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Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Sigma Woman?

Read below for some challenging questions you should consider before making that decision

What is a Sorority?

A sorority is defined as a women's student organization that is formed chiefly for social purposes and has a name consisting of Greek letters. However, it offers much more than just membership or social purposes. A sorority provides academic enhancement, friendship, development of leadership skills and the opportunity to serve the community. As a national organization, a sorority generates personal and professional growth through networking and participating in other activities well beyond your college years.

Why do you want to belong to a Sorority?

This is a question that needs to be taken SERIOUSLY and should be well thought out and answered honestly. Is there any one right magic answer?Of course not, but it should be answered from the heart.

How do you know which is right for you?

The one thing that I can not stress enough is DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Being a part of a sorority is a life-time commitment. You need to know what you are getting into. You would not go to college without finding out any information right? So why would you do the same when trying to decide on a sorority. The Internet is a great place to start.

Should you make your interest known early?

Note: This question is going to be answered from a Sigma Gamma Rho perspective. How are you going to become a part of this organization unless you let us know that you are interested. The key is to go about it in a professional manner. Do not be pushy, just be yourself and let us know that you would like additional information on the sorority. It is ok to let us know that you are interested,but you do not have to let the entire world know! Also remember,just because you may have family and or friends who are a part of this organization, WILL NOT guarantee membership,therefore sucking up is a waste of time and a huge turn off!!

How do you meet the members of
the sorority you wish to belong to?

Well the best way is to get out there and be active on campus. Most Greeks are "VERY ACTIVE" on the yard. They are in other organizations, RA's, tutors, etc. You are bound to encounter someone who is apart of the sorority, you wish to belong to. Specifically for us, if you see us on the yard, speak and say hello.You can feel free to introduce yourself or email us for more information. Also, come to our events and activities.; If you only come to the InterestMeeting, you have not given us the chance to get to know you and decide if we want to invite you into our family.

What is the sorority looking for in a member?

Well the answer to this could be a number of things, but for the most part someone who is going to be dedicated, focused and well rounded. If you are not, then at least be willing to be the best person you can be. It is often said that once you join a sorority you are buying friends,but the truth is you are building a bond of life long friendships and experiences that will be with you forever, in most cases . The history behind each sorority is amazing and we all were founded by strong, focused women. Imagine being involved in something that may be as old as your grandmother or even your great-grandmother. The bottom line is, just like in life, Greek life is what YOU make of it. It can be a wonderful experience,or it can be horrible. One thing we do stress is, please keep your reputation intact. A horrible reputation can follow you forever!! It can not only ruin your chances of getting into a sorority, but it can hurt you in other areas of your life as well. Remember once you are a member of any organizationyou represent all of your sorors and vise-versa.

What if you do not have the grades to
become a member of a sorority?

Well that is easy, WORK ON THEM!! Not just to become a member of a sorority, but for yourself. Your education is MOST IMPORTANT.That is why you are in college in the first place, at least that should be your reason. The key is to not let your grades slip in the first place, because it is very hard to bring them back up. We all have pitfalls from time to time,but try to keep them at a minimum.

Ever wondered why you may have been rejected from a particular sorority, even though you had the minimum GPA?

Just because you have the 2.5 (or whatever is required) does not mean that you will definitely be asked to become a member.You are probably not the only person applying for membership.That means you need to make yourself stand out, with community service,talents etc. This is not to say that you should not apply with the minimum GPA, but have something to show the chapter that you would be an asset. Also it is wise not to bad-mouth the sorority, especially if you ever choose to apply again.

"I want to step, do the call and be popular!"

If this has ever come out of your mouth, you are DEFINITELY not ready to become greek. Being a member of a sorority is not just about the colors, stepping and the call. It is about uplifting yourself and the community. A lot of people do not realize how much Greeks actually do, within the community and on the college campus! Three letters across your chest is not going to make you any more or less attractive. As we say, if you were lame before then chances are, you still will be. If it does change others opinion about you, then they probably are not your real friends in the first place.

What is an Informational and a Formal?

An informational or interest meeting is when a sorority has an open house, for women who are either interested in that sororityor just need information on Greek life period. A Formal is usually when the sorority plans to have intake of new members. Some are open while others are closed and by invitation only! You must be invited to the Sigma Gamma Rho Formal Rush. That is why it is important to express your interest early.

As a Freshman should you go to a sorority's informational?

Yes!! Each sorority has different requirements for when you can becomea member and if you are interested in becoming a part of that organization in the future, you should know the requirements early.In most cases you have a better chance of becoming a member if you apply as, for example, a sophomore rather than a senior in college.

"I heard that if you are asked to start doing favors for sorority members or are pre-pledged, then you will automatically become a member of that organization?"

There are no guarantees that you will EVER become a member of that sorority. Maybe you will, maybe you won't? Do not EVER let your quest to become a member of any sorority interfere with your feelings of SELF-WORTH and COMMON SENSE. Besides all this is technically hazing, which is illegal for the organization and according to state law.

How much is it to become a member of a Sorority?

Usually it is a lump sum in the beginning and then you will pay dues to your chapter and national headquarters. Every sorority is different so you must inquire, but it is well WORTH IT!!!! Our final bit of advice is to ask, ask, ask. No question is a dumb question. If the person can not answer it, then they will not. Do not get caught up with which sorority runs the yard, or who steps the best, or you heard that a certain sorority's members were conceited.Find out for yourself. Nine times out of ten you will find that the rumorsare false!!!! Most importantly, "BE YOURSELF."