Too old to join a Sorority?

[BethanyW]

I'm transferring to USA this fall, and I plan on rushing. I don't know anyone who has been in any of the sororities there (or ones at other campuses), and I'm having a hard time finding alum. for recommendations. Since I don't know anyone, I'm worried that I might not be classy enough to join a sorority.

[Miss{BooperDoo}]

Originally Posted by BethanyW

I'm transferring to USA this fall, and I plan on rushing. I don't know anyone who has been in any of the sororities there (or ones at other campuses), and I'm having a hard time finding alum. for recommendations. Since I don't know anyone, I'm worried that I might not be classy enough to join a sorority.

Hey definatly keep me informed on how that goes for you, maybe you can give me some tips for when I transfer a semester later lol. Where are you transferring from? You can PM me if you don't want it public.

Weither or not 22 is too old I think I'll try anyway. You never know unless you try right? Technically I'll still be 21 when I rush, but I'll turn 22 that April.

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by BethanyW

I'm transferring to USA this fall, and I plan on rushing. I don't know anyone who has been in any of the sororities there (or ones at other campuses), and I'm having a hard time finding alum. for recommendations. Since I don't know anyone, I'm worried that I might not be classy enough to join a sorority.

Knowing people does not make you classy! Knowing people just helps to ensure that the sororities get a clear picture of who you are and what you can add to their organization. At USA you will need recs for each sorority so make sure you exhaust every possibility to secure them. Good luck!

[irishpipes]

Booper Doo-

I don't want to seem rude, but a few things struck me from your posts that I just thought I'd mention so you don't go in thinking it's going to be a cake walk.

• Your age will likely be a factor, especially at a Deep South school. Those schools are sellers' markets and the chapters have their pick. All else being equal, a freshman will have one up on you.
• Being a transfer student at a Deep South school is also a strike against you.
• Being from Indiana (or any state other than Alabama) will likely be a strike against you. (Of course I would count it as a point in your favor, personally!)
• You mentioned the expense of IU and ND - make sure you evaluate the financial obligations of a sorority before you rush and get your heart set on one.
• You mentioned that your plans are influenced by your boyfriend. Some sororities may frown on that. I hate to say that, because it sounds like your situation is very unusual and I am very supportive of what your boyfriend is doing.

I am sure that at many schools your situation would have little or no affect on your recruitment, but the reality is that USA is Deep South, and Deep South is different. I would recommend getting great recs and also thinking of how you can sell all of your "shortcomings" as assets. Also, it seems that all the things I listed as concerns are things that are now beyond your control. Be sure that the things you CAN control, like your grades and extra-curriculars, are stellar.

Also, BTW Notre Dame has no Greek Life, but it is beyond huge at IU. That is one of the 3 largest Greek systems in the country.

[FSUZeta]

if you pnms have not done so, you may want to visit the usa greeklife website. all the sororities have nice websites. be sure to check out the download on the main greek life page-it shows the suggested outfits for sorority recruitment and describes each days events.

[aopinthesky]

I just wanted to say that I know a little bit about rush at USA and from what I have observed it is not highly competitive. This is not to say that you will have your pick of groups, but I think there is a home for everyone who goes through and keeps an open mind. I don't think your age will be a huge factor there.

[MTSUGURL]

So, I know this is not always right, and it's pretty laughable since a good number of you know the ancient age I was when I went through a recruitment, but whenever I see this question, I just want to answer...

"Yes."

I've been in a pledge class with girls much much younger than me. I've had a big sister that was much much younger than me. In the south, they will be much younger than you. The seniors that you will bond with won't be there very long. You will have differences. You will want to cringe or roll your eyes often. That being said, recruitment is fun. Do it. Being in a sorority is a blast. But it is hard when you're older.

[LUgammaphi]

I know for us age is not really a question. We don't normally ask or talk about that at all during recruiment. We may ask what year you are, but there are some girls who are very ahead, and some who are behind. During our spring recruitment we had a girl who was 27 come through. She's amazing and she pledged, and she hangs out with us younger girls just like she is one. It's all in YOUR mentality and how you come across. to me, 22 is NOT that old!

[Miss{BooperDoo}]

Originally Posted by BethanyW

How weird, my boyfriend's birthday falls during rush week as well. Just thought that was interesting.

That is pretty interesting. My bf will be 22 that week. If yours is the same we should definatly talk. LOL

Originally Posted by LUgammaphi

I know for us age is not really a question. We don't normally ask or talk about that at all during recruiment. We may ask what year you are, but there are some girls who are very ahead, and some who are behind. During our spring recruitment we had a girl who was 27 come through. She's amazing and she pledged, and she hangs out with us younger girls just like she is one. It's all in YOUR mentality and how you come across. to me, 22 is NOT that old!

I wondered if it would come up, but I figured they would have that info on me anyhow. Glad to hear that it worked out for someone who wasn't the traditional age to pledge

[AB1120]

Hello out there. This is my first time posting so please help me if I'm doing something wrong. I'll be going to CSUS in the Fall of 07 and I would really like to join a sorority but I feel like I'm too old. I had to wait to return to college and I never got to fullfill my dreams of joining a sorority. I don't want to look stupid trying to join but I feel like if don't try then I'll never know if I could've be a sister. Does anyone have any advice for this lost sole? I also wanted to know about starting a new chapter or sorority on the campus of CSUS. Is anyone tring to start a new chapter and need members or does anyone have any information about starting one out. Someone help your girl out

[Leslie Anne]

Welcome to GC.

It's really hard to know if you're too old without knowing how old you are. Generally it would depend on the campus. I don't imagine Recruitment at CSUS is ultra competitive, but since I didn't go there I'm no authority.

Starting a new group is a huge undertaking. Why not check out what CSUS already has to offer first. There are several sororities already on campus: NPC, NPHC, Multicultural, etc. Take a look:

http://www.csus.edu/studentactivities/clubs_soro.htm

Good luck!

[axidalum]

As others mentioned, Coninuous Open Recruitment may be a good option for you, although you may have to take the initiative on this. It sounds like, on several fronts, it may be a good idea to contact the Panhellenic Recruitment Chair at USA, with a letter of introduction, request for information about formal recruitment and COR, advice about getting recommendations, etc.

Here is prime opportunity for your maturity to come through -- YOU've taken initiative and thought through how to achieve your objective -- skills any chapter would welcome, and you show self confidence, again, score!

In your letter of introduction, paint an honest picture of yourself, while also MANAGING YOUR OWN PRESS! Set the tone for the positives (as others in this thread encouraged) you bring, before others can view them as negatives. Also, ask questions about academics and GPA standings and importance, about philanthropic involvement on the community by the various Sororities, about relationships between Greek life and campus life, administration and the larger town community, about panhellenic involvement and activities and how people get involved, etc. These types of questions show you've researched Greek life, you take it seriously and you want to be involved.

Perhaps you could ask if, when you go for a visit, if you could meet her (Pahel Recruitment) and/or others. Maybe if she might even have any time to give you a tour or to meet you for coffee. Don't be offended if she says "no," and also be clear SHE HAS TO BE NEUTRAL and is NOT the key to a bid.

If you do this, though, and have expressed your interested in COR, you can ask her to make sure the chapters have your name for invites to COR events, and without actually influencing any chapter actual decisions for recruitment, she (at least personally) would be influenced by your committment and could potentially stem any negative tide that might develop from your out-of-state and/or older status. And, hey, now you know a Sorority sister at USA!

For formal (esp.) and even COR, STUDY! Study harder than you even would for exams. KNOW colors and history. KNOW 1-2 famous alums from each group and why you admire them. Turn the questions to the sisters about how proud they must be to have so&so as one of their alums. Are there others they can tell you about?

Good luck.

[Jerz85]

I am a new member and I am going to be 22 this Aug, my girls didn't have a problem with my age. I think that it is more a question of when you are going to be graduating.

[Pike_Cardinal]

I dont know about sororities, but there is a fraternity on this campus that initiated men in their late thirties this year.

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by Jerz85

I am a new member and I am going to be 22 this Aug, my girls didn't have a problem with my age. I think that it is more a question of when you are going to be graduating.

And where you go to school.