

When I rushed in 1997, national GLO's were just beginning to get web sites, and only a few of the chapters at my campus had web sites. In my off-time, I would look at these web sites to learn more about those groups. It excited me for my upcoming recruitment, and, in my eyes, made me better prepared to meet that group because I had an idea of their history, philanthropy and traditions, and I could share that I knew this with them. (Which I hoped would make them see how interested I was in joining!)

Colors really weren't a consideration. Sure, there are some colors I like better than others, LOL, but in joining a sorority, I was going for a group with a great reputation, with members I could identify with and be friends with. I was looking for an organization where I could make friends and get involved with campus life!

5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?

I had a full school year to observe the sororities on my campus. There were stereotypes, to be certain. I went into recruitment expecting to love certain groups and dislike others. I quickly learned that these stereotypes were not entirely true!

However, in my year as an Independent, I had met women who belonged to GLO's that were in my classes, lived in my dorm, or were in campus organizations with me. I really looked forward to visiting their sororities at recruitment because they were so nice and wonderful (and I looked forward less to visiting the houses where the women I had met in day to day campus life were not so nice!) In retrospect, that really showed me that recruitment is a 365-day-a-year process. You never know how your attitude as a member of a GLO will influence a future PNM!

Ultimately, I chose my sorority because I liked the women I had met there, and I felt I could be myself around them. They did have a great skit, lovely chapter house and were cute girls who were involved on campus, won a lot of awards and were respected by the other Greeks on campus. Yes, the little bells and whistles (the decorations, skits and accolades added to the package) helps. But when all is said and done, these women were my sisters before I was extended a bid. We were just comfortable around one another.