Sororities at Columbia

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Hi,
I have lurked at this site for a couple weeks and have gotten great information on sorority recruitment and Greek life. I'm an incoming first-year at Columbia in New York, and, though I've looked that the university's panhellenic website, I'll like some more information on the sororities before setting my heart on rushing.

1. One major issue is time. I'll be going to the engineering school and may be pre-med (so the GPA must stay relatively high), so I'll have to take five, and maybe six, tough classes (chemistry, calculus, that sort). I know it's hard to say exactly, but how time consuming is pledging and being a member?

2. I'm also wondering how seriously do sorority members take Greek life--like, are most of the sisters close? I found it odd that there are only four Panhellenic sororities at Columbia. Is being Greek looked down upon or is it that most people aren't that aware?

3. I've heard that sorority fees can range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand. On average how much are sorority dues per semester at Columbia?

Thanks, and I'll greatly appreciate any other insights on sorority life.