Should you join a "lower tier" sorority?

[KSUViolet06]

Serious question: Is there anyone else who had never even heard the phrase "top tier" used in relation to sororities until they came to GC?

I suspect that sorority women at various schools don't just sit around and discuss how "top tier" they are (or aren't).

I have friends who are sorority alumnae from a variety of schools (from southern places like Ole Miss to western schools like USC) and this just isn't something we just sat around and talk about.

I mean, if one's chapter was considered the best on campus, it wasn't like they went around discussing it.

[littleowl33]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Serious question: Is there anyone else who had never even heard the phrase "top tier" used in relation to sororities until they came to GC?

I suspect that sorority women at various schools don't just sit around and discuss how "top tier" they are (or aren't).

I have friends who are sorority alumnae from a variety of schools (from southern places like Ole Miss to western schools like USC) and this just isn't something we just sit around and talk about.

I wouldn't say we sit around and talk about it, but I think sisters do have a definite feel for how popular each group is, or what kind of girls each group attracts. We only have three groups now, so there's not much to debate... and I guess one group by itself can't be a "tier".

[AOEforme]

Originally Posted by littleowl33

I wouldn't say we sit around and talk about it, but I think sisters do have a definite feel for how popular each group is, or what kind of girls each group attracts. We only have three groups now, so there's not much to debate... and I guess one group by itself can't be a "tier".

I'd say this. There's one group on my campus nicknamed "Visa Discover Mastercard" even by non-greeks because they are thought to take only rich women.

Not true, 'cause I was invited for pref there and I am very, very far from rich, but it's still the reputation they have.

I don't think anyone ever talks about tiers, but people think in terms of them.

Talking about it just isn't classy and most sorority women are classy. at least that's what I like to think!
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In response to the "Should you join", I think if you feel at home who cares what "tier" it is. Yes, you may not be looked at as the most popular group on campus. But, you'll have real friends, not just girls who wear the same letters as you.

IMHO, size doesn't matter. Some girls LIKE smaller groups. My chapter is about 30 women and I adore it. I know everyone really well. I earned a leadership position right away. My candidate class helped transformed our chapter through our dedication and creativity. I love my chapter and my sisters, even if we have 90 fewer girls than every other house on campus.

Finally, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. One year, we had a girl who went through spring recruitment who turned down a bid. She went through Formal in the fall and got a bid to a well-established house on campus, who was part of our Homecoming group for that year. We talked a lot during float making (she was a really nice girl so there were no hard feelings!) and she mentioned once how she had no idea who was in her new member class let alone in her chapter! She'd see a girl on the street with XYZ letters and not recognize her. "I wish I would have accepted that bid," she mentioned, "so I could know everyone".

She is now very, very happy in XYZ and on their Exec Board, so it has a happy ending. You just always think life is better in the bigger, more popular chapters- and that isn't always the case. It is what is best, personally, for you. For me, a small chapter is perfect!