this image is from the ABC television series, GREEK
We’ve all seen them. Revenge of the Nerds, Animal House, Sorority Row, and the popular TV series, Greek, have all painted a scary picture in our mind about what sororities are really like. While every chapter and every Greek system is different and unique, we’re here to let you know what you and your family and friends can stop worrying about.
Myth 1: Hazing
Brutal paddle beatings, half-naked line-ups, and mandatory weight loss requirements can all be crossed off the will-they-do this-to-me-list. Hazing is definitely not tolerated by any campus, Greek advisor, national sorority organization, or National Panhellenic Conference. Can we promise across the board that some sketchy things aren’t going on? No. But trust us, the horror stories are the minority! Precautions are being taken to make sure that hazing becomes extinct for all organizations. If you do experience any kind of dangerous hazing you shouldn’t tolerate it. There is a toll-free hazing hotline you can call to anonymously report any incidents. The number is (888) NOT-HAZE, or (888) 668-4293. To read more about the hazing hotline, check out this article.
Myth 2: Barbie Syndrome
If you don’t fall into the Barbie and Ken category, don’t worry! Sororities are very diverse nowadays. You don’t have to be a size 2 to get into a quality chapter. Some chapters may seem like they only take a certain “type” of woman, but it all goes back to that idea of exuding confidence and looking put together. Sororities have women from every type of college majors, backgrounds, interests, activities, and more. Don’t worry that you need to fit into a cookie cutter type of girl; just be you!
Myth 3: Plummetting Grades
Think academic probation is in your future if you join a sorority? Think again! At most schools the all Greek, or at least all Panhellenic sororities GPA is higher than the all undergraduate GPA. Don’t believe us? Go ahead, contact the Greek advisor at your current or future college and ask them about the Greek vs non-greek GPA. Does this mean that you have to be a modern Einstein to get into a sorority? No. Sororities have academic programs like study nights to help their members succeed academically. In fact, you have to have a certain GPA to even go through recruitment. Most chapters will have a GPA requirement to pledge, initiate, and maintain throughout your college career.
Myth 4: Animal House Party 24/7
Will you wake up every morning looking like P Diddy or Ke$ha because you partied too hard on a school night? Well honestly, it’s up to you whether or not you fall into the Greeks party too hard, too much stereotype. It’s true, Greek life is very social. That’s one of the great aspects about joining a sorority. You will go to fraternity parties, mixers, date parties, and formals if you join a sorority. However, Greeks don’t party anymore than your average college student. If you’re someone who is going to go all Lindsey Lohan, then you’re going to do it whether or not you’re in a sorority. No one is going to force you to party and drink alcohol just because you join a sorority. (If they do, then you call the hazing hotline above!)
What is (was) your biggest fear?
Cheers!
Casey, Kate, & Rachel
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