Age Counts?

[DubaiSis]

I would expect it to be very difficult for you. Do read the advice about determining if hanging around a bunch of 18/19 year olds is something you would be comfortable with. I was already on my 2nd career at 28 so I can't imagine going to exchanges with a bunch of kids who are trying to figure out how to sneak beer in, just as a for instance. The multi-cultural and service organizations might have the community and friendships you want, minus the screaming from across the quad when you see a sister every day at noon. Not that I didn't LOVE that at 18. But by 22 I was pretty much over it and by 28 I was a full on grown up who had moved well beyond most of that. There are some things you just don't get to re-live, because you are not the same person as you were 10 years, nearly 1/3 of your life, ago.

[Viewbug84]

Yes, I did read the post and actually I kinda work around a lot of 18-20 year olds so it really does not bother me like it might do for others.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by Viewbug84

Yes, I did read the post and actually I kinda work around a lot of 18-20 year olds so it really does not bother me like it might do for others.

Whether or not YOU are comfortable around a bunch of 18-20 year olds really isn't the point when going through recruitment now, is it?

Unless you are going through rush at a commuter school where the average age is higher than usual, sororities are unlikely to extend a bid to a woman significantly older than most of the membership.

[Viewbug84]

It's a small school compared to others around the state. The regular age of transfer students is 24

[Titchou]

But what is the average age of sorority members? I advise at a similar school. We have had some PNMs 10 years older - or more - than the usual freshman. One year our chapter president (who was the usual age of a chapter president) asked during a recruitment board meeting "why does she want to hang out with a bunch of hormone driven twits?" So the chapters will wonder why you want to be around them. And it's a valid question. I'm not saying it won't work, just that it's unusual and people will question it.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by Titchou

But what is the average age of sorority members? I advise at a similar school. We have had some PNMs 10 years older - or more - than the usual freshman. One year our chapter president (who was the usual age of a chapter president) asked during a recruitment board meeting "why does she want to hang out with a bunch of hormone driven twits?" So the chapters will wonder why you want to be around them. And it's a valid question. I'm not saying it won't work, just that it's unusual and people will question it.

Is it your experience that these women get entirely released, though, or that these women just have very limited options?

[Titchou]

In my experience, most get released or withdraw. The one who I remember made it thru a while back, resigned after a few weeks (married, had a kid, lived 30 miles away from campus). It was just too much for her time-wise - from what I was told.

[Hartofsec]

You will be over 30 when you graduate, and (presumably) interviewing with potential employers. If sorority membership is included on your resume, employers may find this odd. Depending on your explanation, this could make you stand out, for better or for (way) worse. If you interview for a teaching position, for instance, your interest in socializing with girls so much younger might take your app off the table.

You may want to consider investing this time in some service organizations and/or community service projects instead – especially some projects that somehow relate to the job you hope to interview for in the future. There may be opportunities in service orgs to meet grad students, who would likely be more age-appropriate peers. At this point in your life, it is important to build your experience and resume with an eye on future job prospects – especially considering the current job market.

I don’t want to discourage you from pursuing membership in a NPC chapter, but it might be a good idea to consider how this will play after graduation.

Good luck with it – whatever you decide to do.

[Viewbug84]

I have always wanted to be a Sister. I'm currently single (no boyfriend either) with no children and lots of support from friends and family. I have an extremely flexible job (which I currently can't say because it could be a dead give away to my future houses on who I am). I have applied for another Sorority last year but never went through a bidding (it was a very, very small university). The Sisters wanted to have me but due to other conflicting issues (I was still attending classes at a community college) I wasn't full-time and so I could not become a Sister. I have a lot of volunteer hours which I volunteer on average about 400 hours a year, work a full-time job, and go to school full-time while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Being in a Sorority would be beneficial because of the friendships, connections, and more importantly the amount of volunteering I can add on to. I have always worked hard for what I wanted and after several years I finally got my wish and was accepted to my dream university. After I graduate the Sorority would help me on when I apply for grad school. Again, what my future plans are match with me joining a Sorority.

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by Viewbug84

As a PNM next year what would the normal age be for recruitment? Like how old is too old to get into a Sorority?

1) in Arizona: 17-19. We do have some freshmen whose birthdays aren't until after school starts in August. So we need to be watchful and aware because they are considered minors until age 18.

2) my opinion: anything over age 21. And 21 is pushing it. I'm thinking of the rare junior who comes through who is totally outstanding; or the one who comes through with multiple friends in a chapter, who didn't rush earlier due to a low GPA or financial concerns. That has happened ONCE in my memory, which goes back a lonnnnnnng time here.

MY OPINION: I want to be clear that you are considering an NPC sorority, correct? If so, I believe that your stated goals are not necessarily compatible with what occurs in an NPC sorority during the college years. I strongly suggest that you turn your sights elsewhere. The NPC sorority ship has sailed for you. You may be setting yourself up for disappointment and heartache.

[Viewbug84]

Yes, I am talking about both the NPC and the Mulit-Cutural Sororities. I know I'm older and I don't mind. It would be awesome to make it in but if I don't, I don't. I'm just so happy to be a student there.

[madoug]

Back in the year of your birth, my chapter had a 23 y/o pledge. Although it worked well, her age did show a difference in her attitudes and her pledge class.
In my current chapter that I advise, I don't see even that small age difference. For an over 25, transfer student, unless your campus is a more of a transitional student population, selection in a formal recruitment with mostly dorm resident freshmen doesn't not seem likely. Unless your volunteer service is rock star quality, you are Miss Whatever, or you are a celebrity.
But then I suspect you already know this.

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by Viewbug84

I have always wanted to be a Sister.

Not trying to trigger a defense of your desire to join a sisterhood -- but you probably also desire that the girls in your chapter view you as a peer. Due to circumstances beyond your control (your age), they may not. At 18, I thought of someone 28 as being much older than I probably considered myself when I reached 28.


Membership in a NPC chapter may or may not benefit you in the grad school app/interview process. I know students around my dd's age who choose to minimize this aspect of their college experience -- and highlight others -- when applying to competitive grad programs, due to potential anti-Greek sentiment and possible preconceived notions surrounding sorority membership (including those regarding diversity). This may be somewhat region-dependent, however.


I admire your drive to pursue your dreams, though there really isn't any way to turn back the clock. However, there may be other wonderful opportunities moving forward. If you dreamed of being an Olympian, gymnastics might not be a good choice considering your age, but you still have plenty of time to become an equestrian.

.

[AOII Angel]

Oh my lord...you really haven't been here long. Don't start a GC war suggesting people look at AI. You won't like what you get.

[Viewbug84]

Thanks, I never heard of the Alumnae thing but I will definitely check it out. I will stay try out for the Rush both formal and informal and if I don't make it in a year's time then I will find something else to join, which there are other groups that have caught my eye.