What do you actually do in a sorority?

In a sorority, you engage in sisterhood activities, philanthropy, leadership, and social events, focusing on personal growth, academic support, and community service through structured events like mixers, fundraisers, chapter meetings, and mentorship from older "big" sisters, all while building lifelong friendships and a strong campus network. It's a blend of social club and support system, offering unique bonds with women from diverse backgrounds and majors, aiming to develop life skills and provide lasting connections.

What does a sorority actually do?

Sororities are a self-sustaining friendship organization composed of female students in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Membership in these sororities is a privilege, and all members are expected to exemplify the finest personal qualities.

What do you do when you are in a sorority?

I have broken down the different types of events you can likely expect during your sorority membership.

1. Chapter Meeting. A chapter meeting, commonly called “chapter,” is a weekly meeting of the entire sorority. ...
2. Ritual. ...
3. Sisterhood and Social Events. ...
4. Philanthropy Events. ...
5. Recruitment. ...
6. Other Things to Consider.

What are the 5 B's to avoid during rush?

During sorority rush, avoid the "5 Bs": Boys, Booze, Beliefs (politics/religion), and Bucks (money), as these can be divisive or overly personal, focusing instead on shared interests, values, and positive experiences to build genuine connections. The common "B" topics are Boys, Booze, Beliefs (or Bible), Bucks, and sometimes Ballots (politics) or even a specific person (like "Bush").
 

What's the point of joining a sorority?

People join sororities for a strong sense of sisterhood, belonging, and community, finding a "home away from home" with built-in support systems, while also gaining valuable leadership opportunities, academic accountability (study hours, tutoring), networking skills, and connections for future careers, alongside involvement in philanthropy and service projects. They offer a structured way to make lifelong friends and develop personal skills through shared goals, social events, and philanthropic efforts. 

EXPLAINING SORORITY RECRUITMENT/RUSH

Do sororities pick based on looks?

Yes, looks can play a role in sorority recruitment, but it's usually alongside other factors like personality, grades, and connections, with some chapters focusing more on traditional aesthetics (sometimes called the ""look"") while others, often newer ones or those under national pressure, aim for more diversity, though unfair biases, including appearance-based ones, still exist. While official recruitment emphasizes values, character, and good conversations, some individual members or chapters still prioritize outward appearance, leading to pressure on potential new members (PNMs) to fit a certain mold, with some even using coded language for physical traits. 

How much does it cost to be in a sorority?

Joining a sorority costs anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per semester or year, with new member fees often higher ($1,000-$4,200+ initially) and ongoing costs depending heavily on location, school, sorority, and living arrangements (in-house costs can reach $9,000+ per semester including room & board). These expenses cover national dues, chapter fees, social events, insurance, and sometimes meals, with additional costs for apparel, gifts, and themed events. 

What not to say during sorority rush?

During sorority recruitment, avoid the "4 or 5 B's" (boys/dating, booze/drugs, bucks/money, beliefs/religion, ballots/politics) and trash-talking other chapters or Greek life, as these topics create awkwardness, distractions, or negative impressions; instead, focus on your values, academic interests, passions, and genuine connection to sisterhood to find a good fit. 

Do sororities accept everyone?

Sororities look for individuals who have personalities, interests, and values that align well with their chapter as a whole.

How to survive sorority rush?

“The sororities rushing you want to impress you just as much as you want to impress them. Be yourself and trust your gut when you're making decisions.” “Don't be afraid to start a conversation of your own. You don't have to just sit there and answer the questions that they ask you!”

Are boyfriends allowed in sorority houses?

Boyfriends are generally not allowed to stay overnight in sorority houses, and often have restricted access to upper floors or specific public areas due to safety, comfort, and tradition, though rules vary by chapter, with many having curfews for male guests and some allowing them in certain common spaces. While national guidelines often prohibit alcohol and overnight guests, local chapter rules dictate specifics, with many enforcing "no boys upstairs" policies for privacy and security, though members sometimes bend these rules informally.
 

How are girls chosen for sororities?

The voting process for the sororities can vary depending on the campus and the sorority. Two main methods usually take place: Chapter Vote: A chapter vote is when everyone in the sorority has a say in potential new members. Your name will come up, and everyone will vote on whether or not to invite you back.

What is the most elite sorority?

Prestigious sororities often include Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Alpha Chi Omega, known for strong national presence, high recruitment, and notable alumnae, though "prestige" varies by campus and individual values, with groups like Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and Delta Sigma Theta (DST) holding immense historical significance and community impact. 

What are the disadvantages of being in a sorority?

3 Downsides of Greek Life

• Cost. While the benefits we mentioned may be worth it, they don't come for free. ...
• Time-consuming. Pledging itself requires a significant time commitment, but even after that process is over, you'll still need to dedicate a lot of time to your sorority. ...
• Frequent Substance Abuse.

What is the GPA requirement for sororities?

Each sorority sets its own GPA standard, which can vary by chapter and university. At many schools, the minimum could range from 2.5 to 3.2, some higher. 🩷 A strong GPA gives you more options. A higher GPA can help you stand out and make you eligible for more chapters, especially those with a strong focus on academics.

What do sorority girls do at chapter?

If you know a sorority woman you might have heard her talk about going to “chapter.” But, what is chapter and what happens there? The short answer is chapter is typically a weekly meeting where the sorority chapter conducts business, education or sisterhood activities.

Do some girls not get bids?

It is rare for girls to get completely dropped from recruitment, but it does happen. The best way to guarantee a bid is to maximize her options which means attending all the chapters everyday of recruitment and going into it with an open mind.

Why does Gen Z not go to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

What does the Bible say about sororities?

If one wants to join a fraternity / sorority because they have the best parties, the Bible says that such a life should belong in one's unsaved past, not in the present life of a believer (1 Peter 4:3).

What are the 5 B's of sorority?

"Avoid bringing up the five 'B Words': Boys, Ballots, Booze, Beliefs, and Bucks." Okay... this is a "yes and no" kind of thing. The "B Words" list—comprised of topics that PNMs should supposedly "never ever discuss" during recruitment week—has been circulating for years now.

How to get picked by a sorority?

The Five Steps of Sorority Recruitment

1. Step 1: Find Your Panhellenic & Register. ...
2. Step 2: Potential New Member (PNM) Education. ...
3. Step 3: Rounds, Rank & Repeat. ...
4. Step 4: Final Selections & Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA) ...
5. Step 5: Bid Day.

What are the 4 B's of sorority?

Here's how each of the 4 B's can cause issues, and what to say instead to stand out in your sorority recruitment conversations. Booze, Boys, Bucks, and Beliefs. And here's the important part: chapter members are also coached to avoid these topics.

Is it cheaper to live in a sorority house than a dorm?

Living in a fraternity or sorority house may be less expensive than the cost of a residence room but you will have to make sure by contacting the college housing office. Keep in mind that many of these groups do offer scholarships that can reduce your costs.

Do you pay dues as a pledge?

Once one has pledged to a chosen house, he or she will be asked to pay for new member dues, which are typically higher than what one will have to pay as an already active member. Active members pay for both local and national membership. These charges are used to sustain the activities of a Greek-letter organization.

How do sororities afford houses?

Some of CSULB's fraternities and sororities privately own and operate affordable housing off of campus property. Fraternity and sororities are managed and maintained by established housing corporations that own the properties and take care for major upkeep and repairs.