Should I rush?

[indygphib]

Originally Posted by epchick

My parents, especially my mom, was dead-set against me joining a sorority. She had that typical sorority stereotype in her head. My parents also would be the ones paying the dues, but I knew it was something I wanted.

My advice...sign up for recruitment. Explain to your parents what the sororities at your school are--their philanthropies, etc. When you go through recruitment, they should have a breakdown of dues (usually, if not, ask for a ballpark estimate) and then give that to your parents. Yes, the first year is HELLA (lol) expensive, but its totally worth it.

If after you discuss this with them, and they still are adament about not paying for it, or whatnot, then you can drop out of recruitment. I know its not the best way to go about it, but that is what I did. My parents saw how committed I was to making it work, and my mom finally told me that it would be something good for me

Ditto with what happened with me and my folks. They agreed that I could go through recruitment as long as I paid my own dues and kept my grades up.

Icicle22: Perhaps you could work out a similar arrangement with your parents? Once my folks saw how happy I was living in-house AND keeping up my grades, they definitely softened their stance and, as a pleasant surprise to me, ended up being active in the parents' club.

[icicle22]

Well, that would work. My parents can get rather worried about my grades, so it would make sense if I told them that I would keep my grades up. I probably wouldn't mind paying my own dues, since I considered that at the beginning. I would have to work, though, and save my money.

[PeppyGPhiB]

We didn't have houses on my campus, so I'm not sure if this is correct thinking or not, but doesn't living in a sorority house often cost around the same amount as living in a dorm? Of course dues and first year fees are additional factors, but aren't they worth it?

I paid all my fees and dues for my four years as a collegiate, so I guess I don't understand why so many women rely on their parents to pay for it. You're in college now, and an adult. You should be making your own decisions based on what you really want and what you're willing to do to get it. If you really want it, and your parents won't pay for it, can you get a job?

[icicle22]

Actually, living in a sorority house is much more cheaper than living in a dorm...at least according to my college. And yes, I have compared dorm and in-house prices in order to prove this is true, and it pretty much is. I am not worried about that right now because it's suggested that pledges don't live in the house for the semester they're pledging in.
But I am worried about the dues, and have given much thought to how I'm going to pay them...I could always get a job (though I'm not looking right now) and pay them myself. After all, I am an adult. Although I haven't REALLY talked it over with my parents yet, so I'm not sure if they are willing to pay or not.

[AEPhiSierra]

If your parents are focusing on the stereotypes maybe you should show them the rules NPC's (and I am sure most locals as well) and campuses have that prevent sororities from being about the stereotypes. Many of the national websites have sections specifically for parents that may address issues parents may have with Greek Life. See if you can show your parents national organizations' standards on alcohol, hazing and academics. Often campuses have even stricter rules. Non-Greeks often stick with their harsh opinions about Greek Life but maybe it can help a little bit.

[icicle22]

Yeah, that does seem like a good idea...it is worth a try.

[Tom Earp]

What is so sad, is that many people have misconceptions about Greek Social Organizations.

What they see on the local TV news is not the only and total things about Greeks.

Greeks on their respective campi have to have house prices very compariable to not only dorms but apartment rental.

Granted, when you add dues in it will add costs.

But in weighing out what one gets for it, it is a very small price to pay.

What you get in dorms, a few friends in college. What after?

In a Greek Organization, you have Brothers/Sisters for life.

If nothing else as was said, sign up check it out and see waht it is all about!

Oh, not to mention, having fun, learning how to lead, learning a little about a small business, and doing something for the good over others in charity events.

I was the first one in my family to go to college and the only one who has ever been in a Greek Organization and it was and is one of the most rewarding things in my life. Just ask any He/she on GC!