Definitely was not based on those things at my school. I mean, you couldn't just show up in your pjs with bedhead, but no one is checking clothing labels or anything like that. At my top 25 school most students were highly motivated to do well in school and go on to graduate school/professional degrees. We didn't have time for that nonsense.
It might be different at another school, but please don't blindly apply your bias towards every sorority at every school. |
I'll add that sororities were attractive to many people at my school who wanted to have fun in those brief hours outside of schoolwork and other activities/sports, but didn't have time to go socialize with everyone on our large campus to find their social niche. The Greek system was an efficient way to find compatible friends. It wasn't perfect, but most people I know had a good experience. |
Matching process is an apt description. Those disappointed by the process are likely to lack critical self awareness. |
+1 |
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At 55, I still use my sorority connections frequently. Whenever I've moved into a new city, joining my alum group means I'm immediately hooked into a community -- and if they are not doctors and dentists and lawyers themselves, they can point me in the right direction of good ones. Once, when my parents were struggling and I was far away, Kappas in my parents' city stepped up and helped me out -- even though they had never met me. It's called the power of community, folks, and it can be a game-changer in life. Back at school, it offered me the opportunity for leadership by running for various offices. And I had terrific built-in study groups for those difficult classes, and if I was having trouble in a class, I could find someone to tutor. People can bitch all they want because they are thinking of movie stereotypes of sororities and their members, but I have found a fabulous, nationwide, lifelong support group. |
Actually, there is not a place for everyone. |
Actually, at my school anyone who wants to join a sorority will get a spot. Maybe not their #1 choice, but a spot somewhere. |
Seems to be the case at most universities I'm familiar with, but I'm sure there are exceptions. In my experience everyone falls into one of four categories. Loved the Greek system Honestly never had interest in the Greek system. Pretends not to have ever been interested in the Greek system, but was unable to pursue due to anxiety or financial considerations and thus possibly resentful. Disappointed by the outcome of the rush process. |
| The Greek system at each school is really different and if OP's daughter likes having a huge group of girls around her all the time, it can be a good way to make friends at first. My school was 60% Greek, which I kind of knew going in but I didn't understand the implications of it until every single girl on my freshman hall rushed, except for a few who were on sports teams. The school ended up being really cliquish with not a lot to do except drink at the fraternities or study, so it was hard to make friends. I wasn't into musical theater, newspaper, or religious groups either, so a sorority was probably a good fit in the end. Hopefully the school OP's daughter picks will have a little more variety, so if she decides in the end to not rush, there will be tons of other ways to be involved. It's that type of thing you don't really find out when you take the tour though. |
I fixed it for you. |