You have decided you want to seek membership in a Divine 9 sorority. Congratulations! Joining a sorority is life-changing in all the best ways. There are a few official and unofficial things to know before seeking membership, so let's walk through what to expect.
Official Tips:
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You will need to meet service hour requirements. Each organization is different, but most require a number of community service hours. Most sororities require your service to be documented by the organization you have served with. Some service ideas include:
- Serving in a food pantry.
- Volunteering at an animal shelter.
- Hosting a food or blood drive.
- You will need to meet high GPA requirements. Education is important to all the Divine 9 sororities. In addition to having completed a number of collegiate credit hours, you will need to reach a GPA standard in those classes. Find out what the threshold is for the sorority you want to join.
- You will need to gather letters of recommendation. You will need a professional letter of recommendation to vouch for your character. Have some potential letter writers in mind as you begin this process. Ask them well in advance so they have plenty of time to craft a letter for you.
Unofficial Tips:
- Dress chic and neutral. It might be tempting to show up to a rush in a Delta Sigma Theta leather jacket, but that could seem a bit presumptuous. It's best to dress neutral right now. Avoid sorority shirts and even the sorority colors. Dressing classy and chic in neutrals will be your best bet. Remember, this is like a job interview. How you present yourself will be a factor in whether or not you are chosen.
- Avoid partying too hard. Despite the stereotype portrayed in the media, sororities are not just clubs that drink and party. Unruly behavior from drinking too much is an easy way to get yourself noticed for all the wrong reasons.
- Attend all the meetings. Joining a sorority is a big commitment. Do your best to rearrange your calendar to accommodate all meetings and events for your prospective sorority.
- Put your best foot forward. Remember, the sorority members will be voting on your membership if you qualify. Be friendly. Have fun. Show off your best qualities while showing you are an asset to the organization. Do not do it in an overbearing way; trying too hard can backfire. Be yourself so sorors can see what you will genuinely contribute.
- Be early. By being the first to show up to an event, you'll get a few extra minutes to mingle with (and leave a good impression on) current sorors. This will help you stand out. Showing up late may cost you a seat and a chance at pledging. Make sure you have the date, time, and location written down correctly, too. You won't get a pass for getting this information wrong.
Remember that just meeting the application requirements does not guarantee you a spot in a sorority. You will need to show the current members that you are serious about joining and let them see what you bring to the table.
Seeking membership in a sorority is a big commitment. Take a deep breath. Do your best. And good luck!
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You've made the decision to apply for an opportunity in a Divine 9 sorority. Excellent! Being a sorority member transforms your life in all the most powerful ways. Before signing up for membership, there are a few official and unofficial things to be mindful of so let's go through what to anticipate.
