Going Greek? The sorority rush process will cost you. | Source

Going through a sorority rush is a big decision that will affect your college experience a whole lot. Sorority rush practices have come under a lot of scrutiny lately, especially in light of some organizations having dangerous (and sometimes deadly) hazing rituals, but those aren’t the only stressful aspect of a sorority rush experience. Just applying for a sorority rush is pretty dramatic and a ton of work–and now, in addition to paying dues to be in a sorority once you’re let in, some women are making a business out of milking cash out of you by prepping girls for sorority rush. We know–as if college wasn’t expensive enough already, right?

For about $100 a pop, sorority rush preparers will coach you on everything from your resume (they advise you to emphasize community service) to your wardrobe (they recommend Ugg boots in winter and cute flats the rest of the year). The sorority rush preparers are typically sorority alumnae themselves, and thus if you reward them really well, can write you letters of recommendation to get in. If you don’t have a sorority rush preparer near you, don’t fret–you can hire an etiquette or all-out image consultant to do the same job, usually for around $125 or so an hour . . . or a cool $8,000 for an intensive weekend training of teaching you what to say, how to speak, how to dress.

A lot of girls prepping for sorority rush don’t just practice pageant-style answers in the mirror. They also diet and work out pretty ferociously. One sorority rush hopeful put it this way: “Rushing shakes your confidence level. You are being judged on how you look.”

Doesn’t that all sound a little expensive and ridiculous to you?

Don’t get us wrong, the entire sorority rush process has definite benefits: you’re almost guaranteed to make new friends, regardless of whether you get in, and it’s a great way to meet others with similar interests. And if you do get into your choice sorority? You’ll be able to network and socialize, as well as give back to the community–which will help you with job hunting later on. Not all sororities have the same standards, either.

But if you have to completely change who you are and treat making friends like a job interview, are those really friends you want to have? In addition, if you’re competing with other girls who had professional preparation heading into sorority rush, it’s a really unfair and uneven playing field for rushees who may not have been able to afford an entire staff to make them acceptable to a group of girls they’ve never met.

All we’re saying is, the sorority rush process is pretty intense, and it’s definitely not for everyone–and that’s okay. If sorority rush isn’t your thing, or if you don’t get accepted into your first choice Greek organization, it’s not a big deal. In fact, it’s probably a lot better for your psyche, as well as your wallet, to make friends with people who dig you as is, because, let’s face it. You’re pretty awesome.

Are you looking forward to sorority rush? Do you think sorority rush is unfair? Would you pay money to have an upper hand in the sorority rush process? Tell us in the comments!

Check These 21 Things To Do Before You’re 21 (Sorority Rush NOT Included!)