Sophomore Informal vs. Junior Formal Rush

[DubaiSis]

Your Greek life office should be able to provide you with what the GPA requirements are for the sororities on campus. These are not flexible, so if you're below it, then there's no point. But if you're even a little above it, by all means, give it a shot! And they don't all have the same requirements, so you might be eligible for one but not another.

I would not wait for your junior year except as a last resort. Even on campuses that take them, it's still not a lot of girls. You seem to be aware of that already, which is good news.

I feel you about blowing it your freshman year. I had TERRIBLE grades my freshman year and except that it was a different era, I would have not had a snowball's chance in hell getting into a sorority. So I'm very happy it WAS a different era.

In the meantime, work on your conversation skills, make sure you're involved on campus, and start working on recommendations if they are required on your campus. And of course grades grades grades.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

Your Greek life office should be able to provide you with what the GPA requirements are for the sororities on campus. These are not flexible, so if you're below it, then there's no point. But if you're even a little above it, by all means, give it a shot!

I disagree with all of this. I have seen chapters take women below their stated requirements. If you have a house to fill, you make exceptions. On the other hand, if you are a super-popular chapter, your actual requirement is probably much higher than what you officially tell the GL office.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I disagree with all of this. I have seen chapters take women below their stated requirements. If you have a house to fill, you make exceptions. On the other hand, if you are a super-popular chapter, your actual requirement is probably much higher than what you officially tell the GL office.

If a chapter is having grade issues (low membership, the 10 girls below a 2.0 wouldn't be an issue if there were 100 women, but there are only 50) they may not be able to get around that rule. I only mention it as I've seen it happen where a woman didn't receive a bid until her grades were higher and the chapter was healthier. I've seen it happen with fraternities too, since they'd rather have better grades and a member who won't be out of school the following semester.

But yes, you're right, sometimes exceptions happen.

ETA: One exception I personally know of was for a woman who had poor grades due to family/health issues and was uanble to get them expunged from her record without losing all college process and credits earned (Fresh Start program). That is a rare case though.

[VandalSquirrel]

You definitely want to focus on grades, and let's work with what you have, and not a crystal ball. Like DubaiSis said, go to the Greek Life Office and make a serious inquiry into grades and where you stand. If chapters with lower requirements are participating in open bidding, and you can handle any rejectment, go for it. If you're at a competitive school, you need to be aware that your grades, your year ins chool, and other factors can and will work against you. My school is not really competitive, and your GPA would be an issue here.

Focus on school this fall, and into the spring, heck even in the summer (because that's why we go to college, no?) and see where it lands you. Even if you decide to not attempt to join a sorority, you will have better grades, and that is always a good thing. Be honest with yourself about your stats, your school, and what you can handle. Oh an if you can balance it, join a club or volunteer (perhaps for class credit?) because studying all the time makes one boring, and you will have something for a resume and recs. Don't forget to get recs.

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

You definitely want to focus on grades, and let's work with what you have, and not a crystal ball. Like DubaiSis said, go to the Greek Life Office and make a serious inquiry into grades and where you stand. If chapters with lower requirements are participating in open bidding, and you can handle any rejectment, go for it. If you're at a competitive school, you need to be aware that your grades, your year in school, and other factors can and will work against you. My school is not really competitive, and your GPA would be an issue here.

Focus on school this fall, and into the spring, heck even in the summer (because that's why we go to college, no?) and see where it lands you. Even if you decide to not attempt to join a sorority, you will have better grades, and that is always a good thing. Be honest with yourself about your stats, your school, and what you can handle. Oh an if you can balance it, join a club or volunteer (perhaps for class credit?) because studying all the time makes one boring, and you will have something for a resume and recs. Don't forget to get recs.

THIS.

Another thought: have you made friends, or are you friendly with, any actives in any chapters? Not the superficial kind of "friend" that can be easily seen through (as in, you're only talking with someone because they are in a chapter). Rather, the kind that is in a study group for a class, or belongs to the same club and participates actively alongside others. THAT kind of friend.

I don't know you, I don't know your school, and I'm not blowing rainbows or whatever (I'm not that kind of person). I am an advisor at a campus with a fairly competitive recruitment (NOT the SEC, NOT Texas! I know, I know). I'm recommending that you keep focusing on your studies and grades, and take your best shot. You already know the facts and realities of the world you live in. Do what you can to maximize your chances.

It only takes one, in every sense of the word. Your membership is for a lifetime and you will find friends in all GLO chapters, if you're so inclined. I bang that drum loudly every chance I get here, because I look at my Panhellenic sisters as being my sisters in this journey called life, and my fraternity membership is invaluable to me.