How to juggle sorority life with pre-med

[premdusc]

I'll be entering pre-med next year at USC. I also may be interested in joining a sorority. I know this is a very general question, but sure would like some rough idea of what to expect in terms of time commitment. I'm highly motivated academically and getting into a very good med school will be a top priority for me.

If I pledged a sorority, approximately how many hours, especially my first year, would be absolutely required of me for sorority activities? I wouldn't want to join and barely participate. I also want to be realistic about how many extra hours might be spent shopping for clothes for dances, formals, outings with friends, etc.

I'll be keeping a regular schedule but taking advanced classes. Would I really have time to be an active member? Also, for those who know, any info about how much Greek life plays a role on the USC campus would also be appreciated. Thank you.

[premdusc]

Ooops! I just found a couple answers by changing my search criteria under the stickies. However, if anyone who has gone to USC would like to comment on Greek life there, or if you have additional tips about juggling my time with sorority life, I would still appreciate it.

[Kansas City]

Go through recruitment and ask the chapters this question. It will vary depending from chapter to chapter, organization to organization and campus to campus.

[SigKapSweetie]

I'm a fourth year medical student. In college, I was the president of my sorority. Good time management skills will be your best friend - that, and a house full of understanding sisters.

The night before I took the MCAT was the sorority formal. The girls came home in the wee hours of the morning and tiptoed through the entire house, scolding each other every time their voices went over a whisper, to make sure they didn't wake me up before such an important test. Or at least that's what they said they did - I slept like a baby, so I couldn't tell you!

[premdusc]

Aaw! That's such a sweet story. So that's what true sisterhood is all about? I have to stay here and read more! See, you'll always remember that, too.

Originally Posted by SigKapSweetie

The night before I took the MCAT was the sorority formal. The girls came home in the wee hours of the morning and tiptoed through the entire house, scolding each other every time their voices went over a whisper, to make sure they didn't wake me up before such an important test. Or at least that's what they said they did - I slept like a baby, so I couldn't tell you!

[BigRedBeta]

Also a fourth year med student and very involved with my fraternity.

1) pre-med isn't as time consuming as you think it is...if it ends up being that way, then you're doing it wrong and you need to study smarter not harder.

2) make sure you look for chapters that have a history of academic success. A house that has a lot of pre-meds and pre-law students is going to be more understanding than a chapter in which everyone's looking for their MRS degree.

[premdusc]

Originally Posted by BigRedBeta

(2) make sure you look for chapters that have a history of academic success. A house that has a lot of pre-meds and pre-law students is going to be more understanding than a chapter in which everyone's looking for their MRS degree.

Really good point. Thanks to all!

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by SigKapSweetie

I'm a fourth year medical student. In college, I was the president of my sorority. Good time management skills will be your best friend - that, and a house full of understanding sisters.

The night before I took the MCAT was the sorority formal. The girls came home in the wee hours of the morning and tiptoed through the entire house, scolding each other every time their voices went over a whisper, to make sure they didn't wake me up before such an important test. Or at least that's what they said they did - I slept like a baby, so I couldn't tell you!

The president of my chapter right now is pre med!

[BigRedBeta]

Originally Posted by premdusc

I'm highly motivated academically and getting into a very good med school will be a top priority for me.

Somewhat off topic but something I need to correct. Every US medical school is fantastic. They'll all get you where you want to be. The difference between the "best" and the "worst" medical school is really splitting hairs. To equate to the difference in terms of undergrad institutions the difference is like that between Harvard (#1 in the 2008 US News Ranking) and Northwestern (#11). Certainly there are medical schools that will fit you better, but focus on getting into ANY medical school first (an extremely difficult task by itself), then, once you've been accepted to 2 schools, worry about which one is better.

[SigKapSweetie]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

The president of my chapter right now is pre med!

Sigma Kappas are so S-M-R-T! Wish her luck for me - if she has any questions about applications or anything, let me know!

[Elephant Walk]

Buy a planner.... problem solved.

two fingers off the wheel if you get the reference.

[wildcatfan]

Originally Posted by premdusc

I'll be entering pre-med next year at USC. . . I also may be interested in joining a sorority. I Would I really have time to be an active member?

In a word, yes, if studying and greek life are the things you prioritize. My sophomore year my sorority president was pre-dental, my junior year the president was pre-med, and my husband was president of his fraternity while finishing pre-med requirements. All got into dental/med school on their first try.

Being involved in the greek system can be an advantage as a medical school applicant, because admissions boards are looking for the "well-rounded individual." Med schools want to turn out doctors who are not only smart but can talk to their patients as well!! They want to see people who haven't spent their entire existence with their nose in a chemistry book (although you'd better spend a fair amount of time there!) Greek life gives you many opportunities for leadership and other activities, as well developing good interpersonal skills.

I would caution, however, that the freshman year is usually a big adjustment, even for good students. If you pledge, be very careful about committing to additional activities until you get that first semester out of the way and see how much you can handle. Good luck to you!

[barnard1897]

The daughter of a very good friend of mine was pre-med and also was elected president of her house at a school where greek life dominates. She was extremely successful as a student and as a sorority member. Like anything else, you have to learn how to be smart and make good choices, prioritize, etc. And you will not be able to do everything.

The nice thing is, having sorority sisters means you have another support source. Pre-med is extremely stressful, like any other competitive major, and you'll need to have a place where not everyone is all about the next o-chem exam, who tested well in genetics, etc. Also, in my house, all the pre-meds got together and had study sessions together before exams. They helped each other out a great deal. Before the MCAT, a group of us surprised them with snacks late at night.

[AOII Angel]

My best advice for you....don't do "pre-med!" Pick a real major. I can't tell you how cheesy I feel proclaiming that I have a BS in Pre-Med. I would have especially felt stupid if I didn't get into med school and had to make a living on a fake major. Medical schools like well rounded students...as long as you have your pre-reqs for admission. Pick biology or chemistry if you want a science major. Also, med schools really like to admit students who make good grades but stay active in their schools and communities. Greek life makes it so easy to fill your app and appear well rounded with so little effort.
Good luck.

[SoCalGirl]

Originally Posted by premdusc

Also, for those who know, any info about how much Greek life plays a role on the USC campus would also be appreciated. Thank you.

Southern Cal or Carolina?