My parents are totally against Greek Life of any kind.
They think sorority girls are like they are in Legally Blonde and House Bunny.
However, the sororities I’m looking at are different; they are all very diverse, and volunteering plays a huge role in them.
Academics also seem to play a huge role in them- they have study nights every night a week.
I’m not looking for high social standings or any of that business- I don’t care how popular the house is!
I just want to make genuine lifelong friends.
I consider myself to be a pretty good judge of character- and I have standards- so I’m not going to make any rash decisions and join something that doesn’t fit how I view myself.
How can I convince my parents to let me join a sorority in college?
Have you tried the exact arguments here? They all seem like rational reasons? Maybe show them one of the sororities you plan to join and highlight all the pro’s?
As a parent, I would also recommend discussing the cons of sororities at the same time. This will show that you have also considered the negatives as well as the positives. It will also allow you to show why the positives out weigh the negatives in your case.
You also need to have a very firm idea of what this will cost. I guarantee that question will be asked. Your parent will probably also be concerned about the time commitment that is required and how it could impact your GPA. That can be a real issue.
You might also point out that sororities (at least some schools) have a require minimum GPA that they have to meet. Creates a strong incentive to study.
Also factor in the cost what might be expected of you…From siroritygirl101 it says:
National New Member Expense $240
Chapter New Member Expenses $575
Meals $1450
Parlor fee $415
House Fund $200
Security $175
National Dues $100
Chapter dues $475
Miscellaneous $300…total $3930!!!
In addition each sorority asked you to deposit into a separate account $300 per semester for purchases such as t-shirts. pics ect.
Also are you expected to wear certain types/brands of clothes? Give gifts to your big sister? What if you live at the sorority?
How much time does the sorority take from you? yes they have study nights…but is that enough time for you? Are there any other campus activities you want to do that you can’t because of being in greek life?
Look, i know that the decision is a personal one but have you already started college? or you an incoming freshman who believes that you won’t be able to make 'genuine lifelong friends" unless you belong to a sorority? Either way, you will meet people and enjoy college.
@ibelieveinmyself…Our daughter joined a sorority and we are very pleased with her choice. It is a great house with tremendous philanthropy. Her house had one of the highest GPAs the past several years. We would only support her joining houses with academically inclined ladies. A lot of this information is published by the schools’ Greek councils. Good luck in your discussions with your parents.
Are there only big sororities with houses at your school? You can try to avoid the big fees by joining a sorority without a house! (Since they dont have to pay rent for one)
I would tell them all the pros of being in a sorority! My parents were skeptical of me joining a sorority and now that I’m in one they couldn’t be more pleased! Cost varies from school to school. Some sororities are $3000 a semester some are only $600 a semester! Sororities also offer scholarships which a lot of people don’t know! Do your research! When it comes to academics most sororities are required to do a certain number of study hours. My house varies by GPA-- the lower your GPA the most hours of supervised tutoring you are required to do. If you do not meet the GPA requirements you are required to do 10 hours of tutoring a week and cannot attend any of our social events, take a little sister, etc so grades are taken VERY seriously. Also let your parents know how much it can help you in the future! I am a sophomore and already have some amazing internship offers because I’ve been able to meet so many women & alumna in Greek life.
Best of luck to you!! If you have any questions please message me!
www.sororityparents.com is a good resource. Another one is sororityeverafter.com/help-my-parents-dont-want-me-to-join-a-sorority/
Do you have a slightly older friend who is in a sorority? She might be able to talk to you, and to your parents, about sorority requirements and responsibiities.
The cost depends a lot on if your campus sororities are in houses, dorms, or what. Houses are the most expensive.
Sororities are lots of fun, but they also emphasize academics. And they do cost extra money.
You might be someone who could rush your sophomore year. That way your parents will have proof from your freshman year that you have room for extracurriculars.
