questions questions questions

[UMCP'06]

[COLOR=red]

as usual, i have come up with some more questions about sororities! (it is just that the people on this board are so helpful!)

1. what happens if you have an unusual situation regarding finances? in my case, my parents are going through a separation/divorce - my father has PLENTY of money, but hardly gives any to my mother (with whom my siblings and i live) - he is paying for college (or at least, he has said he is going to, although he has no legal obligation to do so), and i may be able to ask him about sorority dues when the time comes, but will i be able to explain this to a sorority should a problem arise? what should i do in these circumstances?

2. this question seems pretty superficial, but i have been wondering about it for a while. i know that with the formal dances, it is similar to the ones in high school, where basically everyone has a date. seeing as i have never even been asked on a date (although i have taken dates to high school dances, and obviously i asked them), has anyone had a problem with this (as i mentioned in another thread, i have had problems with my weight)? i am just worried that i will not have anyone to accompany me to these events.

3. does knowing someone already in a certain sorority on your campus help you? for example, i know that the president of one of the sororities at my college went to my high school and graduated two years ahead of me, so she probably knows who i am. another girl graduated last year, and even though i'm not close friends with either of these girls, will this have any effect whatsoever?

4. is it helpful to research some background about the sororities you are rushing? i have looked briefly at the websites of all the glo's at my school, and was just wondering if this was a good ideas to continue doing. also, because you can't really know the reputation of each sorority until you get to school, does it help me to just find out some general information about each one - traditions, symbols, colors, etc?

5. would it help if you show a particular interest in a chapter's philanthropy? i mean, if you have volunteered in a tutoring program for children in the past, and the sorority's philanthropy is an organization for child advocacy, does this help?

i may edit this post later because i am sure i will have more questions! i apologize if some of my questions may seem misguided/uninformed - as i have mentioned previously, i am VERY unknowledgeable! thanks in advance for all of your help!

*edit: this isn't another question, but just something cool - tri delt's 'anniversary' is on my birthday!!

Helpful hints!


I dunno what it's like in a sorority, but I do know plenty 'bout bein' in a frat. can't be that different

1) fees usually aren't that much of a burden. My parents are going through a divorce now too, an' it is my dad who's payin' for college (funny it's always the father who has to pay :-/ ). Understanding this burden I offered to pay my frat fees myself. I work during the summer an' save up enough cash to not have to worry about it, an' then have a small job during the year. I've never had a bad word come between me an' my dad over finances.

2) Dances: There's a beauty in the greek community in that there's paralels between mens an' womyns organizations. In a frat somewhere there's a guy with just the same problem as you I bet. An in much the same way that you're anctious to dance the night away so will he. (he goes to your dance, you go to his)

3) getting in: as long as your a good persun, an' keep your mind with you during pledging I'm sure you'll have no problem getting in.

4) You can learn more about the organization by meeting its members than goin' to their webpage. You'll have to learn so much about the organization history during pledging you'll have nightmares about it (well, not reallly, but you'll learn a lot an' you'll be proud of bein' part of such a prestigious group)

5) Philanthropy is what I love most about greek life. I've always been a big fan of community service. It makes perfect sense to me: if people see you in the community they'll want to know both you an' your organization a little bit better. It's the best way to rush an' make new friends. Showing an interest does only good things for you.

[PSUSigKap]

here are some answers to your ?'s. . .

1) i have no experiance with this as my parents aren't divorced, and they pay for the sorority. sorry

2)our formals are sorta like dances, like you get all decked out and stuff. finding a date is usually no problem. the girls do the askings to sorority functions and the guys do the askings for fraternity functions. if you have a guy friend take him. if you don't, your sisters will know plenty of people. guys don't like to admit it but they love coming to sorority functions!

3)i didn't know anyone in a sorority on my campus. i rushed (it was rush went i went through!) first semester my freshman year. i went to high school overseas, so none of my friends went to penn state with me. . .i don't think it hurts you if you know someone either. just make sure you're rushing their sorority for the other girls too, not just the one you know.

4)i think researching the sororities before hand is a good idea. you can usually kinda get a feel for what they do on and off campus by their websites.

5)i might mention it if the topic came up. i don't think it would hurt. our philanthropy is alzheimer's and i know that some of the girls i rushed mentioned that they had a family member with the disease or had worked with alzhiemer's patients before. i wouldn't invent something to make is sound like you're really into the sorority's philanthropy to get a bid.

some other advice is and you'll hear it time and time again JUST BE YOURSELF!!! good luck! let us know where you end up!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

1. You could get a part time job and pay the sorority expenses.

2. You can go to a formal with your sisters. One year a bunch of our sisters went without dates. It was a lot less expensive than buying two tickets.

3. Maybe. I didn't know anyone when I rushed, but I knew a few people who rushed when I was a sister. It didn't make much of a difference. BTW, they became sisters.

4. It's good to learn the background of each sorority...as long as you don't look like a sorority stalker.

5. I think that doing any type of charity, philanthropy, volunteer work will be viewed favorably by most sororities.

Good luck and Enjoy!

[LeslieAGD]

1) I have never known a sorority that didn't offer a payment plan. Most will be very willing to work with you on this.

2) The plus size girls in my chapter go to "date" events (with or without dates) and have a good time. It's about being with your sisters.

3) If they think positively of you, I assume it can only help.

4) Yes! Knowing about the organization allows you to ask specific questions.

5) Showing you care about a particular philanthropy may make you more memorable, however - in my experience - it's about the connection you make with the sisters.

[justamom]

Your questions are not unusual and don't hesitate to ask away.

I agree with what everyone has answered, hendriski has a good perspective as well.
On finances, I have to agree with Cream and Leslie.

I have heard of some cases where if you were raised with the promise of college and your father has the money he is obligated to pull through for you. This may be some "funky" Napoleonic law, but it's not UNHEARD of. Maybe you should sit down with him and find out "what's what", and have a job on the side to cover your bases. If it would be a struggle to work, be an active member of your sorority and keep your grades up, you may want
to think a little harder about your decision, especially if you are a Freshman and Sophomores going through recruitment is common.

Sisters ALWAYS seem to pull through when it comes to getting a date. Some of the most "datable" young ladies are a far cry from
the model image. In college, it will be easier because eveyone has grown up a lot and the realization that "pretty is as pretty does" starts to sink in. Not for EVERYONE of course, there will always be guys who seek a trophy, but the field gets a little wider.

Knowing or not knowng actives-hmmmm it can go either way. Leslie said it bestIf they think positively of you, I assume it can only help.

[Dionysus]

1)Some of my co-workers are in sororities, they work their a$$ off in the summer to save for their dues and other expenses.

3) I think it can help in some cases. I think it did in mine. The current president at the time I got my bid, not only went to my high school when I was a freshman, but she came back to substitute teach in my senior year. I have skipped formal rush. But, a few weeks later I attended a retreat for leadership training, she was in my cabin and remembered me from subbing. She invited me to a few COB parties. I got my bid a week or two later.
IMO I think that had a very big effect on my outcome. I guess it pays to be nice to some of your substitute teachers.

[mmcline]

ok, I'll answer these from all my experiences..

1. There are payment plans for people. During recruitement most sororities will explain their dues and everything. So if you have any quetions ask on that night or find out who the treasurer is and ask her. Almost all sororities will work with you as far as money is concerned.

2. Girls go to formal all the time without dates. I want to point out its not just the plus size girls. I know several good looking girls that just didn't want to deal with a date. Also, your sisters will probably set you up with a guy if need be. I have been set up several times with dates for various events.

3. It might help you, because the sorority will be able to remember you. But its ok if you don't know anyone. A lot girls won't know anyone in the sororities.

4. Researching is a good idea. This way you will know a little about each sorority before going through recruitement. Espicially, if there are lots of sororities it might help you keep them straight. But each chapter varies, so you just need to ask questions during rush to get to know the girls better.

5. It doesn't hurt to mention it. I voluteer alot and i casually brought it up during philanthropy night. The sororities might need someone who loves to volunteer, so it could help you. Just bring it up casually. Its definately not going to hurt you.

Good Luck, going through recruitement. Remember go to where you feel the most comfortable. Let us know how recruitement goes.