Sunday, August 16, 2009

(Grad) I want to join the alumnae chapter of XYZ Sorority/Fraternity...What steps do I need to take???




I have received tons and tons of email from prospective members wanting to join my organization at the alumnae Level. So I decided to create a blog specifically gearing about joining a sorority and fraternity towards the grad level. Please note that some organizations have different requirements, so you would need to refer to them personally for specific information. The info I will be posting here is just GENERAL info.

So you graduated from college and have entered the real world. Everything seems complete, but you still have that burning desire to become a part of a fraternity or sorority. I know and realize that everyone reason is different as to why they did not join at the undergrad level. Maybe you tried, and tried but were not accepted. The chapter could have been suspended, on probation, or there were no active members on campus. No matter what your reasons are, You are at a place now where you want to join.

For my organization, and according to my dear friend who is an AKA, you have to be INVITED to join. I am not so sure about other orgs, and fraternities. So let me first speak on that. HOW on EARTH do you get invited to join???? You don't even know them, they don't' know you....Well it's time for you to change that! Joining Grad can be quite difficult, especially since a lot of grad chapters do not have lines often. I know one particular chapter that has not had a line in over 10 yrs...I know this may sound heartbreaking to some, but if you have that burning desire to become a member, use that time to get to know your future sorors/fraternity brothers. Grad and Undergrad are very different when it comes to membership. For one thing, it is absolutely necessary for undergrad to have MIP every year or every other year to keep the chapter alive. This is due to students graduating from college. Grad on the other hand is entirely different story. In some cases you will find some members who will remain an active member of that chapter for 10, 20, 30 or so years, so there is not NEED or RUSH to have MIP because membership is alive and well.

When and if they DO decide to have rush, I have seen cases where hundreds and hundreds of prospective members show in high hopes of getting invited to join the organization. The one that comes to mind is when my organization had to rent out an auditorium, because there were over 600 people that showed up at the informational. They ended up having a line of 80 people. With that being said, I am sure you can understand why it is imperative, and important to stand out and get noticed by your future sorors/fraternity members.

So how can you accomplish this goal you may ask? Simple! First step is getting involved in the community. If do not know any of MY sorors for example and you desperately want to join DST, then you are not doing enough community service. I am sure this goes for the rest of the Divine Nine as well. My husband is an Alpha, and his grad chapter is ALWAYS hosting events, doing community service projects, organizing social events, etc.... But attending them is NOT enough, introduce yourself. Ask if they need any help, or if they have a mailing list that you can sign up for. Be approachable, friendly, and talkative. We DON'T bite! With that being said, let me also add to NOT stalk us! We have lives outside of Delta, especially at grade level. With Families, Work, Careers, being active within the org, just being hounded by a prospective member is a TURN OFF and will be remembered! So be careful!!!!

Next Step, do they have an active website that you can bookmark on your computer. We are living in the information age, and most organizations have a website where you can find out upcoming events, in SOME cases Rush/Informational info, and social events, community service projects, etc....USE YOUR RESOURCES!!!!! A lot of questions that you may have are already listed on the website.

Now what if they don't have an active website, or what if they do and it's out of date? Then let me refer you back to my previous advice and advise that you need to get out there and perform community service. Black Greeks are EVERYWHERE...Church, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat, Jack and Jill, Voters Registration Drives, etc....

Requirements.....For this, I will refer you to the National Website of the Organization of you choice, but I will briefly speak about MY org. But first let me clear up something....joining a GRAD organization does not mean you have to be in GRAD school. It simply means you are a graduate from a college and university with a Bachelor's Degree (Prospective members with Associate Degrees do NOT fall under this category) You need to make sure you meet the at least the minimal requirements for your GPA, community service, and letters of recommendation. Side note, if they requirement is 2.5...then no you can NOT join if you have a 2.49999 2.5 means 2.5! And with THAT being said,,, for Delta, you want to make sure you have a HIGHER GPA than the bare minimal...as I stated before, all of my line sisters had a 3.0 GPA, and I had a 3.89! If you graduated from college with a GPA less than the requirement, then your only other option is to graduate from grad school. I know of a woman who graduated from undergrad with a gpa that did not meet the minimal requirment. However, she was able to apply once she graduated from grad school. Once you graduate from grad school, your undergrad gpa is no longer a concern.


As I stated before, joining grad chapter is challenging enough, because the chapter of your choice have hundreds of people interested, and they only want to choose the cream of the crop. So what does that mean? Well to me the cream of the crop is someone who has done their research, they have an excellent GPA, excellent LORs, and tons of community service under their belt.

Please be aware that IF you are granted an interview more than likely you will be asked WHY you did not join undergrad! My advice? BE HONEST!!!! Your undergrad school's chapter is only a phone call away, so saying "one thing" and they find out another will not work in your favor at ALL!!!! As I stated before I am sure there are plenty of reasons why you decided not to join at the undergrad level, so be prepared to answer this question. If you applied and were rejected, then just tell them that. We know that not everyone makes it on the first/second try.


Also, another difference between undergrad and grad is $$$$. Becoming a member and staying active and financial can be costly, so please keep that in mind.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, that's what it means to me!!!! Why did I bring this up? Many times I have heard people say they are afraid of joining an alumnea chapter because they will NOT receive the repect from sorors/fraternity brothers who joined undergrad. I will say this, you will NEVER in life please everyone...That includes friends, family, people on the job, etc...So who the heck cares that you joined through Grad. If your ONLY reason joining an org is to get respect from members, then you should not join. This is why I feel it really is important on your reasons for joining the organization. Even though I joined undergrad, I embrace ALL sorors who came through grad, undergrad, honorary, etc....A soror to me is a SOROR no matter how she became a member. Are there members out there that will diss you b/c you didn't join undergrad? YES! I am not going to lie and say they do not exsist because they do in ALL organizations. My response to that? Keep it Moving! You worked JUST AS HARD for those letters as they did! In some cases harder because of how difficult it can be to get invited to join a grad chapter.

I hope this clears a lot of question you may have had, or have about joining the organization of your choice at the alumnae level. Good luck to you!

175 comments:

  1. This was very helpful.

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  2. This was very helpful. Thank you.

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  3. This was very well said and I appreciate you taking the time out to write this. Thank you!

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  4. Gosh, this is a helpful blog. I just completed my interview the other day (Alumnae chapter) and I was so extremely nervous. I know my interview was terrible. My letters and community service was on point b/c service is part of who I am. I believe it's my life's mission. I hate that I didn't sell myself like I could. I was kicking myself all the way home from the interview.

    If I'm not selected this time, I will try again. I will improve on my skills and continue serving. Becoming a part of DST is a lifetime commitment and I have a life time..:)

    Thanks again for the wonderful blog.

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    1. How did you get an interview?

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    2. How did your interview go? Did you make the cut?

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  5. This is where I am in my quest!! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and for being encouraging.

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    1. I have a situation that I currently can't resolve. As an aspirant for the Alumni chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter in my city, I am having a difficult time getting a sponsor and recommender. The members that I know personally no longer live in my city, however, they are still financial at both both the national and local levels. The current list of local active members are not members that I no familiarity with. The application period is nearing the closing date. That being said, I believe it may be necessary to inform the Chapter of my problem and end my pursuit to become a member of the APA fraternity until next year. Do you have any suggestions aside from the from what I already know relative to getting involved as an interested party and getting to know as many members as possible. The other concern that I have is that I am 15 to 20 years older than most of the active membership and it has been a little difficult to develop a few relationships because there are no common threads to build on outside of the National programs and local community programs that I can support. .

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    2. That's truly unfortunate. I know many people who had low GPAs at the completion of their Bachelors..I graduated in 2007.. Now those people are Directors of organizations, entrepreneurs, teachers... School, well I'll sat testing was their weakest are. So because of that, you would throw away a potential great leader and role model in your community? I hold a 3.4 grad school..2.8 undergrad, just because as the beginning I truly was trying to find my way, not because I couldn't do it. Freshman and sophomore years were Challenging (dropped GPA) but was straight A/B in upper. classes...my closes friend is a delta, my aunt's an aka, my niece and nephew are sigma and zeta...I say, if they can't make exceptions to the rules especially while taking other things into consideration, think about that and ask..........

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  6. I graduated college and hold a Bachelors Degree, but when I was younger I must admit, in no way did I reach my potential with grades. Do all Alumnae Chapters have a GPA requirement ? I have been invited to a Rush, but after reading this, I'm not sure if I should go...I have been active in my community and I think I will meet the other requirements, Please help. Thanks

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    1. Yes, you will need to meet GPA requirements

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    2. I would still attend. Some my have a lift on how many years since you graduated undergrad.

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    3. In DST, there is no way around the GPA requirement. Either you meet it or you don't; and truthfully, if you don't have an extremely high GPA or a graduate degree (which automatically gives you an 3.0+) your chances are slim. If you're ever fortunate enough to be selected for membership, you'll know why.

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    4. I would like to join a DST alumni chapter in my area. Do I need to reach out to the Chapter in my area and let them know I am interested. If so, what information should I include when writing to them?

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    5. I'm working on my master's degree which uses a pass or fail grading system. How does sororities calculate the gpa average?

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    6. On a graduate level, D9 organizations have no GPA requirements if you are using a master's degree, however, you MUST have already graduated with your master's degree.

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    7. Nice! My Master's excludes me from the GPA requirement when I apply for Delta membership???? Yaassss!

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    8. I wouldn't say that would exclude you from the GPA requirement; in order to graduate with your Master's Degree, you are suppose to have at least a 3.0. So that would mean that you are well over the minimum requirement. If you have anything below that you really should not have been able to graduate.

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  7. This is very helpful! I have a question, I have a minimum gpa of the sorority that I want to join but I am very active in the community and on campus, will that lower my chance of joining? I really want to do this but I am afraid that they will not like me because of my gpa. I am very intelligent but my class are very intense (engineering major).

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  8. I am very interested in an Alumnae fraternity in my area. I spent over five years on active duty. I do not have a college degree, I now work in Law enforcement. I am very active in my community and local charities. Can I be allowed to join this Fraternity?

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    1. You must have at least a Bachelor's degree to join Grad/Alumni Chapters as well.

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    2. Correct, there is no way around this requirement.

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  9. Thank you much for this bit of information. I have longed to be a part of Greek life since I was a child, but once I came to college, the specific organization that I am interested in has been suspended. However, I have not given up my dream to become a brother in what I believe to be the most highly honored fraternity in the NPHC!

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    1. This was very helpful to me. I am going to graduate, with a Bachelor’s, from a bible college in the spring. This college is accredited, but I am unsure if this college will be accepted. I am also currently working towards my Bachelor’s in Management also, but won’t be finished until 2014. Can you please give me any information on the matter of my bible college BA? Thanks A LOT!

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  10. Thanks for the information. I have a good GPA (3.3) and I am in my last semester of grad school...tons of community service. I could not join as an undergrad because my school does not have sororities/fraternities. Plain and simple. I will refer to this site often and refer others. Great information and very timely. Thanks again!

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  11. John E. Duncan Ph.D.August 31, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    To all my colleagues who are interested in "The Divine Nine"....
    As a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, we stress the importance of academia and giving back to the community.
    You should earn excellent grades not to join a sorority or a fraternity, but because it indicates that you have mastered the material and have a comprehensive understanding of the coursework. Additionally, you should not engage in community service to become 'Greek' but rather that you see a need to uplift the downtrodden to the highest and noblest form of manhood, or sisterhood.
    Having said this, ensure that your motives are pure for desiring to join a BGLO, and should you become successful remain financial, committed to the organization of your choice,and dedicated to a lifestyle of community service.
    I wish all those aspiring to become a member of the Divine 9 all the best in your endeavors.
    John E. Duncan Ph.D.
    Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.,

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    1. NOT A GREEK BUT I WAS READING THE COMMENTS LIKE What????? I was wondering l some of the motives. I have a nonprofit and enjoy community service while seeing many that do this just to pad a "resume". Your words read of LIFE#!!! thank you...
      Sincerely a woman that gives from the heart

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  12. I am interested in joining a sorority and I am going back to school to earn a second bachelor's degree in Political Science. At the previous school I attended I was not able to join a sorority because there were no sororities and fraternities on campus, also I did not have stellar grades. I would like to know is: will there be any issues with earning a second bachelor's degree or will it be okay because it is still apart of an undergraduate program ?

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  13. Once you receive an undergrad degree, you are ineligible for undergrad membership. You will have to apply for Grad membership.

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  15. If you obtain a second bachelors degree and say your first was a 2.4 but your second bachelors gpa is a 3.2 will they accept the second bachelors gpa instead of the first?

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    1. I would like to find out about this aswell. My gpa in undergrad was just barely 2.5 and I am currently persuing a post grad or my second bachelors degree. Would the second bachelors gpa count?

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  16. Should you contact the chapter to ask if they have events open to the public?

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  17. I love your blog! It has been so helpful in my pursuit of joining an alumnae chapter. I reached out to the chapter, and the chapter's president replied almost immediately. I went to a chapter event over the weekend and I was even more impressed with the organization. I attended with a colleague who is a member and she was very helpful as well. I was introduced to several other members and received a good vibe from the women. I'm excited and cannot wait to attend other events.

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  18. I just don't understand why joining grad chapter has to be so expensive. The collegiate chapter at my university charge over $1K to join. I know what the payment goes towards. It just doesn't make any sense to me why grad has to pay more money when you're learning the same thing as collegiate members...right? or wrong? Can someone help me understand?

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  19. Thank You the information was very helpful

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  20. Does it matter where you reside when trying to get into a grad chapter? The grad chapter for the organization that I desire to become a member of doesn't have an active website and their FB/Twitter is lacking info. The next county over as well as the major metropolitan city (i live within a 20 min span of the city line and 10 mins from the next county)nearby have websites with info of service but nothing recent.

    I contacted the chapter in the city and she contacted me about some service opportunities. I had all intentions of going until I had death in the family and had to go out of town. After making sure I contacted her to let her know what had happened and I was still very much interested in service opportunities, I never heard anything back.

    My question now is should I reach out again and show my interest in service and membership with this specific chapter or reach out to the other chapter that was in my area? I don't want to be perceived as a flip flopper (bc I definitely am NOT; I've always wanted to be apart of this organization), but i'm not really sure where to go from here. Perhaps I should contact the chapter located in my county, even though they don't seem to be super active. Thanks!

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    1. Just wondering if you were able to connect with either of the chapters you mentioned......

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    2. After the first time I reached back out to the city chapter I did not get any kind of reply back. Again I was nervous to contact the chapter in my county or the next county because I didn't know if that could somehow come back later and look bad on my part that they were not be original chapter I contacted.

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    3. I was able to contact my county chapter about service opportunities and they responded quickly!

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    4. I recently went to a rush meeting and they specifically stated if you lived in a different county that you couldn't apply for that chapter. There were a lot of people in the meeting who were disappointed because the counties were literally 10 mins apart, but those were their rules. I would ask to save you some time

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    5. This happened to me. I received an invitation from an alumnae chapter, then was later informed I had to join the chapter that services my county. My county hasn’t had a line in YEARS. So disappointed. :(

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  21. Thank You very helpful. I will look into contacting someone now. Thank You again.

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  22. This was amazingly helpful! I have been interested in a particular sorority for a long while now and I have since graduated from undergrad with a less than stellar GPA. I am now beginning a GRAD program this semester. Will I be able to apply for GRAD membership (if the opportunity arises) at the end of this term once I have a graduate GPA, or will I have to wait until I have earned my degree?

    Thank you!

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  23. Good Evening, I was wondering if membership into a Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is by invitation only, from a member within the chapter? Thank you.

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    1. I'm not sure, but I advise you to attend their events that are open to the public, and to get community service hours. They may start to recognize you if you attend their events. Good luck!

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  24. I have question about grad membership , what should you do if there are multiple chapters in a city ?

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    1. I would suggest researching each one carefully and if possible attend any kind of interest meeting before deciding which specific chapter you decide to pursue membership with!

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    2. Depending on which organization you are pursuing membership, you can only be considered if you live within that chapter's service area. Other NPHC organizations are not as stringent with this requirement. The orgs' national websites would contain this information.

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  25. Hello, I am interested in joining a sorority. I am enrolled in college that is online an does not have a chapter. The city where I reside has an active alumnae chapter. I am 1 year away from having my bachelors degree and I am doing community service as well. I have always wanted to join this particular sorority sine a little girl. My question would be should I get involved with the sorority even though I have not received my degree yet?

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    1. Absolutely! Please get to know the wonderful women of the chapter that you are interested in. I am sure that they have a lot of events going on around your town. Be sure to check their website also. Good luck! I graduated from an online college and I have have recently received a call stating that I have been accepted into the sorority of my choice! You can do it! Good luck!

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    2. Thank you for your post. I had the same question. I have reached out to the regional president of the sorority of interest, and I am awaiting a reply. Thank you ladies for the information.

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  26. Hi,

    I have been attending events for a specific alumnae chapter and have struggled to gain sorors contact information. I am wondering if it would be a good idea to obtain the presidents email from the website and invite her out for coffee?

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    1. My advice is to see if you can join the alumnae's mailing list, attend their events, and then from their network. I think the best thing for you to do is introduce yourself to members not just the President of the Chapter try to get to know them, but don't make them feel like you’re using them for your own gain. Be genuine and more than likely you will find the right person who will be more than willing to help you!

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  27. I've wanted to join Delta Sigma Theta for over a decade and am currently debating on whether I should finally go for it. I'm older than the typical undergraduate student and graduated in May 2013 from UIC and am currently pursuing another Bachelor's degree and will graduate in May 2014.

    I've been told that because I'm in school for a second Bachelor's degree that technically I could choose undergrad or grad. I'm not sure how true this is but I would prefer to go undergrad because I always wanted the experience. However, in addition to be older, I'm married and have a child. In the past, I have tried to contact members of the sorority to no avail. I've only managed to be added onto a Facebook page entitled "Friends of Lambda."

    I would appreciate any information and advice you can give me. Thank you for your time.

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    1. I know I do not write for the blog, but in order to pledge undergrad you must be obtaining your first bachelor's degree. Since you have already graduated you must only apply in a graduate chapter.

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    2. Thanks for responding.

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  28. In your blog you mentioned the GPA was a 2.5. Was that just an example to illustrate that you must have 2 5 and not a 2.49 or is the GPA for an alumnae chapter 2.75 like undergrad?

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    1. Hello, I am not the blogger but I hope I can help. I am sure she was using the GPA as an example. If the GPA is a 2.75 then that means it must be at least a 2.75 or above for grad and undergrad. I would suggest checking the website of the greek org that you're interested in and view their GPA requirements.

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    2. The GPA requirements for DST have changed within the time that this blog was written.

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  29. I am a member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. and we have graduate chapters open to graduate students.

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  30. I am so grateful for this blog. I have graduated with honors from both undergrad and graduate school. I will be moving forward toward my certification in HR. I have become active in serving and volunteering opportunities. I am trying to do a few events in my area and in other underserved communities. I am extremely eager and hungry to be a part of such a strong and powerful organization that will aid in my development. Thank you so much for this blog post...I am on the journey to prayerfully becoming a Delta Sigma Theta!

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  31. ×× I'm 25 years old. I attended an HBCU straight out of high school. I had a family emergency my junior year of college, which caused me to move back home and no longer attend college. I am now looking to go back to school and I desperately want to join one of the divine 9. Am I still able to pledge undergrad when I return to college since I don't have a degree yet. Or will I be frowned upon because I'm so old compared to the traditional pledges that will be attempting to join alongside of me? Will it just be best to try grad chapter? I really would love to join through undergrad though. ××

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    1. You will be able to join via undergrad as long as you are still pursuing your first Bachelor's degree. Whether or not it will be frowned upon depends on the chapter at your school. Engage and get to know the members and do everything the traditional interest would do, also speak with the advisor over the chapter or the NPHC advisor at your school. They can also point you in the right direction. If you do't necessarily feel welcomed by the members of you school's chapter, it is always okay to wait until grad.

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  32. I live in a podunk town that is not within 60 miles of any alumnae chapter of the organization I want to join. I found two chapters that are about 1.5 hours away. The chapters are quite small though and I am not sure if for this reason they are exclusive or not. I sent an email about a week or two ago to one chapter but have yet to hear back from them and I want to know if I should reach out to the other chapter that's about the same distance or if I should just continue to try the first one. I do A LOT of service, have been very active at my school and very active in my community. My biggest issue is that I am not in any type of proximity with women in these alumnae chapters so I don't have any way of connecting and doing service with them as well. Any suggestions on what I should do?

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    1. In situations such as this, I always suggest joining and volunteering with any local chapter of the NAACP, Urban League or a similar organization. I can almost guarantee that you will encounter members of the org you want to join. That would probably be the best method of getting to know members on a personal level. Since you live in a "podunk" town, you may have to work harder than others to cultivate relationships than who live in a densely populated area.

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  33. The alumnae chapter where im from is not very active and the website has not been updated since 2010. Unfortunately I could not pledge undergrad because DST was always suspended or on probation. I have the GPA and know a great amount of members (UG and G) but not alot of community service other then habitat for humanity what other community service can I do? I feel SOL because I dont go on the campus to know much and like I said the website is not updated.

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  34. I started grad school but have decided to take a break for awhile. My question is which one of my transcripts( undergrad or grad) would be used to determine eligibility? Thank you

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    1. Your undergrad GPA will be used for consideration until you are awarded a Master's degree.

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  35. I am actively looking for resources to point me in the right direction of joining the sisterhood of DST through Grad Chapter. I currently have an Associate Degree and plan to do online courses to get my Bachelors & Masters, my question is how does this work when you aren't in a classroom setting and is a Bachelor Degree still a requirement at this time to start my process?

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    1. You must have a bachelor degree for graduate chapter. One solution: do volunteer hours, graduate, & find the graduate chapter in your area. Attend their events that are open to the public & get to know some of the women personally if you can.

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  36. This was very helpful!! Thank you for this. Most of my questions and misconceptions about grad chapters have been cleared up. I have just relocated in Washington D.C. and I am wondering where I should begin networking and seeking community service events. I'm sure it's inappropriate to randomly approach people with letters and start asking questions. I would really appreciate guidance in the right direction. I'm really excited about this!

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    1. You are fortunate. DC is a busy, active place, with active graduate chapters. Google volunteer opportunities: tutor kids in school, prepare food or serve the homeless, become a volunteer with Girl Scouts...endless possibilities.
      Visit the chapter's website & attend their public events.

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  37. forgive me if this was asked before, but if someone is currently in grad school do they look at the grad school GPA or is it still undergraduate until they have graduated?

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    1. Until you graduate with a Master's, your undergrad GPA is what will be used for consideration.

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  38. thank you so much

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  39. Hello! First of all I just want to give a big thanks to the author of the blog for the great information provided. I am very interesting in joining a sorority. I will be receiving my Masters very soon so I am interested in a grad chapter. Should I reach out via email to the president of the local chapter to find out if they will be doing rush soon and also find out when they will be having any community service events I could attend? I know that it is annoying when they are felt they are being harassed so I have been hesitant about reaching out.

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    1. I want to pledge a grad chapter as well. I attend their public events & volunteer. They know my face now, & I associate w several women of this wonderful sisterhood. I took the approach of seeing them & spending time at their events, versus emailing & asking about rush. If you choose email, state events that you've attended w their sorority, & mention your volunteer hours.

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  40. This may seem like an unusual question: Is there an age limit on who can join a Grad Chapter? I have been out of college for some time and will be looking forward to retiring in the very near future. Is there any such thing as being "too old"?

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    1. I know someone personally who pledged after retirement, she was welcomed with open arms. It helps if you have community service hours.

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  41. I was interested in joining an alumnae chapter of a particular sorority. I graduated in 2006 with a GPA slightly under the minimum requirement. I am now in an Aviation Maintenance School that goes through the same process as a university for entrance. I am currently holding a 4.0 and will graduate in 3/2015. Will I be able to qualify for a grad chapter based off my new GPA?

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  42. I am interested in joining an alumnae chapter of a sorority. I do not know when they will invite new members. They haven't invited new members in over 5 years. I simply attend their sorority events that are open to the public, and I volunteer in my community on a regular basis. Their activities slow down during the summer months. I pray they have intake in the fall. Their website is very helpful, they always advertise their activities.

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  43. This really help me out because there was one particular question I was looking for and it was definitely answered here. It was explained very thoroughly. Thanks.

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  44. Do prospective members looking to join an alumnae chapter have to pledge as well or is there a different process than that of the undergraduate level?

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  45. I could not find the GPA requirement online. I graduated with a 2.5 exactly. I am working on my Masters now and I will be done soon. What should I do to find out the information for the chapter?

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    1. Minimum GPA requirement for Delta is 2.75

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  46. Thank you for posting this blog. I have visited many organization websites and noticed that they all said the same thing, but you gave me the little extra information I was looking for.

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  47. Hello! i am wondering if anyone knew how recent the Chicago area, Glenn Ellyn, or Evanston alumnae chapters have lines? I am currently in my senior year of college and unfortunately the Delta Sigma Theta chapter at my school has not had intake 3 out of 4 of my years here, the one year they did have intake was my sophomore year and i was not financially stable to pledge then, If anyone can answers how often these alumnae chapters have lines and how i could get to know these chapters better that would be a great help..Thanks

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  48. Go to the graduate chapter's website. Chapters advertise their public events online. Attend their events & volunteer. If you're volunteering in the community where the grad chapter is located, it's hard not to cross paths with a member. Intake doesn't occur as often in grad, obviously...hopefully after you attend several of their events you would kindly introduce yourself to one or two members that you are comfortable with approaching.

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  49. What about if a person has a career change like myself. I graduated from a University with a bachelors but my GPA is a 2.5. I graduated back in 2006 and decided to take another career path. This career that I am interested only requires a certificate through a radioligy program. Will this be considered as membership or not?

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  50. What if the fraternity or sorority doesn't state a GPA requirment for grad chapter?

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  51. Hello! So, my undergrad gpa is the under the 2.75 minimum requirement. After I graduated college, I took prerequisites at a junior college for pharmacy school. I'm in pharmacy school now, and I understand that my pharmacy school gpa won't be considered until I graduate...but can the prereqs I took at the junior be factored into my undergrad gpa? Thanks!

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  52. My degree is from a College that is accredited by Bible Christian Education, and International Correspondence school. Also a Master from this College. With a 3.4gpa. You did not state if you have to have a Regional Accredited Degree.

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  53. I have been invited to join a sorority but am nervous! I indicated that I haven't yet completed my degree and was still invited!!! I have done my research and am excited about the opportunity, but how will my not yet having my degree effect my chances? I have a few credits left (less than 12) and am currently enrolled to finish my BA.

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  54. Is law school considered grad school with the Pan-Hellenic Conference. Are there grad chapters in law school?

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    Replies
    1. "Grad" chapter means an Alumni or Alumnae chapter. You will need complete/finish your law degree or a graduate degree if you don't want your undergraduate GPA considered. For the blog's author's org, if your undergrad GPA is older than 10 years, then it won't be considered.

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  55. Hello, wanted to know if I have a GPA of 2.8 would that effect my chances? I meet the requirements but your blog emphasize a GPA of 3.0

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  56. I'm interested to know what does a person that want to join a fraternity do when you have many of the requirements yet don't know any members of an organization to write a letter of recommendation? That is my current problem and why I am hesitant. I have a 4.0 GPA from my masters program, community service and I actually work in a field that serves others. Any suggestions?

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  57. Can I join with a Vatterott College Diploma ...I have a 4.0 gpa ?

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  58. This blog is very informative. I've been going to college off and on for the past 18 years. 17 years. I've always wanted to join this sorority however during my freshman year I went to an informational session and I let one soror change my mind on going forward. Now that I am older I really want to become apart of this organization. I currently attend an online school and I have 5 classes left before I have my baccalaureate degree. I really want to join so my goal is to try to find a grad chapter that will accept me. thanks again for this blog it really helped.

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  59. Your blog is very informative. I am having a hard time locating events for grad chapters in Columbia, SC or Augusta Ga area. Can you please direct me where to look? I have the GPA requirements and community service requirements.

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  60. I appreciate your post. However, I need advice relative to joining a different organization, other than the one I assumed interest in during undergrad.
    I don't want to come off inauthentic ; however my reality has been shaped differently and my interest have changed.

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  61. Thanks for this post ! Does the invitation have to be verbal or written? I have been asked to join on several occasions but not sure if I have gotten the proper invitation.

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  62. Am I allowed to join a sorority as an undergrad if I am taking online classes?

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  63. If I am taking online classes for my bachelors can I join a sorority?

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  64. I am taking online classes for my bachelors degree, can i join a sorority?

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  65. Regarding Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae membership, I am curious to know if joining another service organization (non-Greek) will hurt my chances of membership? I ask because I heard you need recommendation letters from 2 service organizations.

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  66. How do I express interest to a member of an Alumnae Chapter? She's a colleague of mine and I don't want her to stop talking to me if I let her know. Please help!!

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  67. Yes, can you please inform us on the steps you took that landed you an interview?

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  68. This blog is everything! Thank you for sharing such a wealth of knowledge. The information has helped me in my pursuit of joining a grad chapter. Blessings~

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  69. Can I pledge grad chapter at a different college that I didn't attend for undergrad?

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    Replies
    1. Hello, your question is a little unclear so let me try to answer it best as possible. There’s undergraduate membership and alumni membership. In order to become a member of an undergraduate chapter you must be a current undergrad student at the respective college/university in which you are petitioning membership. Seeking membership at the alumni level would require for one to have obtain a bachelor’s degree at any accredited college/university. For example you graduate college in Louisiana and move to Texas to work, you may petition for alumni membership in your new city where you reside. The school you graduated from does not have any barrier on joining the local chapter in the area.

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  70. Am I able to to gain membership at a different college I didnt attend for undergrad?

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  71. I have wanted to pledge DST since before I attened college. Unfortunately my college life came with many up and downs so I had to focus on just graduating. So now that I am heading towards graduation from grad school I would still like to join this amazing organization. Please tell me how.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Identify an alumnae chapter in your area and attend their events that are open to the public. Do community service and introduce yourself when it's appropriate at their events. Get to know them. If you show up to their events enough, they'll take notice. Show them that you support their programs. It may lead to them inviting you to other events, including Rush.

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  72. This is VERY informative and helpful! Thank you so much!!!!

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  73. How do I got about finding out when an Alumnae Chapter had their last line? I am trying to figure out how long it has been since they had membership intake/

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  74. If you have been checking social media and the chapter website for informational session but have found nothing. Should you ask a member of the org?

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  75. I am a working adult that has been working part time towards my bachelors degree for a few years now. Last year I received my associates along the way. My school does not currently have Greek organizations but I desire to join one. My grades are great and I do community service as a working adult am I able to join as an undergrad as I don't have my bachelors?

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  76. Hi, Is there a specific waiting period for joining an alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta after getting your bachelor's degree?

    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. No waiting period. Once you have a Bachelor's, you can use that degree to meet part of the qualifications for membership into an alumnae chapter.

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  77. How do one become an honorary member? And what is the requirements and process for that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is up to the organization. There is no application for honorary. Look into alumnae/alumni chapters if you have a bachelors+, and collegiate if you are in college.

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  78. How do one become an honorary member? What is the requirements and process for that?

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    Replies
    1. Somebody that is an active member incl financially would have to vouch for you. Check your sororities website for further info though.

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  79. Greetings, please ma'am, I desperately wish to join DST, question, I am 56 years old & am college educated but do not have a degree but have done A LOT of community service & have a great job, does that count it no??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need to have a Bachelor's Degree to join the graduate level of DST. You;re better off going to college and then joining at Grad level.

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  80. I have a Bachelor's degree from one college in which my gap was a 2.46. I later went to another college and graduated with a gap of 3.4. I have a desire to join a fraternity in the alumnae chapter(Alpha Phi Alpha). I am 50 years old. Is it too late to join?


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The author discussed this in a previous blog. I would suggest you read http://blackgreeklife.blogspot.com/2015/03/age-aint-nothing-but-number.html

      Good luck to you.

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    2. Fraternities are "alumni," and sororities are alumnae. Hope this helps! :-)

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  81. I recently graduated from Bowie state university. I have relocated back to my home town in New Jersey. I am very much interested and possible seeking membership to the best sorority in the world. I having difficulty time connecting with members. It's hard because the have few programs on the website and being that im not on a college campus I feel left out. Any advise I don't want to miss my shot again

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you graduated and have a Bachelor's, you do not have to worry about the sorority's college chapters. If you have a bachelor's, you can use that to apply to graduate/alumni chapters. Graduate/alumni chapters are not located on college campus.

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  82. Hello I love your blog I have a serious question I'm trying to join a grad chapter but I don't live in the community that they are located in. I live about 30 minutes away and there is a chapter where I live but they are not having a line I don't mind driving to the other chapter but will not living in that community be a huge problem?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are trying to join Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, you must wait until the alumnae/graduate chapter that serves your area/city/county has intake.

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  83. Hello I love your blog I have a question there a grad chapter where I live but they are not having a line but there is a grad chapter that is 30 minutes away from me that's having a line can I join that chapter since they are having a line even though I don't live in that community

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  84. Thank you so much for this post. I have a question about answering the question of why I didn't join as an undergrad. I went through the process during undergrad, but I quit while I was on line. I do not want to throw the undergrad chapter under the bus for their abusive underground pledging practices, especially if members of the grad chapter support such practices. However, I quit because my and fellow pledges' mental health and grades were suffering due to the lack of sleep and eating, in addition to suffering other forms of physical and financial hazing. At the end of the day, I didn't want to gain letters and lose myself in the process. However, I'm hoping that my local grad chapter will be different in that respect. Should I be honest about why I quit, or should I find a more discreet way of responding to the question. Bear in mind that the undergrad chapter has been essentially defunct since I graduated, and I'm still friendly with several of its members.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Generally there will be a place on the application to address this. It may depend on the org though.

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  85. Hi i graduated undergrad with a 2.73 however the minimum to join this sorority is 2.75 to apply in grad chapter. I was invited to rush am i still able to attend even though i do not meet the minimum gpa required?

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    Replies
    1. You should attend however you should not take a packet UNLESS you fit the qualifications of membership.

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  86. Hello I had to drop out of my college because I did not have the money to finish. I left college with a 3.0 GPA. I wanted to go back and get my degree and I wanted to become a Delta. Can I still try to become a member even if I would be way older then my line sisters and my big sisters?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Author addressed this in a previous Blog Post. I am sure this will answer this question. I will post it here. http://blackgreeklife.blogspot.com/2015/03/age-aint-nothing-but-number.html

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  87. I would like to join DST grad chapter but I am unable to locate functions to show interest. my local chapter web page has events but not the location and time. what should I do

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  88. Does Delta look at your undergraduate GPA if you have a degree and been out of school for 30 years?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, if you have not earned an advanced degree (master's or equivalent).

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    2. You will find this information out at RUSH. Be sure to attend RUSH (just go), and never rely solely on the information from the comments. RUSH is where questions are answered for SURE! Best of luck! :-)

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    3. No.The Gpa doesnt count after ten years

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  89. I have been interested in grad chapter for years. Where I currently reside there are two chapters but neither one of them are hosting a rush. I have been told that I can locate another chapter that is near to me and pursue them. Is this the case?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are referring to a Delta graduate chapter, you must reside in the neighborhood that they serve.

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    2. I am in the same situation, waiting for a grad chapter to have intake in my area. It's been a decade since they had intake.I am forced to wait. I am not moving to another area. Not an option.

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  90. I have a question for a specific sorority I don't have the amount of time they're asking for as far as being committed to a specific area of community service is this an automatic disqualifying entity?

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    Replies
    1. If the sorority requires a certain amount of community service hours, it means they want to see if applicants are good candidates and an asset to the organization. Being a member is WORK. You need to show signs that you are a worker and dedicated to serving the community, before you even try to join. Why would they want you to join if you do not meet their requirement? What's in it for them?

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    2. Two things & I hope one is the answer you're looking for. 1) You will need to meet or exceed the community service requirement of that particular org. 2) Though you need to live in the service area (depending on the org), your community service can be from a different area. If you're in Denver, your community service can be from New York as long as it meets or exceeds the time requirement.

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  91. I have my Masters degree with a GPA of 2.76. From reading your earlier replies I meet the GPA requirements barely would this be held against me.

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    Replies
    1. If you have a Master's, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. will not look at your GPA.

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    2. That's right. GPA does not matter on a masters or above for DST. Just having it is enough. RUSH will explain all of this in detail.

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  92. I would like to Join the Jacksonville, FL Alumnae chapter. I have watched their website but I am unable to determine what events are open for perspective. Does anyone have any insight on this.

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  93. Thanks for the information. I have been checking the local chapter's website everyday, only to find out a neighboring chapter (Just 10mins away) is having a rush. Very disappointing. A mentor suggested I attend the rush to get a feel for the process, however I feel like it is a waste of time, especially since I would not take a packet since I'm not eligible for their chapter. What do you think? My preferred chapter hasn't had intake since 2012. Maybe I should move (j/k).

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    Replies
    1. I know this is late but depending on the boundary lines you should go. This is important if it's a regional/multi-city/county chapter. Sometimes zipcodes and service areas are set up in a way that overlap different places. It could be an independent city that overlaps a county for example. 10 minutes away could put you in a position where you are actually in the service area, if that chapter covers multiple places. I know plenty of people who jumped for joy when they found out they were actually in the service area at RUSH. If you're that close (and it's not another state), GO FIND OUT! I hope this helps someone out! :-)

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  94. I am interested in joining, I have been since my undergrad years but life happened. I graduated with a 2.3 after losing my mother 2 years prior to graduation. Before her death I was on dean’s list; grieving and focusing on studies did not mix. Anyway I’ve been out of undergrad for 15 years now and I was told that after 10 years your gpa is no longer a primary factor....they only acknowledge the bachelor’s degree earned. Is this accurate?

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    Replies
    1. That is indeed accurate. You will find everything that you need to know at the Rush.

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  95. Can someone in the military still apply? I am in school, but I have to go to school online vice, in classroom. Is there a way around this?

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  96. I want to have the opportunity to attend Rush in my area, but the alumnae chapter has not had intake in the past 10 years. I cannot try to join another chapter in another city or state, it's not allowed. Is there a requirement for chapters to have intake every X years? This is ridiculous. I'm frustrated. I just want a chance.

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  97. Does anyone know if alumnae chapters ever have fall rush?

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    Replies
    1. I have seen fall rush from Alumnae chapters. I'm in the DMV area.

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  98. Hi quick question (and I'm not sure if this is dumb or not) - but what if you have one Bachelor's degree and the GPA from that doesn't meet the GPA requirement, and then later down the line you attend college again for a semester or so. How would that go for the GPA requirement? Would the two GPAs be averaged?

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  99. I currently have good relationships with a few members of the graduate chapter (AKA) I want to join. One member is willing to sponsor me and I’m working on getting another sponsor. The dilemma is that I may relocate to another state, for work. Can I still pursue this particular grad chapter (since I already have the connections) even though I likely will relocate early/mid 2021? The chapter is supposed to have a line fall 2021.

    Ideally, I didn’t want to start all over with a new state/new chapter, as getting good relationships with members can be difficult

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  100. Love your blog. Full of great info. Is there a requirement for the letters of recommends one from someone in particular? How do I locate the graduate chapters near me. I understand discretion is of the utmost.

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  101. This blog was very helpful to me. Thank you so much for taking time out to do this. although i do have a few concerns. i will be obtaining my bachelor degree in August. i am wanting to become a part of a sorority. The problem is due to the fact that i am attending college online and i am not on campus i cannot attend undergrad. i will have to do grad. i am wanting to do grad but i do not know any sorority members to link up with and get to know. i do not know how or where to even start with getting invited into a grad chapter because i do not know of anyone. Any advice on what to do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Start with social media..Facebook, Instagram.. Google the sorority of your choice within the area in where you live. Also every nphc sorority has a state website and a national website. So check the sorority of your choice state website first. They will list ALL the chapters if any in your area. Also try the sororities website they may have a feature where you can search sorority near your area. The only way you get to know the members is by going to their events. Trust me they are inviting and you have to understand they're going to be other women that are interest as well, so that will make it easier. You have to first find a chapter in your area, Google to see if they have a website, or even an email, reach out to them tell them you are an interest, they normally will reply and direct you, normally they have informational and they'll explain all what you're going to need and do. Good luck.

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  102. This is very helpful to me too. Before reading this I had a big question on how do I go about joining a Grad because I have been out of school for over 30 years and I didn't want to go about it the wrong way. Thank you for all of your helpful information. ~Anonymous 2021

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  103. I didn't finish College and now I'm 54yrs old. Is there a Chapter (Omega Psi Phi) that I can join without going back to school?

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    Replies
    1. You cannot get around the Bachelor's degree requirement under any circumstances--it is part of the minimum requirement for all of our NPHC organizations. If you truly want to join, you will have to go back to school to obtain your degree. Don't forget there are GPA requirements as well.

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  104. Good morning. I graduated undergrad 30 years ago, and my GPA was 2.73. I'm currently in a leadership role and have been active with participating in community service activities. I've been invited to a DST Rush. I've looked at the DST Alumnae requirements, and it states the following: "The grade point average requirement is not applicable where the applicant demonstrates that:
    a) it has been 10 years or more since she has received her baccalaureate degree or its equivalent;
    or
    b) she has received a professional designation equivalent to master’s degree or above; or
    c) she has received a post-graduate degree or a professional designation equivalent (International Chapters only)."********So my question pertains to "a"......would I still be eligible for members due to it being over 10 years? Thanks for any information.

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  105. Very Informative, I’ve came to this site a bunch of times. I’m a little confused about some of the wording on the blog posters sorority’s web site. Particularly
    “ it has been 10 years or more since she has received her baccalaureate degree or its equivalent;”

    Does that mean that if your undergrad degree is greater than 10 years then your grades won’t come into consideration? Or you simply do not qualify anymore

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