Too old to join?

[Amalia17]

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[LouisaMay]

Hi, Amalia.
I don't have any specific advice for you, but I want you to know that you are not alone in feeling that you missed out on Greek Life. I graduated almost 3 years ago, and I'm still trying to find my Greek home through Alumna Initiation. Since you are still considered an undergraduate, "AI" is probably not an option for you, so keep letting the groups know that you are interested. Stay positive, and don't give up. Even if you don't find the right sorority for you now, there are still options.

LM

[33girl]

Amalia - if you go through formal or open rush, MAKE SURE that the sisters know that you are a true undergrad student. The fact that you have another degree has nothing to do with your present status.

The women most likely were unclear and thought that you were a grad student, and even if it is allowed by nationals it is such a rare thing that they might have thought it is not allowed.

I would make certain that the national officers (I am assuming you called the HQs) were not talking about alumnae initiation - that is another story and, it seems, not what you are looking for.

[Amalia17]

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[kddani]

Amalia, i'm not sure how old you are, but I really think that you should consider whether or not you'd even fit in with the chapters there. Just a few years of an age differences makes a huge difference in maturity levels for most people. And having already gotten once bachelor's degree with a demanding major, you've already done a lot of "growing up." Myself, currently at the age of 23, I could never see dealing with being in an undergrad chapter of a sorority at this age. And being from the Western PA area, I know that Slippery Rock has somewhat of a reputation as being a party school, and it's also small. I think that you should consider the reasons why you want to be in a sorority, then take a realistic comparasion to see if the groups on your campus could even fill those needs.

[33girl]

Thread on alumnae initiation: http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=41374

Well, you didn't say how old you are, but I went to Clarion and one of our sisters was 25 when she joined (she was in the military first, I think). It's more about your attitude than your actual age.

[Amalia17]

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[MTSUGURL]

Originally posted by Amalia17
I am 25. I have thought a lot about it, and I have done my homework, and I really think I would fit into the Greek scene. I don't think SRU is a party school anymore, it used to be.
That is very encouraging that a 25 year old pledged at Clarion. I agree it is attitude rather than age. I don't feel or even look 25, no one believes me when I tell my age so I just stopped telling! Which brings up an interesting point- do I have to reveal my age?

At some point or another, yes you do have to reveal your age or it will appear you are hiding it. I went through this situation this year, only I'm a year older than you. I love my sisters, and I love the girls in the other sororities that I have met, but I agree that there are major differences in situations in life, and maturity that simply comes with age, not to mention the difference that comes with already having been in college once. I will never regret going through rush, I met some wonderful people that I will continue to keep in touch with and will never forget. Do what you feel in your heart to be the right thing. If this is something that you want, then keep going for it.

A great friend of mine, joined as a 23 year old Junior my junior year. She had a year and a half of great times and loved it. However, you have to remember, your pledge class is going to be 40 or 50 18 year olds, who are worlds apart from you in age and life experience. I am not trying to talk you out of it by any means, like I said my friend loved it, and she was older than most of us. Just remember those things. You will also have 19, 20, 21 year old women running the chapter and telling you what you can and can't do in many cases. I don't think I would enjoy that, but if you do, then rock on sister!! I hope you are sooooo happy with whatever you decide!!

[33girl]

Originally posted by ADPiZXalum
However, you have to remember, your pledge class is going to be 40 or 50 18 year olds, who are worlds apart from you in age and life experience.

Actually Amalia's school is quite small and pledge classes will probably be no more than 15 - 50 is more like chapter total than the pledge class amount! just wanted to clear that up so she is not confused. Also there are lots of students who stay longer than 4 years due to monetary and/or scheduling problems, so I'm guessing there are quite a few 22+ year olds who are still undergrads and sorority or fraternity actives.

[Amalia17]

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[aopinthesky]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Amalia17
[B] My main concern was, will the sororities think I am too old?

Amalia,
I think that whether or not the sororities will think you are too old depends a lot on your particular campus. At a large school where recruitment is very competitive, you would have less of a chance than at a smaller school where the whole process is a little more relaxed.

>>
Would it be lame to write all of the chapters a letter before recruitment and let them know where I stand?<<

I wouldn't write to the sororities. While I don't think it is lame, it is unusual and I think it would make you stand out in a *not necessarily positive* way. It would be a good idea to let some other people do this for you though by way of writing recommendations. Ask around and think about women you know who are members of the groups on your campus and try to get some recs before going through formal recruitment. They can let the sororities know what is in your mind about greek life and the fact that you will be around awhile despite your age.
Good Luck!

[Amalia17]

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[33girl]

Originally posted by Amalia17
Would it be lame to write all of the chapters a letter before recruitment and let them know where I stand?
33girl- Clarion is similar to SRU. What do you think about this?

This is NOT a good idea - it would make you look desperate. That is the last thing you want. aopiinthesky, they really don't use recs there at all.

I know it is too late to tell you this, but you should definitely have gone to open rush - that is where you can get to meet people without the "cattle call" atmosphere of formal rush. By not going, they might have gotten the idea that you weren't interested. My advice is to get to know the women in your classes who are in sororities and ask them questions about what they do in their groups.

[Amalia17]

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