Sorority initiation...what the??

[Betarulz!]

Okay, this is something that is somewhat strange in the minds of me and my pledge brothers, and me particularly b/c I've seen so many GC ladies say they love their letters because they've "earned" them.

Anyway, several of the sororities here are beginning to initiate--I know that Gamma Phi is doing so this Friday, and I think tri-Delt is next week, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are more houses doing so.

Now we here at Beta--we don't initiate until the first week of second semester: after grades come in, and we also have to filled a bunch of other requirements in community service, intramurals, Beta Lore, Beta songs, and outside involvement. Plus you throw in things like study hours, and we become prepared for the rest of college.

Basically, all the g-phis that I've talked to are surprised that we have weekly tests on songs and lore, and it seems that none of them have any idea of their history.

It seems that sorority initiation is like this:
Actives: Okay we're going to give you a bunch of presents, and as long as you go to some parties and don't screw up too bad, and say thank you for the gifts and then we'll initiate.

Pledges Okay!!! Thank you! Where are our badges?

I know of no fraternity that initiates before Thanksgiving on my campus, can someone explain to me why things are this way. Seriously, I'm glad that we have such an indepth pledge program, and I know that an understanding of Beta, along with the completion of tasks that will help me in the future, so dont' take this as jealousy. It just doesn't make that much sense.