How to Choose the Right Sorority

The main purpose of going to college is to give you the knowledge and education that will ensure you find a career that you love and become the best version of you. However, there's more to college than just studying and going to class; you deserve a social life as well.

College is a time of new beginnings and new acquaintances. But there is one thing that can make your college career that much more special: a sorority.

If you've been thinking about the best way to maximize your time at school, then you might be wondering: "Which sorority should I join?" We hope to help you answer that all-important question.

If you're wondering how to choose the right sorority, we'll take you through all the questions and musings you should contemplate in your quest for a sorority. These tips are guaranteed to help you narrow down your choices and join a sisterhood that you won't just like but will love.

Why Join a Sorority?

Going to college for the first time is a messy experience full of excitement, catastrophes and new, adult affairs. Trying to navigate all of these things on your own can be challenging, but having support can make your college experience less daunting. A sorority helps students acquaint themselves with the college. They also are fun ways to take a stand in society or create charitable events to help the community.

A sorority is more than an event committee. The girls in each chapter will become your lifelong friends. You'll spend free evenings together, work towards the group's mission and maybe even live in the same house.

As such, these groups form lasting bonds that aid students during some of the toughest years of their lives, not only in college, but sometimes beyond as well. The other members of the sorority are going through the same or similar experiences as you are, so you'll always have someone to talk to or receive advice from.

How to Choose a Sorority

Which sorority is the best for me? To answer this, you need to be thorough. Before arriving at the university, check for recruitment dates and register for the event. It is at recruitment that you'll meet the college's sororities and garner your first impressions of each. You may have to pay a registration fee.

This is the start of your process, but it's far from the last step in determining which sorority is right for you.

1. Research

Before attending the recruitment event, your first job will be to undertake some preliminary research. Which sororities impress you online?

Find the university's list of Greek organizations and research each sorority. Each has a national website that can be easily accessed online. Take the time to do this. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What's my initial impression?
• Do the sorority's goals mirror my own beliefs?
• What events have they sponsored?
• Would I enjoy participating in past events?

Don't let yourself get caught up in this stage. View it as a way to get acquainted with the different sororities so that when you meet them, you'll have some idea about each. The idea is to get your toes wet and gather information; don't allow any restrictions here.

2. Impressions and Personalities

After going to the recruitment event, make a list of all the groups that struck you as interesting. But don't make your decision yet; sororities pull out all the stops for rush week, so it's easy to become bedazzled by a group that might not be the perfect match.

Hopefully, you were introduced to lots of new faces during rush week. Take advantage of it. Ask members questions about their sorority or speak to them in general about their interests.

One of the biggest factors in finding the right organization is personality. You want to be around like-minded people. Consider these thoughts:

• Who did I feel most at ease around?
• Who did I have the most interesting conversations with?
• What is my overall gut feeling about this sorority?

Like making a new friend, meeting sorority members involves balancing your gut instincts with logical perspectives.

3. Note How Members Treat Each Other

If you want a great inside perspective about a particular sorority, pay attention to how members treat each other when you're introduced to groups.

Do they act like friends or work colleagues? This can clue you in and give you an idea of how you would fit within the group. If you're looking for friends, the former is best, but if you're searching for a way to add to your resume and create connections that will benefit you in the future, you might prefer the latter.

Of course, keep in mind that sororities are like families. It's impossible for every member to love every other member. However, your comfort level is of utmost importance, and you want to choose a sorority that makes you feel good rather than not.

4. Events

Ask what events are lined up for the semester and take these into consideration. Events are an excellent way to see if you would enjoy partaking in a sorority. They also reflect the group's mission statement and core values, giving you a better idea of whether you'd enjoy becoming a member.

Further, the events will demonstrate what you can take from the sorority. What leadership skills would you like to enhance or what causes would you like to pursue?

Knowing how events can help you and the community is a determining factor when choosing a sorority.

5. Member Expectations

Some sororities are stricter than others. Ask members what is expected of them and push for details.

Some organizations, for example, may request fees if you're absent from a meeting or event. Others expect members to partake in a certain number of activities within a semester.

Before joining a group, it's vital you know exactly what you are getting into. Your sorority won't be your only focus. You'll also have classes to attend. Make sure you have the time and energy to take on both responsibilities so that you can be successful in your college career.

6. Dues

Sororities have dues. And they are expensive. This is something else you'll need to consider when asking, "What sorority should I join?"

The average cost of going Greek is $1,280 per semester for newbies and $605 for everyone else. Those uniforms don't make themselves (although you will make a lot of costumes), and the group collectively pays for Chapter Rooms.

Expect monthly or end-of-semester dues and initiation costs.

While this may seem like a huge turnoff, you'll make your money back. The networking you achieve through a sorority can pay for itself later in life.

7. Housing

If you want to live with your Chapter (and even if you don't), it's helpful to see if you can imagine yourself living in the sorority's house and enjoying it.

If not, politely bow out. If yes, keep it on your list as you narrow down your choices.

8. Ask Around

Don't be afraid to ask other students what they know about a group. This is an excellent way to receive unbiased information that only campus students would have.

Additionally, request to meet with one or two members from a sorority you're particularly interested in. Members are more than happy to reach out and answer your questions, and a one-on-one meeting can provide insights rush week won't.

9. Don't Let Others Influence Your Choice

Finally, if you are wondering how to know if a sorority is right for you, don't join a sorority just because your friend has.

Becoming a member doesn't mean you snub the friends you already have, and what may work for your bestie might not work for you. Furthermore, you might not get accepted into the same organization, so it's never a good idea to bank on this.

Go Greek

Knowing how to choose a sorority will save you a ton of time and anxiety when you go to school. Making the right choice has lasting impacts on your character, college experience and career. Your focus while at school is to get a good education, but what is college without a little fun?

Want more great advice? Browse our articles to get insights on Greek life. We guarantee if you find the right sorority, your college experience will be the most exciting time of your life.