Sororities are all about creating a strong bond among women, forming a sisterhood and friendships that can last forever. It’s like having a big family of sisters who are there to cheer you on and share your dreams. But can you join a sorority without being in college?
You can join a sorority while you’re studying for your undergraduate degree, or even after you’ve finished it. But remember, each sorority has its own unique culture, so it’s important to find one that matches your values.
Can You Be in a Sorority Without Going to College?
Firstly, understand that traditional sororities and fraternities are typically exclusive to college students. These organizations are deeply rooted in the academic environment and their activities are often intertwined with college life.
However, there are fraternal organizations that are more broadly open, such as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Freemasons, and the Elks Lodge. These organizations offer a sense of community, opportunities for service, and personal development, much like a college sorority.
How to Join a Sorority Without Being in College
Now, let’s talk about how you can join a sorority without being in college. There are a few steps you need to follow:
1. Get Your Degree
If you’re not currently in college, you’ll need to have at least a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university. Most sororities also want you to have a grade average of at least a C+.
2. Consider Non-Collegiate Sororities
Non-collegiate sororities are organizations that offer many of the same benefits as traditional sororities, including sisterhood, personal development, and opportunities for leadership and community service. Some of these sororities include:
- Beta Sigma Phi – betasigmaphi.org
- Delta Theta Chi –
- deltathetachi.org
- Delta Theta Tau – deltathetatau.org
- P.E.O. Sisterhood – peointernational.org
- Phi Beta Psi – phibetapsi.org
- Psi Iota Xi – psiiotaxi.org
- Sigma Phi Gamma – sigmaphigamma.com
- Tri-Kappa – trikappa.org
- National T.T.T. Society – altrue.net
These organizations have chapters all over the country and often have less stringent membership requirements than traditional college sororities. They also offer a variety of activities and events, including meetings, social events, and community service projects.
3. Show Your Dedication
Sororities want members who are willing to work hard. You’ll need to show that you can support and carry out the sorority’s programs and policies. This often involves participating in social events, which are usually linked to community service or charity work.
If you are joining a non-collegiate sorority, you’ll need to find a chapter in your area and contact them for information about membership. Each sorority has its own process for joining, but it typically involves attending a meeting or event, filling out an application, and paying dues. Some sororities may also require a recommendation from a current member.
4. Legacy Status
If you’re the daughter or granddaughter of an active or deceased sorority member, you could join a sorority without being in college as a Legacy Candidate. You’ll need to prove your relation to the active members.
5. Get Invited
You can’t just ask to join a sorority without being in college, you need to be invited by an active member. If you don’t know any active members, try going to events sponsored by the sorority and network as much as you can.
Once you get an official invitation letter, you can start the membership intake process. But remember, each sorority has a different intake process and it’s usually confidential.
6. Going Through the Membership Process
Once you’ve found an organization that aligns with your goals and values, you’ll likely need to go through a membership process. This could involve an application, an interview, or even a period of candidacy where you participate in the organization’s activities before becoming a full member.
Read also: How to Get Invited to Parties in College
