No Cap: Debunking the Top 5 Fraternity and Sorority Myths

When you hear the word “fraternities”, especially if you don’t have relatives who joined a brotherhood in college, the first image in your head might be college party kids who speak in that distinct “bro” accent. Or, if you hear “sororities”, you might think of shallow, vapid blonde girls who all dress in girly clothes and act like college-aged Regina George.

Unfortunately, those stereotypes put people off from joining a Greek chapter. But we’ve worked with thousands of chapters across the country and we can definitely say they’re not what Hollywood makes them sound like!

Here are the top myths about fraternities and sororities and why they’re a bunch of bull.

Greek life is only about partying

True, there are a lot of social events chapters host or attend. But hosting formals and date functions aren’t the only events fraternities and sororities focus on during the school year.

One of the most important aspects of Greek life is philanthropy. Frats and sororities put in tons of effort to give back to their communities. They typically represent specific causes and spend the whole year raising money for them. Some chapters advocate for women’s health, community literacy, environmental preservation, and more.

There are other social events like Parents Weekend and member retreats that are all about spending quality time with the people you care for. Organizations will host fitness and wellness events for their members, too! Hiring a yoga teacher for the afternoon to lead a class at the chapter house? Yes, please.

Greek orgs don't make friends outside their chapters

Members tend to be the closest to each other, especially if they live together, but that doesn’t mean they don’t expand their social network outside their chapter! Frat and sorority members still have close friends from places like their classes, sports teams, or other chapters. 

It’s not uncommon for members of different sororities or fraternities to be best friends all throughout college. With the amount of collaborating chapters, it honestly makes sense! Most chapters don’t see the need to be maliciously competitive or antagonistic toward others; it’s silly.

Greek chapters are paid friends

This is probs one of the biggest misconceptions about frats and sororities. Because of the admittedly expensive fees, outsiders feel like going Greek is just an expensive way to gain friends, establish a network, or not be lonely in college.

Yes, there’s a price to joining frats or sororities. But let’s be real, they’re not the only organizations on campus charging membership fees. Even organizations outside of universities do that! And if you look at where the membership money goes, chapters have valid expenses or privileges to pay for. Yes, you might be paying sorority fees, but if you’re at a school with a house chef, you’re saving money on dining hall fees. 

At least they aren’t charging for a verified check mark (looking at u Elon…)

Greek orgs expect you to look and speak a certain way

Would you believe it’s the opposite? Chapters care about how well PNMs (potential new members) vibe with them at Rush Week, and it has to be as authentic as possible. Even before you get your bid, chapters try to see if your personality, interests, and advocacies align with theirs, They don’t like it when your sense of belongingness feels forced or fake.

Here’s another thing to consider: if you’re living with the same people for a year or so, you’d naturally start picking up some mannerisms, speech patterns, and even interests from them. That’s how friendships work. Or do you mean to tell us you’ve never experienced adapting words from your boyfriend/girlfriend after a few months of constantly talking to them?

Greek chapter alumni only network with people in their chapter after graduation

While it’s true that alumni from frats or sororities might sometimes prioritize entertaining their chapter’s current members, that’s not to say they discriminate. They’re professionals, just like any other working person out there. Of course, they show initial preference or more vested interest in connecting with fellow chapter members, but let’s be real: anyone would do the same for a good friend or relative.

Whether you’re Rushing or want to understand your best friend who’s so excited about joining a chapter, hopefully debunking a few myths helps you understand Greek life better.