What does it actually mean to be in a sorority? It’s not what you’ve seen on television, or in movies. It’s not the same thing your mom or grandmother experienced. It’s definitely not “buying your friends.” It’s an incredible opportunity that will change your life!

A sorority is an organization that you join in college, offering co-curricular experience that will strengthen and enrich your undergraduate education. Social events, philanthropy events, scholarship activities, leadership opportunities, friendship, and networking are all a part of sorority life.

When you choose and join a sorority, you are meeting the girls that you will know all through college. Together, you will study, play, lead and give back to your community. They will be your friends and your mentors.

College is a big place, and everything and everyone is new. Even after freshman year, there are constantly new and challenging experiences — “Do I want to change my major? Should I study abroad? What’s it like living off-campus? How hard is summer school? Should I run for student government? Should I break up with [insert name of boy from your Western Civilization class]?”

When you’re in a sorority, you have a nearby support system to turn to — for advice, to vent, to relax, to share experiences and learn from older sisters who’ve been there.

Joining a sorority is good for your grades. Yes, the common myth is that sorority girls do nothing but party, but it’s not true. As a new member, you will attend supervised study sessions. As an initiated member, you’ll get to meet with other girls in your house who are in your same major, so you can help each other out with academic pursuits. Every sorority has an entire committee and elected officer dedicated to scholarship and helping you do well in your classes.

In fact, students who join a sorority are likely to have higher grades than a non-Greek student, and are also more likely to graduate on time. How ’bout them apples?

Joining a sorority will help you get more involved with campus and college life. The sorority environment cultivates leadership skills. It’s easier to get involved in other clubs and activities when you have a sister you can ask all about it.

Sometimes, joining a sorority is literally a home away from home. Many chapters have houses on campus, where members can live for a year or more. Late night talks, always a pal to go to the gym with, study break refrigerator raids, gathering around the game room TV to watch “Laguna Beach” and “American Idol” with 30 of your closest friends… these are the experiences you’ll share when you “live in.”

But, a sorority doesn’t “suck you in” and take over your life, either. A sorority is designed to enrich you, not engulf you. You can be as active in your sorority as you like. You can explore friendships, activities and experiences all over campus and community, and create a diverse, unique college life that is 100% totally you.