Thursday, July 4, 2013

When is a good time to pledge??? (Undergrad)

I receive a lot of questions of when is a good time to pledge, so I decided to dedicate a blog to it.   Some feel they should pledge their freshmen year to experience four years of being Greek.  Others think you should wait until your senior year right before you graduate from college. (This is especially the case if you are on the five-year plan because if you are, then you will still have one full year left)

If you want my opinion, I think to join during our Sophomore and Junior year are the BEST years to enter any Greek Letter Organization, and I let me tell you why.

Freshmen Year- You just left the nest. Your parents are not your wakeup call anymore to get ready for school, pick up after you, remind you about your homework, etc. You are on your own. That means, YOU cook your dinners (or order the pizza), YOU do your laundry, YOU are responsible for...yeah, you guessed it, YOU!

GPA is also VITAL in your freshman year! I don't know how many times I can say this. Look at this way, when you first start school, you have a ZERO GPA. A clean slate, so since you are starting from scratch, it is imperative, that you strive to get at least a 3.0 GPA. That means As and Bs!  I am not saying that you can't have fun, but let's face it you are in school to get a degree. Starting strong in college is so important. You may not realize that now, but TRUST you will! There are so many prospects who email me and ask what can they do to bring their GPAs up. They didn't take school seriously their freshman/sophomore year. So if you are a senior in high school, OR a freshman going into your sophomore year, FOCUS on your grades.

Now just because I feel you shouldn't pledge your freshmen year DOES NOT MEAN you can't support the organization of your choice. (Side note: Some Greek organizations and colleges and universities will not allow you to pledge your freshmen year).

Freshmen year is also a GREAT TIME for you to check out ALL Greek Letter Organizations. Trust me there are tons of events (parties, community service opportunities, balls, forums, etc.) that you can support and attend in the meantime. This is a perfect opportunity for you to get to know them, and more importantly for them to get to know you as well. This is also a great way to see THEY are a perfect fit for you.

Sophomore Year- You finally was able to "figure out" the whole college thing. You realized that it is indeed a "Different World!"                                                                            
You were able to figure out your study schedule, work schedule (if you are working during school), some "me time," etc. You are probably still in the "prereq" stage, and by that, I mean taking English 102, Math 101, Science, Speech 101, you know the basic courses you MUST complete before starting your major. This is why I feel Sophomore year is a WONDERFUL time to consider pledging. Your classes are not that hard,  and for MOST majors you don't start until second semester sophomore year or your senior year. (Not mine, however, since I was a music major I started taking music classes my freshmen yr)

 The classes may not be as hard, and you can fit the MIP (Membership Intake Process)  into your schedule.  You scoped out all of the fraternities/sororities your freshmen year, and you know which one you want to join. Last year, you attended the events, supported them in every way that you could, and allowed them to get to know you.

This is why I feel Sophomore year is the PERFECT year to pledge. You will have TWO (or three if you are once again on the five-year plan) to be active in the organization as an undergraduate member. Your school work will not suffer because you don't have to worry about your Senior Thesis, harder classes, or essential classes that are in your major.  Pledging sophomore year, you get the best of ALL WORLDS!

Junior Year - So if you were not able to pledge Sophomore year because either:
A: You tried and were not picked
B: They did not have intake your Sophomore year
C: You just woke up and realized you want to be a member of XYZ
D: They were kicked off the yard, and they JUST came back

Then junior year is also not a bad year for you to try to join either. Look I get it, there are certain things in life we cannot control, particularity A, B, C, and D! But don't allow that to stop you from fulfilling your dreams.

By this year, you should have this whole "college thing" all figured out. You should know how much time you need to set aside for studying, socializing, your work schedule, etc. It is vital that you have wonderful time management skills because going through MIP for any organization is no joke, and VERY time-consuming. You should have a little "change" saved up. (shoot who am I kidding, pledging any Greek letter organization is EXPENSIVE AS HECK)

You still have a year left to enjoy being Greek "On the yard," and you can learn a lot of the business side of things as far as being GREEK after you join.

Senior Year- So if A, B, C, or D applies to you THIS time, then I STILL SAY GO FOR IT, but proceed with caution. Just remember that there is always an alumnae/alumni chapter.  WHY am I partially (not entirely) against this?  Ummmm well for ONE it's your last year! Not only should you be focused on graduating, but there are a lot of things you need to get into order before marching across that stage
I just strongly feel you should be focused on graduating, finding a job, oops I mean CAREER, OR studying to apply for any exams you may need to take to get into a graduate program if that is the route you choose to go. (LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc.). At this stage in your life pledging should be the LAST thing on your mind.

 There are a few sorors, sistergreeks, and fraternity members that I know that have indeed pledged their senior year. They all had their reasons for waiting to pledge, but MOST of them still say the same thing...They wish they could have joined sooner.

I hope this helps, and good luck to you! No matter WHEN you decide to join I hope you keep your eyes on the prize and GRADUATE!

Ciao for now!

49 comments:

  1. Hello! I've been following this blog for a while now, and although my heart has been set on Delta Sigma Theta for a while, I had a rough freshman year, and going into fall of sophomore year, my GPA wasn't competitive enough (nor did I have the service hours or connections, never mind MONEY) for going on line, so between working to have leadership roles and focusing on my GPA, I didn't go to events like I wished I would. But they just came out with a line of over 30 girls. Your past posts say to refrain from guessing line schedules, but I am thinking that it's more likely this chapter will have a line my senior year. I would love to cross this year as a junior, but it may not happen. It kind of worries me that my chances have gotten kind of slim. But I want to be able to serve this chapter - even if it's only for a year or a few weeks as a senior, and the org as a whole for life! Just kind of concerned about getting things in order on such a tight time frame...

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    1. I was reading your reply and felt like that during my four years at college. My best advice for you is to make use of time management, always remember why you’re in school and make having a high GPA your first focus, second if you know you want to be a part of this organization you must attend some event so they will know you have an interest, if you can find some volunteer activity that your school consistently supports try to be a part of that organization, third try to find a mentor who is a Delta that could possibly give you advice on pursuing membership (a good mentor would be a Professor at your school), fourth see if you can develop a relationship with a member of the organization, but don't come off as needy you would be surprised that some members are willing to help! Lastly, I believe you can do anything you set your mind to and if you have dreams of being a Delta, don't let anything stop you from realizing your dream! I hope this gives you some encouragement to not give up on something you want in life. Good Luck!!

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    2. Thank you so much! This is really encouraging. This organization is really in my heart so I'm going to commit to taking the proper steps to do what I can on my end to show my interest and have things in order! :)

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  2. What's the best way to contact you with questions? An email address maybe?

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  3. I want to join the organization but im a senior.I was ready my jr year but they didnt have in take I spend the first 2 and a half years getting my grades right & my volunteer hours.I also wanted to make sure I was ready and had to handle alot of family issues.But now im ready i graduate in the Spring & they are mire then likely having intake in Jan.Is it a good idea to try cuz I really want this.I worked very hard.Im even staying an extra sem just to do it I could have graduated in the Fall.Even tho I wld graduate right after it wld mean alot.

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  4. I really enjoyed this blog post and I graduated from a two year college to my current four year institution. I came into the university as a junior in spring of 2012 and now, entering fall 2013 I will be a senior. The fraternity I am interested in held an interest meeting and I realized this is something I really want to do. The chapter president let us know the requirements such as the GPA requirements, letters of recommendations, and application. My only concern is should I approach a memeber to let them know I am still interested?

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  5. I received a 3.0 my freshman year, but had a tough sophomore year (personal, family, school) and worked hard to bring my gpa up junior year but it is pretty far from a standout gpa. Going into my senior year would it be possible for me to join if everything else is well but my gpa?

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    1. At this point I would say to focus on your studies, especially since you are a senior in college. Remember there is always alumnae chapter. I am sure that is something you don't want to hear, but truth be told, since your gpa is not where YOU would like it to be, then pledging should be the last thing on your mind right now. Good luck to you!

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  6. Hi, could you do a post as to the meaning of "line numbers" I am not sure if this information is secretive but I just wanted more understanding behind the meaning of it.

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  7. hi , i'm interested in joining a sorority but i'm torn in between DST and AKA ! people tell me i should do my research , but my question is what exactly do i need to research ? i know listening to the stereo types is not the right thing to do , but i'm also confused on what i need to look into . i just need some advice .

    thanks in advance !

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    1. Do you know any AKA or Delta members??? If so talk to them. Go to BOTH of their events. Google can be your BEST friend, and observe both of them on how they act on campus. The research you need to do is to see which organization is the best for you. Researching an organization in my opinion, is like researching colleges during your sophomore/junior year in high school. You want to make sure you pick the best FOR YOU!

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  8. I have been following this blog since I started to pursue membership into a D9 organization. I never gave up on trying. The 1st time i tried i didn't have the gpa needed, and then the second time they didn't have a line nor did i have money, now i am in my last semester they are having a line and my gpa is where it needs to be and i also have money, although it is my last semester i will still be in the city the following semester. Hopefully this goes well , they do say third times a charm...lol

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    1. Good luck to you, and as I said before, you never know! I hope your next post to this blog is saying that you crossed over into______ Greek-Land!

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  9. The beginning of this year I wanted to join an graduate chapter, I had a high GPA, volunteer letters and the recommendation from an active member. Unfortunately I wasn't selected. I know sometime next year a different graduate chapter will be holding a membership intake. My question is how many times has a woman tried to join DST? Do alumni chapters keep a record of women that were rejected during the application process?

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    1. This answer varies, I think I remember one young lady trying 5 times before she was finally chosen. She called me crying on the phone when she received the phone call she was waiting for. (3 times in college 2 times for an alumnae chapter) So don't get caught up in the number of times you apply. Good luck to you in your quest of becoming a member of the org of your choice.

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    2. if you dont mind my asking why were you not selected?

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  11. Hi, I'm a sophomore in college and I want to join Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. but they did not have a intake this semester, so I would have to join Spring semester of my Junior year. I am sooo disappointed because I've been preparing for this for a long time and feel as if it's just too late. Is it too late?

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  12. can you join a line as a part time student finishing up the final credits of an undergraduate degree?

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  13. Thank you so much for your informative blogs. Generally society does not accept an LGBTQ individual...So I pledged an LGBT Greek Lettered Sorority that fits me well and don't discriminate against sexual preference nor participate in hazing. The dream....A CHANGE GONNA COME!"

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  14. I'm a senior and I attend Columbia Southern University ONLINE. I have always wanted to pledge and still want to pledge. What advice can you give me in taking the correct steps to making my dream a reality?? Please help thank you!

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  15. What about age? What if your attending a university at an older age( over 30) will that affect your membership or you getting picked?

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    1. BGLOs do not discriminate against age. The author of this blog has spoken about one of her line sisters being over 30 when she joined Delta. Apparently the sorority members saw something special in her, and her age was not a factor.

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  16. Is there a way we can communicate via email I need advice fast or phone I have no one else to go to?

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  17. I am currently a freshman and I would like to join a frat. The frat I want to join is very small with only 3 members and all the members are graduating this spring (Spring 2016). I don't want to join the frat if I will be the only one in it next year. At my school, it is common for black fraternities and sororities to die out since they don't have any members. I just want to know if I should consider pledging or not.

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    1. Although this is uncommon it has happened before, especially at PWI. If you really want to join the frat, I say GO.FOR.IT! You might be that one person that can revitalize the fraternity in people wanting to join. I have seen sororities before where all except one or two members have graduated. In one instance, the sorority was voted "Sorority of the Year" on their college campus.

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  18. Hello! I am currently a junior in college. I struggled a lot my freshman and sophomore years of college. But I finally got it together this junior year. Would I still be considered to pledge even if my grades started off low?

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    1. You should try as long as you meet the minimal gpa requirements. I would however just focus on bringing up your grades. Good luck to you!

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  19. I just pledged as a Senior and I am sooo thankful for it and the process. Yes, my grades did slip, however, I've gained a lot of new sisters who can't be replaced! OOOO-OOP!

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  20. I want to join a sorority as a freshman and my school let's freshman join, but as far as community service goes could I include and service from high school...let's say end of junior year through senior year in high school and on?

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  21. I want to join a sorority as a freshman and my school let's freshman join, but as far as community service goes could I include and service from high school...let's say end of junior year through senior year in high school and on?

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  22. This blog is very informative! Going into college, I never wanted to pledge a soro but when I got to college, I really liked how the Deltas carried themselves and the positive energy they always had. That peaked my interest and after doing some research, I really wanted to pledge Delta. But I had to transfer schools for personal reasons and when I got to my new school, the energy just wasn't the same with the Deltas and they were always fighting so I didn't want to be a part of that chapter but being a Delta and representing such a sorority still weighs heavy on me and I still want to represent. Do you have any suggestions or advice for my situation. I'm not in my junior year but I'm on a five year plan since I transferred and changed my major.

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  23. Hi guys!

    So I am currently in my second semester on my campus and I am now a sophomore. The GPA requirement for the sorority that I am interested in is a 2.5, however, the minimal GPA for the chapter on campus is 2.7. Last semester, I made one A and two B's, and because of one D in Biology, it took my GPA down to a 2.6. I am now taking that Biology over to earn a B or better by the end of this Spring semester. Do you think I may still have a chance at being chosen for Spring 2016? The only thing standing in my way is that 2.6.
    All opinions are welcome. Thank you!

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    1. I was in your position and I will tell you this. The school requirement trumps the organization requirement. So in a nutshell you are not eligible to join the chapter until you reach the 2.7 minimal. Focus on bring up your GPA and try again when they have another intake.

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  24. Did anyone answer the question about being over 30 and it affecting your chances of membership as an undergraduate? That's my concern

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    1. The author of this blog has already answered this question. She even stated that one of her line sisters was well in her 30's when they both pledged an undergrad chapter. Being over 30 will not affect your chances in membership as an undergrad.

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  25. Hello, I'm a junior at a private institution in New York City, I've been doing my research about sororities and I've chosen the one that's best for me. I have my reasons for waiting. Due to my school's Catholic background, we have no Greek life on campus. I have read requirements that state I can join if there is another chapter in the community. Since I'm up north and everything is fairly different than southern schools (security wise) I can't just walk on another campus. Would it be inappropriate if I were to email the chapter's person of contact? There's only a handful of chapters and all of their websites are out of date by some years. Also, I'm trying o figure out generally when is intake fall or spring semester?

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  26. Hello everyone!

    I'm a junior at a private university in NYC. We don't have Greek life on campus because of the religious background of the university, but there are a few chapters in the region. I've done my research on the sorority I'd like to pledge to but Im not sure how it works because I would be pledging to a community chapter/another campus' chapter. Does anyone have any experience with the process? Because its NYC I can't just walk on to another school's campus (security reasons) so would it be inappropriate if I were to email the chapter's contact? I've checked each chapter's website in the area and they are all out of date. Also, I would be in my senior year pledging but when is intake fall or spring semester? Thanks for the help!

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  27. I am a 30+ year graduate from an HBCU. I'd like to pledge Delta Sigma Theta via grad chapter. What advise (if any) can you share? How do I express my interest at this late stage in my life (i.e. mid 50s). Thanks for your insight.

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  28. Hi everyone. I'm an senior at my University set to graduate in may. Ive been attending my school's organization functions for about 2 years now. The women are nice and welcoming. They are having a line this semester and though i have worked hard to get to know them and also the organization, im unsure as to if i should continue to pursue my undergrad chapter (being that graduation is in less than 6 weeks) or change gears to a grad chapter. Any advice about this situation? Ive heard its possible...

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  29. Hello everyone! I've researched this question and couldn't find an answer for it. I'm currently a senior at my University, however I am doing another year due to my eligibility to play sports (I redshirted my junior year). I've been interested in joining this sorority since my sophomore year. Can I still join if I have met all requirements for my bachelors degree?

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  30. Your blog is very informative! I am currently at the end of my junior year attending a college that holds pledges in the spring... Meaning I will attempt to pledge during the spring of my senior year. My question would be how do I get access to the Rush Activity information? Should I contact a current member of the chapter for the information? I am not sure how to approach this situation, but I do know I don't have a lot of time left to make my move.

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  31. Hello, I am in my Senior year of college. I attend part-time and will graduate in 8 months. I was wondering do I have to go full time to join a sorority and is it too late?

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  32. The sorority I'm interested is barely around my PWI, even though they have a house on campus. They had no recent activity on their social media sites this school year, I believe most of the members must have just graduated. What is the best option for me to show interest.

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  33. The minimum GPA at my school is 2.7 to pledge and right now I'm sitting at a 2.9 hopefully when grades come out 3.2, this organization had been off the yard for 2 years and hopefully will be having a line next year is there a high chance of being selected for am interview if i meet all requirements even with the 2.9?

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  34. Hello! I have been reading your blog for a while now and was wondering if you could help me. I want to pledge for a sorority on my campus however my biggest problem is that I feel like I didn't go to enough of the sororities events to be considered. I've really only been to a couple. I have the GPA and everything. However this is only because I tried hard focusing on my overall profile which lead me to neglect going to the events. My question now is: Is there still a chance for me?

    I know there are many people who have gone to most to all of the events the organization has had and I've only been to like 3-4. Does this look bad??

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  35. If a woman joined a PanHellenic sorority in undergrad, can she end her membership in the org and join a NPHC sorority?

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  36. I’m going to be a Junior this upcoming fall and I would think about joining one of the D9 sororities but to am certain that I would like to join one now. The only thing is I haven’t been to a lot of their community service projects that they have or a whole ton of their events as a whole. But based on the trade h I’ve done I know the one I would like to be apart of. So my question would be had my chances of being accepted for a D9 sorority gone down since I haven’t attended much of their events in the past?? I certainly plan to attend more this upcoming fall semester though.

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