So You Want to Join a Sorority? Here are 9 Things to Know Before You Pledge
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You lot've idea long and difficult, and you've finally decided to bring together a sorority. Congrats!

But are yous financially prepared? Do yous have the time to devote to the sorority? Before you take the Divine Ix plunge, read through our guide and make sure you know all at that place is you need to know.

1. Trying to Decide on a Sorority? Wait to the Women You Admire
Some women join a sorority considering of family ties. Others join because they simply like the colors. However, information technology'southward imperative that y'all have a pace back and consider which sorority is a good fit for yous.

Take a look at some of the sorority's members and go from there. Is your office model an AKA/Delta/Zeta/SGRho? Is that woman at church who you've always admired in a sorority? If you find yourself looking upward to a sorority'due south members, chances are that that organization might be a good fit for you lot.

2. Make Sure You're Financially Prepared
Before yous jump into any intake process, slow your gyre, and have a long, hard expect at your finances.

According to inquiry conducted past Auburn University, the average initiation cost for joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority can run anywhere from $700 to $2,500. And that'south not all: Be prepared for unforeseen costs, whether that means buying clothing items, purchasing briefing tickets or paying for monthly and/or annual ante.

Joining a sorority ain't cheap!

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3. Information technology's a Time-Consuming Procedure
Though information technology varies from organization to system, you will be on line anywhere from one to three months (and chances are, you will eat, slumber and exhale your soonhoped-for sorority that semester).

Each sorority has its own traditions and practices, just in many cases, expect to spend a percentage of each mean solar day either with your line sisters, brushing upwardly on your chapter history or doing other mandated rituals.

For that reason, it might be smart to…

4. …Lighten Your Workload While Y'all're on Line
Believe united states of america: You'll thank yourself subsequently.

All NPHC sororities have a minimum GPA for all of its potential and current members (cheque with your local affiliate for details). When you consider the time commitment that near intake processes require, it might be smart to accept a lighter class load that won't wreck your GPA.

Don't get united states wrong: We're not telling you lot to slack off for a semester. However, the semester that y'all're on line might not be the all-time time to enroll in Organic Chemical science. Only sayin'.

5. Know Your History
Recall how nosotros mentioned that a significant portion of your fourth dimension on line would be spent studying? We weren't kidding.

Not only is information technology crucial that you know your organization's history, but it's also important that yous know everything in that location is to know about your ain chapter: history, founders, y'all name it. And yes, that includes your songs (and strolls). Study up!

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half-dozen. Staying Tight-Lipped is a Must!
Now is non the time for gossip.

Each sorority prides itself on its ain unique traditions, which means that all rituals are secret and must never be discussed with non-members.

You may be used to telling your girlfriends everything and then some, but you're going to have to remain mum on this area of your life. And then repent to your bestie in advance—this experience has to remain between y'all and your sisters.

7. In that location'due south More to it Than the Social Aspect
Echo subsequently united states of america: "I volition not bring together a sorority but then I can throw upwardly my sign for the 'Gram."

Yes, at that place are sure social aspects to each organization, but each of the Divine Nine sororities put an emphasis on community and service (Seriously! It'south in all of their mission statements).

A pct of your time might be spent planning parties and rehearsing for step shows, merely the majority of members' fourth dimension is spent giving back to local—and national and international—communities.

8. Pledging Mail service-Grad is an Option
Maybe your finances weren't right the first fourth dimension effectually. Maybe the intake deadline passed. Shoot, maybe you just decided that you wanted to pledge yesterday. Merely whatever the instance may be, it's never to tardily to bring together a sorority.

Unlike most White organizations, all NPHC sororities and fraternities boast graduate capacity. Before joining, get familiarize yourself with the chapter by attention events and meetings its members. Added bonus: You'll be among the showtime to know about any upcoming membership intake processes. Visit the sorority'due south website to find a grad chapter in your surface area.

ix. It's a Life-Long Commitment
Your sorority affiliations don't finish on graduation day. Once you've pledged, you're a member for life—many women find a new grad affiliate habitation.

From graduation to union and beyond, your sorors will accompany you on all walks of life. So wear your colors and messages with pride; you're fam now.