Which sorority would you join?

[Jimmy Choo]

I would pick either AOPi or Phi Sigma Sigma.

[epchick]

I'd chose Pi Phi b/c I love their philanthropy, their colors, mascot, etc.

Before I joined A-Phi, I had wanted to bring Pi Phi to my campus! lol.

[violetpretty]

If I had to join any other NPC on my campus, it would be Delta Gamma, Alpha Delta Pi, or Zeta Tau Alpha, since those were the other chapters where I was invited to pref, and reflecting back, I would have been happy in any of them. But that's not the question...

I've actually reflected on this before, and it really made me appreciate my sorority as a National organization and how I feel I found a great fit on both levels instead of just my chapter (which I love dearly). Sometimes I wonder, if I had gone to XYZ University, what chapter would I have joined? I think most NPC women could say that they could be a member of most/all of the 26 NPCs if they had attended a different school (Not dual memberships, just the "What if I joined at this school?") With an imaginary school with every NPC but Sigma Kappa, and local "fit" equal, I would probably pick one of these:

Alpha Chi Omega: I really like the symphony, their background in music, their dedication to the arts, and (in more shallow things) they have one of the prettiest badges in the NPC. They appealed to me during recruitment because I liked that their philanthropy (prevention of domestic violence) was something that helps women, which I think is appropriate for a women's organization. (Not that other philanthropies aren't relevant to women specifically, many of them are, this one just speaks to me.) I also like their tagline: Real. Strong. Women. The chapter at Maryland is particularly well-rounded, high-achieving and diverse. I met an AChiO in one of my classes first semester along with a SigKap and 2 Zetas, and it was their friendliness/laid back/genuine attitude that strongly influenced me to go through recruitment.

Kappa Alpha Theta: What really stands out about Theta to me is that the circumstances of their founding are so similar to Sigma Kappa's. Their founders were first women at Indiana Asbury, and came together to support each other when they were ridiculed by teachers, classmates, and even other women who went to finishing school. I love how Bettie Locke Hamilton demanded equal rights as a woman! I feel like today, they are really connected to their values, at least the Thetas I know IRL. The chapter at Maryland wasn't a fit for me, but they are so strong nationally; it seems like there is a Theta chapter at nearly every prestigious university. Being a Pittsburgh sports fan, I really would have bled black and gold if I were a Theta. And of course, I love their badge!

Kappa Delta: This is another sorority that I view as a progressive women's organization that encourages women to reach their full potential. I particularly like their work with the girl scouts, because it is important to serve as good role models for young girls. I also like the Stand Up, Stand Out! program (I know most NPCs sponsor it, but KD and ZTA organize it at my school) and their support for the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. They also celebrate National Women's Friendship Day, reminding us what our organizations are all about. They also have a very active alumnae chapter in DC and seem to have very active alumnae across the country. The chapter at my school wasn't really a fit for me, but they have a strong tradition, hands down the most beautiful chapter house at Maryland inside and out, and some of the most dedicated alumnae at Maryland. I know several Maryland KD alumnae who are 70+ and still go to alumnae events and keep in touch with their sisters! Plus, I just love green!

Pi Beta Phi: Pi Phi had closed well before I attended Maryland, so I don't actually have personal experience with a Pi Phi chapter, and I don't know any Pi Phis IRL (actually I found out a friend from middle school joined Pi Phi but I haven't talked to her since then). I like them on an international level though (and the fact that they are international). I like their philanthropy promotes literacy, and I like "cultivating sincere friendship" (is it the official motto, unofficial, or a mission statement?). I think that's what all GLOs strive (or should strive) to do, and Pi Phi put it very aptly. Their colors are pretty (maybe I like them because they are similar to Sigma Kappa's?) and so is their badge. I especially like the one with alternating garnets and aquamarines!

Also pretty high up on my list in no particular order are Delta Delta Delta, Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta. I admire so many groups, but I had to whittle it down!

[APhi4Ever]

If I could join another NPC, I would choose to join:

Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Delta Pi, or Phi Sigma Sigma

[Hopeful_Bubbles]

Since I'm unable to edit my past experience out of my decision, I'd definitely lean towards Pi Phi.

[SigKapSweetie]

During recruitment, I was torn between Sigma Kappa and Pi Phi. I made the right decision for me , but if I hadn't gone Sig Kap I would have been a Pi Phi angel!

[lilzetakitten]

Theta Phi Alpha. I like their philanthropy, their Catholic heritage, their creed, and I really like the penguin. Plus, I've seen on chapter websites that their patron saint is St. Catherine, who is the saint I was named for.

[NutBrnHair]

Tough (but fun) question! Everyone knows I'm so pro-Chi Omega, but if I had to choose...

Kappa Kappa Gamma or Pi Beta Phi

Based on their national reputation and quality leadership.

[ForeverRoses]

When I was 17 I wanted to be a Kappa Kappa Gamma- a woman I babysat for was a Kappa and I looked up to her as a role model.

Plus the Kappa HQ are in Columbus and I used to drive by their home when I would go downtown.

But since they didn't have Kappa at my school, I was on my own!

[NutBrnHair]

Originally Posted by Zeta13Girl

I'm curious about you guys determine national reputation just because I know one of these three I've heard the girls are really "ditzy dumb blondes/stereotypical sorority girls" and we don't have any of these sororities at our school so I'm not classifying it based on my encounters or an individual chapter. It's what I've gathered from multiple people's comments. Anyways, I try not to judge this is just what I hear.

Can anyone tell me how national reputation is determined?

I think it's in the eye of the beholder.

To me, overall quality of active chapters, choices of campuses with active chapters, consistant, solid national leadership, quality of programming.

There are certainly others who fit this criteria, but personally, I have a negative bias for various reasons, so I picked Kappa and Pi Phi!

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by Zeta13Girl

Can anyone tell me how national reputation is determined?

I think Nut means national reputation in terms of strength (like what she listed) rather than being nationally known for having lots of chapters full of pretty blondes.

[baci]

NutBrnHair made a solid point that national reputation is somewhat in the eye of the beholder. We can each critique and decide various groups that are strong based on our own factors/judging scale. There really is no uniform scale - just as you can't make a statement as to which sorority is the best at a university/college. KWIM?

I would like to hear what some of you fine ladies think are the strongest organizations nationwide. It would also be wonderful to hear how and why you based your decisions.

I will be honest, some of the national sororities I know very little about just because they may not have a presence in the area(s) in which I have lived. Yes, I may know a small amount about them, but because of their presence or lack thereof I am not familiar with them.

What I love about Greek Chat is I try to learn a bit more about the oirganizations that I know so little about. To me, I find this to be very interesting and it also the reason why I have asked the above question.

[Scully]

I love AEPhi and it would be so hard to choose! I believe it would fall between:

Sigma Sigma Sigma who also has a chapter at my alma mater. They were some of girls I connected with during Formal Recruitment. I really love their motto, "Faithful Unto Death" and the mystery behind the skull and crossbones. The badge is absolutely beautiful.

I also find myself drawn to Alpha Sigma Alpha's four aims of intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development and to their creed, "...To find dominant beauty in art, literature, nature, and friendships, To know the peace and serenity of a divine faith..."

[Scandia]

I have thought some more about this:

- I like Sigma Kappa's colors and dove symbolism, as well as their Inherit the Earth philanthropy.
- Alpha Chi Omega had a lot of people I knew be members of this organization. And to me they have the second prettiest badge after Delta Gamma. And their philanthropy is fantastic- prevention of domestic violence.
- Tri-Delta is a very solid organization that has a great sisterhood and philanthropy program. Plus I love dolphins so much.
- Kappa Delta not only has a white rose and an emerald, but a women's self-esteem campaign and a philanthropy to prevent child abuse.
- I like Phi Mu's colors, mascot, and symbol. And they are very Southern as well.
- I like Pi Beta Phi's literacy and art philanthropy, as well as their colors.

Every GLO has something appealing about them. Some of them to me more than others. But I know I have made the right choice and feel right at home.

[sageofages]

Originally Posted by texas*princess

If I had to join any GLO other than my own, I'd join:

1) Phi Mu - For a few reasons:
* They are our Magnolia sisters!
* Their philanthropy is awesome!
* I love pink
* I love that Sir Fidel and Alphie are like best friends
* The blinged out Phi Mu badge is awesome!
* I like their selection of sorority jewelry!
* "To lend to those less fortunate a helping hand. " is the first line of their creed and I tend to volunteer and help others when I can

Back at you Babe! I would choose first Alpha Delta Pi for a lot of similiar reasons...

*They are a Macon Magnolia!
*Azure Blue is one of my FAVORITE colors .
*Their badge looks as good blinged out as Phi Mu and they both have hands on them.
*Our mottos are the same essence.."Faithful Sisters" and "We Live for Each Other".
*Everyone loves a Lion!
*Their philanthropy goes hand in hand (there is that holding hands again!) with ours...Ronald McDonald Houses located at CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS (CMN).
*I believe in ADPi too!