'Get through sorority recruitment and you can get through life': The image consultants charging $8,000 for pre-college coaching... And the young girls desperate to take part

For many girls, the greek system is just a way to meet the "right" husband, the "right" friends and get the MRS. degree. And for those girls, the system works just fine. But the above article does have a valid point. If you live in an area of the country where the Greek system is prevelant, it does provide invaluable contacts and a point of reference with new people you meet. I was non-greek, but I have been in the professional world for a decade now as an attorney. I can tell you that networking and who you know will beat good grades every time in the hiring process. Every firm I know will hire a C student that was referred from a friend rather than an A student they know nothing about. Grades may matter more in math/science based industries, but in other careers, the ability to network (a byproduct of the greek system) is essential. Really, it is an investment as important as any class attended.

- LJ , South, 10/9/2012 23:08

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It is odd to me that those who have not been in a sorority (or fraternity for that matter) are so quick to put them down. I was a member of the Greek system when I was in college. Not only did I make many friends, I also gained a certain amount of self-confidence that comes from being a part of a smaller community on a very large campus. We were expected to make good grades and were encouraged to join other campus organizations. Many of my sisters went on to successful careers, not because they were in a certain sorority, but because they were able to build their resumes and benefit from the social skills and proper etiquette they learned while in college. I encourage many girls to go through sorority recruitment every year. It is not about "buying friends." It is about putting you in touch with people who have the same interests and values that you have. Certainly, many people are not cut out for sorority life, and I respect their decision. Please respect mine.

- Jennifer , Knoxville-GoVols, 10/9/2012 22:13

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This is about as silly as parents convincing themselves that their five year olds need cell phones. Plant an idea in people's heads and they suddenly think they can't live without it.

- Carrieanno , Detroit, United States, 10/9/2012 22:00

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Shelly , Nashville, United States,........"As the article stated, often they carry higher GPAs than non greek students"...What ever, I graduated forth in my class with a dual degree in chemistry and math from a large top notch University. I knew exactly who I competed with for grades in every class, and knew exactly who was in the top ten, and most in the top twenty, in my majors. I am still friends with many of them today,15 years later. None..zero..were in fraternities or sororities. We use to marvel at the number of parties they had, the insane amount of booze they drank, and the amount of trouble they got into. You simply NEVER could have indulged in that life and competed with those I knew. University is about gaining an education, and skills in a profession. Everything else is completely secondary. If you want to "go Greek" that's fine, but if it interferes even one iota with your studies, you're far better off ditching it, and focusing on what you are there for.

- Resident , somewhere in America, 10/9/2012 21:54

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It's not what you know, it's who you know. Shallow.

- oldhack , Mijas Spain, 10/9/2012 21:45

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I'd like to see how many negative comments come from people who have actually been in the Greek system... I made over 6 figs the first year out of undergrad and I can attest to the number of people I worked with who were connected through Greek relationships. I wasn't Greek but the increased access to decision makers for well paying jobs is surely worth a 'consulting' fee, especially after you've already spent over 150k on education. An upfront fee may seem superficial (on many different things, memberships, events, etc) but its difficult to place an intrinsic value on networking and relationships.

- balls.mahoney , New York, NY, 10/9/2012 21:39

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I always find it interesting to read comments from people who have never been part of one of these organizations yet are so quick to put them down. Yes, I doagree the idea of hiring a consultant is ridiculous. Sororities are about so much more than people realize. As the article stated, often they carry higher GPAs than non greek students and they do an enormous amount of philanthropic work. It's not about "buying friends" but about making the most out of the college experience, and while it may not be for everyone, the skills and contacts gained can be very valuable. I have wonderful memories of my sorority years and will encourage my daughter to rush when she goes to college.

- Shelly , Nashville, United States, 10/9/2012 20:00

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My first reaction was like everyone else, that it is ridiculous. But times are tough, we are at a time where everyone has access to computers and smart phones and information is at everyone's fingertips. You have to be innovative. I do not have a college degree and I doubt that I would have joined a sorority back in the 90's but this day in age, I wouldn't veto the idea. Paying 8,000 though is a bit crazy. I would maybe pay for the coaches for a few times but nothing really besides that.

- NoDoubt , Phoenix, 10/9/2012 19:08

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A reflection of how far we have fallen as a country. I certainly will advice my daughter not to join a sorority, unless she really wants to. You should not have to buy your friends. And most of them arent really your friends, even when you join. Fraternities are a different matter; guys are not as caddy.

- prubin8 , Washington D.C, 10/9/2012 18:35

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that's just stupid!

- valentina , Concepcion, Chile, 10/9/2012 18:35

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