It’s that time of year again! Sorority recruitment. Every campus is different, but it all comes down to getting fantastic, fabulous new members that make our chapters even better. The goal is to have continued success in our chapters that allow them to be sustainable for generations to come.

There are probably a lot of questions that potential members have. Is Greek life for me? Will I fit in if I join? I’ve heard XYZ stereotype about your chapter…is it true? I interviewed girls from a variety of chapters to give you the best information you can get from girls who have been on your side before. They shared their stories about why they joined Greek life, stereotypes they have had to overcome, and their favorite parts about their chapters.

Joining my chapter was the best decision I have ever made. Not only have I gained hundreds of sisters through my entire organization, but I’ve had incredible opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. There are many ways that joining a sorority benefits you, but I’ll let the ladies share their stories.

What made you choose your house? What do you find special about it?

Joining a sorority is a big step in your college career. It allows you to network with alumnae and gives you bonds that last a lifetime. From special sisterhood moments to academic prestige, we all have our own special reasons for joining our chapters.

“The anticipation and anxiety of rush weekend was really apparent when I visited other sororities, but the girls I talked to in my chapter were casual and made me feel comfortable, rather than interrogating me for a job interview. The girls in my chapter can never be branded as one adjective or phrase by others; instead, they seek to challenge their sisters to work harder, explore more, and obviously have fun!”-Serena Shi, Zeta Tau Alpha-Kappa Omega

“The girls! From the very first day of recruitment I was attracted to Delta Psi Delta because I felt right at home. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but all of the actives tried very hard to alleviate any anxiety I had about joining. Delta Psi Delta is special because not only is it the largest Canadian national sorority, but, all of the girls are absolute gems.”- Alisha Mullay, Delta Psi Delta-Delta

“One of the reasons I chose Sigma Kappa is because of our prestigious academic reputation on campus. We have maintained the highest GPA on campus for numerous semesters. I knew these women were academically motivated and cared about their futures. That is something that was truly important to me. I want to have fun at college but my number one goal at is to graduate with honors and earn a secure job.”-Sarah Wilkins, Sigma Kappa-Delta Theta

Did you join through formal recruitment/rush or informally? Did you always know you wanted to go Greek?

Many sororities have the opportunity to join through formal recruitment/rush or informally. Every campus structures theirs differently. Some campuses have their formal recruitment in the fall, others in the spring. Check out your school’s Greek life website for more information.

“I went through formal recruitment my first semester of college. I never really knew I wanted to join a sorority-I was into sports growing up. But when I met these girls at recruitment from all chapters, it made me rethink the idea. To know I could have that support group made me really want to join. I grew up military so I bounced around from place to place and to know I could finally have some stability within a group that would lift me up and support me was a big reason I chose the Greek life.”-Raigan Smith, Phi Mu-Theta Theta

“I went through formal recruitment my freshman year, but I didn't always know I wanted to be Greek. My biological sister convinced me to go through formal recruitment since we were both attending the same school.”-Kayla Branton, Delta Phi Epsilon-Epsilon Lambda

“I went through formal recruitment at my school, but I didn't know I wanted to go Greek until quite literally the night before recruitment.”-Bria Goodman, Delta Gamma-Gamma Omicron

What is your favorite part about your chapter?

Every chapter has its strengths and events that girls find to be the best. Some of these could include philanthropy events, formals, or even academic excellence nights. We each put more value on different aspects of sorority life.

“My favorite part about my chapter is that we make the most out any situation we always laugh play games encourage each other and make sure that we include others even if they're in another sorority we just want everybody to be happy and have fun!”-Jordan Nichole Tribble, Sigma Sigma Sigma-Alpha Omicron

“My favorite part of my chapter is my pledge class and family line. My pledge sisters have become some of my best friends and my little, big, g-big and g-littles are amazing girls and they make me so proud to call them my family.”-Amanda Day, Delta Phi Epsilon-Gamma Xi

“It’s very diverse. I follow many of the chapters on Instagram and all of the sisters come from various backgrounds.”-Sonya Cherie, Alpha Sigma Tau-Delta Tau

Do you face any stereotypes about sorority women at your school? What do you do to combat them?

Unfortunately, Greek life stereotypes exist. The media rarely portrays Greek life positively so we continually have to rise above the stereotypes to show potential members how joining a sorority can benefit them.

“I do face some stereotypes at school. Even though the Greek life is so small at my school, people still think you paid for your friends, you aren't as smart, or you party a lot. I just show those people that being in a sorority doesn't mean you're just one type of person. The reason why sororities work so well is because there's one for everyone and even in a sorority, you have so many different people. Everyone is as involved as they want to be.”-Hannah Riley, Alpha Chi Omega-Iota Rho

“ I think that college itself has a lot of inaccurate stereotypes, and that especially falls on the Greek community. We are groups of intellectual, philanthropic, driven people and want to succeed just as much as our fellow classmates. I think the exclusivity of the Greek community is what drives these stereotypes, and I can understand that, but at the same time, it is a club that we are all financially participating in, so the exclusion is expected. But a vast majority of the Greek community will not be exclusive when it comes to philanthropic events and campus events, and that's really the best way to combat it.”-Ashley Misuraca, Sigma Kappa-Epsilon Mu

“Greek life, in general, has a lot of stereotypes in and out of my school. Sometimes it can be really hard to hear what people have to say about Greek organizations. Sometimes people just don't really know what a Greek organization is or they may get those stereotypes from movies or the media. Some people think you join for the status, or that you're buying your friends, or that we just like to go to parties, or were not smart, etc. However, for me, it's the opposite. I joined because I wanted to become something that was bigger than just myself. It's like that cheesy, however completely true, quote "From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it." People will always have their stereotypes. You just have to remember why you joined, why you stayed, and where would you be without it.”-Brittany Lavy, Sigma Sigma Sigma-Theta Delta

What advice would you have for girls going through recruitment/rush this upcoming year?

The advice to give potential members about joining a sorority is endless. When I went through recruitment I was nervous about the outcome. Up until that point in my life, I had been pretty sure what the outcome would be for most activities I participated in. However, I was so unsure of what I would make of my sorority experience. I can truly say that joining was the best decision of my life because it showed me how to be a better person and has prepared me for my future.

“A lot of girls I've encountered who are interested in participating in recruitment are hesitant to do so because they don't think they fit the stereotypical image of a sorority girl. I want to be able to reassure them that you don't have to be rich, blonde, or a model to be part of a sorority. All you have to be is yourself, whatever that may entail. I was worried at first that I would be judged for my countless tattoos, piercings and my obscure major of religion, but my sisters embraced me for who I was and encouraged me to express myself in whatever ways I was comfortable with. I've never felt pressured to conform in any way to fit a certain personality type or a certain look.”-Michelle Huot, Alpha Phi-Eta Chi

“I advise all women to go through recruitment and see if it is for them! There are so many benefits, it is unbelievable. As an introvert, I sometimes find it hard to put myself out there and meet people. Joining Sigma Kappa allowed me to meet amazing women and branch out of my comfort zone. I would tell girls going through recruitment don't be afraid to put yourself out there, just be yourself! You will know when you find your home, because it feels like you are falling in love.”-Sarah Wilkins, Sigma Kappa-Delta Theta

“My advice would be to relax, go with the flow, be yourself, and focus on the connections you make. Recruitment, formal or informal, can be very stressful and scary. I was stressed and scared out of mind going through recruitment. Just remember that we have all been in your shoes. Focus on the bonds and connections you make because those girls could potentially be your sisters, your bridesmaids, your best friend, and your family.”-Brittany Lavy, Sigma Sigma Sigma-Theta Delta

Still not convinced?

Sorority life is nothing like the movies and never will be. As Greek women we strive to empower one another in our Greek communities. We hold ourselves and our sisters accountable for their actions, academics, and how they represent themselves. We don’t back down from challenges, nor do we settle for less than what we can achieve. Being a sorority woman is more than doing cheers, crafting, and wearing matching outfits during recruitment. It's about becoming the women our founders worked so hard for us to become one day. It’s about inspiring women to become better than they were before and encouraging them to reach their full potential.