Help! How Do I Know Which Sorority To Join?
TL;DR
- Start by defining what you want from sorority life and let those goals guide your picks.
- Fresh Prints explains the different chapter types so you match values, culture, and philanthropy with your priorities.
- Research chapters online and in real life and notice how conversations with members make you feel.
- Fresh Prints guides include smart questions for rush and remind you to trust your gut during mutual selection.
- Budget and time expectations matter so ask about dues events and academic support before ranking.
One of the most exciting parts of university life is getting to join a sorority and experiencing all the social events! After all, why should your college years be solely about lectures, homework, and exams, right?
Problem is, how do you actually know which sorority to join? How do you find the right girls and be sure they’ll be your sisters for life in and out of the campus?
If you’re spiraling about how to choose a sorority, breathe—you’re not alone. Here are the top questions every PNM should ask themselves before and during sorority rush.
“What do I want to get out of my sorority experience?”
First, why are you actually interested in joining a sorority? Is it to find friends in a new place away from home and everything you knew growing up? Establish your network or get academic support for your future? Make a difference through philanthropy?
Setting your goals is the first step to figuring out how to choose a sorority. Plus, the girls you meet during Spring or Fall sorority rush will definitely ask you this too. So give yourself a LOT of time to figure out why you want to join a sorority.
“Which sorority matches my expectations?”
We all know the vibrant and TikTok-famous Panhellenic sororities that made RushTok a phenomenon a few years ago. But did you know that there are actually four different kinds of sororities, according to Seattle Post-Intelligencer?
- Ethnic-supportive sororities (African-American sororities, Asian-American sororities, etc.)
- National Panhellenic Conference chapters
- Religious sororities
- Academic or honors sororities
Check your university’s Greek Life website for the full list—and look into each chapter’s values. This is especially helpful if you’re considering a COB sorority (Continuous Open Bidding) option later.
“Which philanthropy speaks the most to me?
One of the biggest parts of any sorority girl’s life is making a difference in the world, through big or small actions. Most chapters, even if they are from different types of sororities, have a philanthropy they support. Throughout the year, they hold activities to raise money for their cause. They may also have a more direct impact on the community through volunteering and social work.
Before Recruitment Week starts, research your prospective chapters and see what they support. Do you want to raise awareness and support patients afflicted with specific types of cancer, like Zeta Tau Alpha? Advocate for better progress towards health-related matters, like heart disease (ex. Alpha Phi) or mental health (ex. Kappa Kappa Gamma)? Help boost literary rates among children and encourage positive educational reforms like Delta Zeta?
The possibilities are endless. Find the cause that lights you up—it’ll make your sorority experience way more meaningful.
“What are the girls like outside their chapter?”
We don’t mean literally stalk them on campus (you might get reported for that, bestie). But, if you know this girl from your lecture is in a chapter you’re interested in, see what she’s like around other people, her sisters, and on social media.
Okay, we hear you, peanut gallery. “SoCiAL mEdiA iS tOo cUrAtEd!!!! aLL oF tHe PoStS tHeRe ArE fAkE!!!!" Yes, there is some truth to that, but many college students also show their true selves on social media, or at least a glimpse of their beliefs and opinions about various matters. It’s also why we first recommended seeing what those members are like in real life.
Even just how they treat fellow students can tell you the kind of people they keep around their social circles, including their sorority. Authenticity will always shine through if they keep the same values on and off their IG pages. And it’s crucial because what joining a sorority means in the long run is choosing a community you’ll interact with every week (during college at least).
“What do I actually know about sorority life?”
Sit yourself down in front of your laptop or iPad and research as much as you can about other girls’ sorority experiences. What is it like to live in a sorority chapter house? What are the different myths about sorority life that are making you hesitant to join? What in fresh hell is Bama Rush, and is it related to Obama?
It’s hard to figure out how to choose a sorority without understanding Greek life in general, so more context about them gives you a clearer picture of why they’re the way they are. That way, you’re not unfairly judging a certain chapter just because you aren’t aware of the norms they have.
FAQs About Choosing a Sorority
1. Is it worth it being in a sorority?
Yes, if you join the right chapter. Sisterhood, mentorship, leadership, networking, philanthropy… a well-matched sorority can genuinely elevate your college years (and your life after you graduate).
2. Is it okay to not be in a sorority?
Of course, some people thrive in Greek Life; others prefer clubs, campus orgs, sports, or independent paths. Both are valid.
3. How do you join a sorority?
You typically join through sorority rush or through COB sorority recruitment. This can include submitting letters of recommendation, attending rounds, going through mutual selection, and receiving a bid.
4. How do you choose a sorority during recruitment?
Think about your goals, philanthropy interests, chapter values, campus involvement, and how you feel talking to each group. Ask yourself whether the chapter offers academic support, good communication, and a comfortable environment. Trust your gut—it’s the #1 rule in how to choose a sorority.
5. What questions should I ask during recruitment?
Great questions to ask during recruitment include:
- “How involved is your chapter in philanthropy?”
- “What does sisterhood look like for you?”
- “How do you support new members academically and socially?”
- “What kind of time commitment should I expect?”
We share more questions to ask in this blog.
6. How much do sorority dues cost?
Costs vary by school, but dues usually cover events, sisterhoods, national fees, housing options, and chapter operations. Always ask this during registration and/or rounds.
7. How much time does a sorority take?
Typically 3–8 hours per week depending on meetings, service, and events—but during sorority rush, expect a full week schedule.
8. How does mutual selection work in sorority recruitment?
During each round, PNMs rank chapters and chapters rank PNMs. The system matches both sides based on preferences—that’s mutual selection. It’s not personal; it’s logistical.
9. How do I use recruitment counselors well?
Your recruitment counselors (Rho Gammas) are literally there to help you. Ask them questions, run rankings by them, talk through stressful moments—they’re trained to support PNMs through the entire process.
You may have more things to ask yourself once you start answering these preliminary questions, but this is a good place to start. Good luck! And if you ever decide on actually going through Recruitment, here are the top questions you should ask, plus insights on sorority leadership positions that might interest you.