I'm currently in a sorority but thinking of transferring to another college. Does anyone know if it's possible to transfer and still stay active in a sorority? How do these things usually work?
Generally speaking, staying active in a sorority after transferring to another school largely depends on whether the new school has the same sorority and what the specific rules of that chapter are. Not all colleges and universities have the same Greek life organizations, so it's important to research that before making a decision.
If your sorority has a chapter at your new school, you can reach out to that chapter first. It is not uncommon for women to transfer membership when switching schools. Though, keep in mind that each chapter has a distinct personality and way of doing things, so the experience might not be the same.
Many times, chapters will have inter-chapter transfer procedures in place. These may involve a probationary period or getting to know the new chapter members before becoming a full-fledged member. Policies can differ substantially from sorority to sorority, and sometimes even from chapter to chapter within a specific sorority, so contacting the headquarters of your sorority or the particular chapter at the new school would be the best route.
If the new college doesn't have a chapter of your sorority, you might no longer be able to participate actively. You might have an "alumna" status, but your level of active involvement would be limited.
In conclusion, it's usually possible to stay involved in a sorority when transferring, but the specifics can vary widely, and it's key to reach out to both your current chapter and potential new one. It's also key to keep your sorority adviser in the loop as they can provide guidance specific to your sorority's national policies.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.