What are the ups and downs of sorority life?

Well I have been in a sorority for almost a year now, which is fairly recent, but from my experience I have some genuine advice for you because hindsight is definitely 20/20.... Advantages: - I love the fact that I'm in a sorority because I have met some of my best friends... people who I wouldn't have became close with otherwise. People who go through something like pledging are bound to be close... I love these girls like they were my own flesh and blood. - Through my organization, I am able to do alot of good in my community on a broader scale. Sure I can do it by myself but there is strenght in numbers and we surely make an impact. - Membership in Greek life has many priviledges, when you are greek alot things that the average college student comes easily like acceptance, popularity, you know the superficial stuff... being greek definitely has its perks in college! Disadvantage: -When you are greek people look as whatever you pledged.. you are no longer Betty Sue... you become Betty Sue the Gamma Delta or Joe Schmo the Kappa... it almost seems as if people are watching your every move - The "Haters"- when you are greek you will always get people who hate you either because they think being greek is like being in a gang (which I've been told), or they didn't get an invitation for membership now they are bitter. Things like that... there will always be haters. - You become a little paranoid, like who is being your friend just to be you friend or just to try and get in good with you so they could pledge. Or is this guy dating you because he has thing for girl in your org.... things of that nature.. it feels like you almost second guess every one.. -the friends that you have that are non- greek usually fade unless you're good about keeping the balance many are not. Hope this helped you realize the reality of greek life! good luck!

I've been in a sorority for 12 years (now in an alumnae chapter) and I'd say the ups are you get to meet a lot of great people, obtain leadership skills and it adds a great social aspect to your college life. The downs are if you don't remember why you're at college and get caught up in the organization, it can become your whole life. You have to remember you're in college for the education. I would recommend waiting until your sophomore year to pledge because at that point you're used to college (because it is soooo different from high school), you've made some friends, and you can see what organization you actually like and make a well informed decision about whether you really want to join or not. It does take time and money as well so you should be sure you want to do it. Also be ready for the stigma that comes along with being a "sorority girl". People think its all about partying and drinking but many do lots of community service and philanthropy. Some people don't understand why women would want to join so you should be able to answer that for yourself. Not all organizations are the same so find one that fits you and what you are about.