Is it a good idea to pledge to a sorority in your freshman year of college?

I joined as a freshman and didn’t have any problems. It doesn’t take up TOO much time, just about one meeting/event per week, which really isn’t bad at all. Furthermore, they weren’t even mandatory (because that’s considered hazing at our school) but we went to them because we wanted to! And we also hung out at the house because we wanted to. Don’t look at everything as a requirement! All the time I spend with my sisters is something that I choose to do and look forward to. But the requirements do vary by chapter. And I also had an 18 credit hour courseload, so it really wasn’t a “cake” semester and I was fine, and with a 4.0 too!

There are expenses, and they usually are more for your first semester as a member, but I definitely think that it’s worth it. My advice is to go through recruitment, and if you’re curious about money, ask someone to explain where the money goes. They should know. Then you’ll be able to see that what you pay actually benefits you, and most times it covers things that you would pay for anyway with a group of friends. Also, most sororities have payment plans and the finance chair will work with you. (I am the Vice President of Finance for my chapter. We really don’t want to let money be any reason prohibiting anyone from joining! It’s such a small part of sorority life!)

In complete honesty, I think people that join freshman year get a better experience (at least at my school). The benefits definitely outweigh the stresses. The only stresses I really encountered were the recruitment stresses (having to talk to so many different people, and the whole thing is just a little overwhelming) and the first few meetings with the sorority. But after you get to know everyone they really do become a second family.

I pledged a fraternity, of course, but all the same, no fraternity or sorority I know allows freshmen to pledge. Unless you are confident in the sorority you want to pledge, it will be a good idea to research various sororities to make sure you find the perfect fit. Also, use your freshman year to adjust to college life, save money for pledging, and making sure your grades are at your desired organization’s standard. Finally, the semester you do pledge, make sure you carry a “cake” schedule.

Good Luck

Ron B.

1MPFA92 A Phi A Fraternity, Inc.

I don’t see any problem with joining a sorority your freshman year. It might be a little stressful with adjusting to college life and Greek life…..so be prepared to be busy and get a planner to organize your life!

There are always going to be expenses and stresses whenever you pledge.

I’d wait till at least my sophomore year, anyway, though. This gives you a year to see what these people are really like, and you get a much better idea of how to balance your own personal workload with your social life.

One of the negative aspects of joinin a frat/sorority is that they take up lots of time and energy. However, most people in frats/sororities join as freshmen.