Sorority Rush Myths: Debunked

By Ashley Paskill on October 20, 2018

For many girls, joining a sorority is a goal for their college career. They see the sisterhood they can have and want to be a part of a certain organization for many reasons. The TV shows and movies add a glamorous look to what it means to be in a sorority, while the news shows the horrors of what can go wrong when hazing and partying take a turn for the worst. Because of these things and more, many girls are put off by many misconceptions the media shows about the recruitment process or based on friends’ experiences. From hazing to membership costs, they choose to not join for a variety of reasons.

via Pexels.com

Hazing is part of rushing

One of the biggest fears that girls have during the recruitment process is the fear of dealing with hazing. Hazing is defined as humiliating and sometimes dangerous initiation rituals, particularly when it comes to rushing to be a sorority or fraternity. These rituals are used as tests to see how willing potential new members are to join the sorority. These tasks can be anything from drinking a lot to sliding down a staircase on a sled (looking at you, Pitch Perfect). There are so many news stories that come out about students dying due to accidents during hazing rituals.

The good news is, there are many campuses that are cracking down on hazing rituals, to the point of banning hazing or banning sororities based on hazing. Other sororities do not even partake in rituals. Pennsylvania is in the process of passing Senate Bill 1090, which increases punishment for those involved with hazing and would ensure that schools have policies in place where students who report medical emergencies related to hazing will not get in trouble.

Only freshmen can rush

While many girls know that they are interested in sorority life, others want to take some time to adjust to college life. However, girls often feel the pressure to rush right away due to the myth that only freshmen can partake in rush. This is not the case. Girls can rush at any point, not just freshman year. Rush happens in the fall and spring semesters at most schools and with most sororities, so girls have many chances to rush. Some rush right away while others wait until spring or even junior year. You know when you are ready, and it is important to do what is best for you and your schedule.

Some girls do not partake in sorority rush their first semester and then decide to rush if they transfer schools. This was the case for Heather Ianuale, who transferred from Temple University to Muhlenberg College.

“I hated rushing,” Ianuale said. “It was stressful and I was comparing myself to everyone around me.” She ended up being a part of a sorority that was a great fit for her after some apprehension and almost dropping out.

You will know where you fit in right away

Many girls think they will know right away which house they fit in with best. However, this is not always the case, though it may happen. The point of recruitment is to get to know potential sorority sisters and to allow them to get to know you. You may feel an instant connection, but like any friendship, it takes a little bit of time to get to know the other person (or the group of people in this case). A lot of girls do not feel an instant connection to the sorority they are matched to, which leads to them wanting to drop out. It is important to give the group a chance and get to know them before making a choice.

In Ianuale’s experience, she took a while to find the sorority she ultimately joined. At first, she did not click with anyone in the sorority, which caused her to nearly drop out of the rushing process. Once she gave the group a chance, she found her place and ended up loving the sorority that she was placed into. The main thing is to give yourself and the sorority a chance to get to know each other before making a decision.

You will fit in with at least one sorority on campus

Many girls do end up fitting into a sorority, but many do not feel like they fit into any sororities on campus. Other girls do not get chosen to be a part of any. It can be heartbreaking, especially if all of your friends are getting in. If you are not chosen, do not take it personally. It just means that you were not a fit. It is nothing on you, as long as you were yourself in the process. Use the time you would have devoted to your sorority to join another campus organization.

One TV show that accurately displayed this experience of sorority rushing was “The Middle.” The episode showed Sue and new her friend, Lexie, trying to find their perfect sorority. Lexie was accepted to at least one, but Sue was not accepted into any. Lexie decides not to join and the two became friends and future roommates. Even if you do not get into a sorority, do not be discouraged. You may end up with a friend in the process.

sorority rush

Image: Kris Atomic via https://unsplash.com/photos/VqGtCkWIflQ

You will be judged based on your clothing

In the episode of “The Middle” mentioned before, Sue was frantically trying to find the perfect sorority rush outfit, even to the point of raiding her mom’s closet. However, in real life, sororities do not pay that close attention to your outfit. While it is important to dress appropriately and look good, your outfit will not make or break whether or not you get into a sorority. As long as your personality and interests match up to those of the sorority, you will get chosen.

Sorority girls are peppy all the time

The media portrays sorority girls as being super peppy all the time. While the clapping and cheering do happen in many cases, sorority girls do not need to be happy all the time. Sorority girls are people, so they have real emotions like everyone else. They experience bad days just like non-sorority girls. When they are having a hard day, they have a group of friends to surround them with the love and support they need to make it through tough times. Not everyone is always as peppy as Elle Woods, though some may be.

Sorority Rush

Infographic by Ashley Paskill

Sororities are full of shallow girls who only want to party

While sororities usually do partake in parties, especially with fraternities, they are so much more than that. Many sororities require a certain GPA to be considered, and sororities often participate in philanthropy work. Other sororities are based solely on community service or a specific career, so they require that members focus on personal and professional development. While some sorority girls are only interested in the parties and friendships, others are focused on the professional and leadership they will gain from being a part of a particular organization.

Sororities are full of cliques

As in many large groups, there are bound to be cliques, but most sororities want to include everyone. Even if there are “cliques,” it is likely that there is a place for you somewhere or you would not have been able to join. Many sorority sisters want to engage all members, so they are only a text away from hanging out or just venting. It may take some time, but if you are accepted into a sorority, you will eventually find your place if you are patient and are willing to work at getting to know your sisters.

Some sororities are “cooler” than others

Many girls, including Ianuale, see some sororities as more exclusive than other groups. Getting into the “wrong” sorority can hurt your reputation. This misconception is brought on by a striving by a lot of girls to get into a certain sorority. However, no sorority is better than another. While one or two may seem “cooler” than others on campus or may have a lot more people trying to get in, this does not necessarily mean that other sororities are less cool or are less impressive to be a part of. If you have a dream sorority, not getting into it may be devastating and the other sororities may seem inferior, but do not judge sororities based on this view alone.

You are only allowed to be friends with your sorority sisters

A lot of girls think that once they join a sorority, they will only be friends with the girls in the sorority. While you will spend a lot of time with those in your sorority, you are still allowed to be friends with those outside the group, even if the friends are not a part of any other Greek organization. You are allowed to spend time with classmates and former roommates if you want. You will have time to hang out with everyone you want to. If your sorority is super restrictive about who you are able to spend time with, maybe they are not the sorority for you.

You will not have time to do anything else if you join a sorority

While being in a sorority involves a lot of charity work, get-togethers, and events, you will have time to do other things as well. If you manage your time wisely and are organized, you will be able to do everything you want to. You will likely need to keep your GPA up, especially if your sorority is academic-focused, so the group will understand if you need to go to class or do an assignment in order to keep your grades up. If the sorority cared about you, they would want you to be a part of other organizations to help your resume and allow you to live your college life fully.

Paying membership dues is paying for friends

Like most campus organizations, sororities require members to pay dues. Many view this as members just paying for friends, but this could not be further from the truth. Many times, these dues go into member events, philanthropy, and other things that the sorority gets to do as a whole. Also, if the sorority has a house on campus, these dues often cover a member’s ability to live in the house, as the upkeep of the house does cost money. The friendships are priceless, but the events and housing come with a cost.

You have to live in the sorority house in order to be a part of the sorority.

Many sororities have a house on campus, and a common myth is that sorority sisters must move in. However, this is not the case. You can move in if you want, but you are, in many cases, allowed to live elsewhere. Both situations have pros and cons. Moving in allows you to bond with your sisters and be surrounded by your new friends. Not moving in allows you to separate yourself a bit and allows you to participate in other things outside of your sorority. It is important to weigh the pros and cons, especially those that are more personal.

Sorority girls have to dress a certain way.

You have most likely seen photos of sorority girls all wearing the same style. Many photos include oversized t-shirts with the sorority’s letters and identical everything. This often leads girls to believe that sorority girls cannot have their own sense of style. However, girls are encouraged to be unique and have their own tastes. Some sororities may decide to have “theme days,” but, for the most part, they do not require members to buy a whole new wardrobe just to fit into the sorority.

Using the bathroom at a certain house means you don’t like the sorority

One of the biggest lies girls are fed is that using the bathroom at a certain house means you are avoiding conversation and that you do not like the sorority. This is not the case at all. It is okay to use the bathroom. You will not be judged for doing so and if you are, it is on the sorority, not the potential new member. Do not risk your health- if you have to use the bathroom, use the bathroom. Do not try to hold it based on an untrue myth. This could lead to health problems and humiliation down the road, neither of which are worth it.

Conversations held during recruitment are boring

There are rumors that the conversations held during recruitment are boring. It has also been said that the potential new member is supposed to be the one to carry the conversation. These rumors are not true. While the new member should be able to carry on a conversation, the current member is also active in keeping the conversation going. As mentioned before, sorority girls are not all shallow, though there may be one or two, as with any group. For the most part, you will likely have a great conversation and if the sorority is a good fit, the conversation will be deep and natural.

via Pexels.com

All sororities are the same

Many girls feel like all the sororities are the same. This is a huge misconception. Each sorority offers something different. Sororities all have a different philanthropic mission. Some sororities are community-service based while others are focused on a specific career or academic field. It is important to find a sorority that matches your interests and future goals. You also have to find a sorority you feel comfortable with, especially since you will be spending so much time with your sorority sisters.

The Main Takeaways:

While not every sorority is the same and there are some not-so-great sororities out there, there are many more that are great and that are worthy of being joined. It is important to take what others say, whether it is the media or another person, with a grain of salt. Do not base your decision to rush or not to rush based on one perspective or experience. Joining a sorority can change your life for the better, or it may not be right for you. It is important to weigh your options and do your research before making a decision either way so you know that you are making the right choice.

It is also important to be yourself. Do not change who you are just to fit in with a sorority you want to be a part of. If they do not accept you for who you are, it was not meant to be. You do not have to change your style of dress just to impress a sorority, though you should wear something nice and appropriate.

Also, while many sororities do not fit these stereotypes, some may. It is best to take the opportunity to get to know the sororities you are interested in joining before making your decision. They will not choose you if you are not a good fit, but you can choose to not join them if you do not feel like they are the best group for you.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format