What is a sorority? Everything you need to know before rushing

Key takeaways about sororities

• A sorority is a college sisterhood where you’ll bond with friends, grow as a leader, and make a difference through community service.

• Joining a sorority means making lifelong friends, gaining academic and career support, scoring invites to fun events, and leveling up your leadership skills.

• Sororities cost money—anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year—but you may be able to get help through scholarships and payment plans

• The process of joining (called recruitment or rush) happens at the beginning of the school year.

• Sororities are a big commitment, so it’s important to consider if they align with your college goals.

Curious about sororities? Here’s the real deal

So, you’re heading to college, and you’ve probably heard about sororities. Maybe you’ve seen them in movies (Legally Blonde anyone?), or you know someone who’s part of one. But what is a sorority actually? And more importantly, is it right for you?

The meaning of a sorority

Think of a sorority as a college social club with a purpose. It's a student-led group where women come together for friendship, leadership, and giving back. They’re part of Greek life, which also includes fraternities for male students.

Each sorority is a chapter of a national or international organization, meaning if you join one, you’ll be connected to members across the country and sometimes even worldwide.

Benefits of being in a sorority

Sororities aren’t just about social events and matching T-shirts (although those are fun perks). Here’s why many students join:

1. Lifelong friendships and a built-in crew. Joining a sorority means you’ve got a built-in crew from day one. Your sisters—yep, that’s what members call each other—are there for study sessions, dorm drama, and celebrating your wins.
   
   
2. Academic support and career networking: Most sororities have GPA requirements and offer study groups, mentorship programs, and career connections. Need an internship or career advice? Your fellow sorority alumni might hook you up.
   
   
3. Leadership and personal growth: From planning events to managing budgets, sorority life helps you build skills that look really good on a resume. Plus, if you take on leadership roles (like chapter president or treasurer), that’s solid experience for your future career.
   
   
4. Social events and community service: Sororities throw everything from glammed-up formals to charity fundraisers. And many sororities get involved with community service, so you’ll get to make a difference while hanging out with your sisters.
   
   
5. Strong alumni network: Even after college, being in a sorority can open doors. Alumni often help members with job opportunities, mentorship, and professional connections.

How much does it cost to be in a sorority?

This is where things get real. Sororities come with costs, and while they vary by school and chapter, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:

• New member fees: A one-time fee when you first join (can range from $100–$500+).
• Dues: Recurring costs that cover chapter operations, social events, and national fees (typically $300–$2,000 per semester).
• Housing (optional): Some sororities offer on-campus housing, which can be more or less expensive than dorms.
• Miscellaneous costs: Think T-shirts, formals, and other extras (around $100–$500 per year).

If this seems like a lot, don’t stress just yet. Many sororities offer payment plans, and some even have scholarships.

Speaking of scholarships, if you’re looking for extra ways to fund your college experience,  check out Scholly Scholarships to find free money for school. You may even be able to find a scholarship to help with sorority expenses.

How do I join a sorority?

Sorority recruitment (a.k.a. rush) happens early in the school year, and it’s your chance to explore different chapters and find your best fit. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up to rush. Schools usually have a formal sign-up process through their Greek life office.
2. Attend sorority events. You’ll meet different sororities, ask questions, and get a feel for the vibe of each one.
3. Narrow down your choices. After each round of events, both you and the sororities will decide if you’re a good match.
4. Receive a bid. If a sorority offers you a bid, congrats! You’re in!
5. Pledge and get initiated. After accepting your bid, you'll go through a pledging period where you'll learn about your sorority’s values and traditions.  Once that's done, you’ll be officially in as a full member!

Recruitment can be competitive, so it helps to keep an open mind and stay true to yourself. If you don’t get a bid the first time around, don't get discouraged. Many schools offer continuous open bidding (COB), where you can still join a sorority outside the formal process.

Is sorority life right for me?

Sororities offer amazing opportunities, but sorority life isn't for everyone. Here's how to know if joining is a good move for you:

A sorority might be right for you if:

• You're looking for a ready-made community to vibe with and support you.
• You’re excited to give back, level up your leadership skills, and get solid academic support
• You can balance school and tons of other activities.
• You can handle the extra expenses that come with being in a sorority.

On the flip side, a sorority might not be the move if:

• You’re more into doing your own thing and keeping it low-key.

• You aren’t a fan of large group events and commitments.
• You want to save money and avoid extra expenses.

If you’re still on the fence, consider talking to current members at your school or even rushing to see if it feels right. And if Greek life isn’t your vibe, that’s totally okay—there are tons of other ways to make friends and get involved in college.

Sororities can be an incredible part of the college experience, offering lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and career connections. But they do require time and money, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

No matter what, college is about finding your path. If you’re still figuring out where to go, College Search by Sallie can help you find the right school for you. And if you're looking for scholarships to help with college costs, don't forget to check out Scholly Scholarships!

At the end of the day, the best college experience is one where you feel supported, inspired, and empowered—whether that includes a sorority or not.