Sorority Reputations
By livelonger
Sororities with hundreds of chapters nationwide are bound to have some differences from campus to campus, but those with strong national organizations tend to foster a fairly common culture across all chapters. Although opinions might differ, the following is a collection of commonly-held opinions of these sororities across the US. The ten selected below are the largest national sororities that are members of the National Panhellenic Conference, an umbrella organization comprising 26 member groups.
Chi Omega
"Chi Os", as they are sometimes called, like to cultivate an image of being "good girls", something their homage to "Christian ideals" likes to stress. In terms of reputation, though, on the plus side, they are considered to have it together and to be well-organized. Among the negative sentiments expressed about them, they are considered a bit isolated (maybe even exclusionary), choosing to involve themselves in their own philanthropic and social activities over cooperation with other Greek letter organizations. Many have noted that while Chi Os are sweet and classy, they are not necessarily known as the most physically attractive women (but not the ugliest, either; many have said they are "plain Janes").
Some say the sorority is full of girls who were rejected at top-tier sororities, but are still solidly mid-tier. The sorority touts its diversity, but some say the standards are loose enough that there's very little tying all Chi-Os together in terms of personality, looks, campus activity, or academic performance.
The consensus, if there is one, is that Chi Omega is respected but not necessarily exalted among sororities.
Delta Zeta
Delta Zeta (DZ) girls are generally considered approachable and easy to talk to, maybe if because they're not considered the most beautiful women on campus (others say it's because they have a reputation for being "easy"). This has, unfortunately, led most other sororities on some campuses to consider them a "lower-tier" sorority. They have a reputation of accepting those who were rejected by top-tier sororities, being a backup option for many.
However, DZ women are known for their strong sisterhood and mutual support, and, among fraternities, for being a lot of fun. They also pride themselves on being really involved in campus Greek life. Because of this, only the nastiest sorority girls will outwardly dislike them. Think of them as the Betty Suarez of sororities, or even the Amanda Tanen of sororities (a couple of Ugly Betty references).
Alpha Phi
Alpha Phi girls are generally known to be partiers, who like to drink and have a good time. Their academic reputation is considered good, although they tend to shirk away from "tougher" majors and choose less-demanding subjects that don't conflict with their social lives. "Classy" and "involved" are not typically used to describe Alpha Phi girls, but "fun" and (often) "popular."
They are considered by many to be an upper mid-tier sorority, although they are generally popular among fraternities because they like to party. Because Alpha Phi girls are perceived to be confident enough, you will find some quirky/offbeat members as well as plenty who don't care what other sororities think of them. They are considered to be laid-back and are probably the least likely among major sororities to worry about their reputation.
Delta Gamma
Delta Gamma (DG - "dee gees") are considered a mid-tier sorority almost everywhere across the country. DGs are considered classy, supportive of each other, very "girl-power", and generally heavily involved in campus activities, DGs tend to enjoy a level of respect among other sororities and fraternities, even if that does mean they have to deal with some hate, too.
The adjectives you'll often hear about DGs are: "nice", "social butterflies", and "good girls." But because their historical national reputation is fairly high--they are seen as established more than "up-and-coming"--there is a bit of a sense that they have something to lose rather than something to gain by the usual rough and tumble world of sorority dynamics. Their "good girl" characterization means they typically don't like "mean girl" cattiness, either. That said, girls who pledge DGs are usually very happy when they are accepted into the fold.
Delta Delta Delta
Delta Delta Delta ("Tri-Delts") have a national reputation that even got them lampooned in a 1980s episode of Saturday Night Live ("Delta Delta Delta, can I helpya helpya helpya?"). Some consider them the quintessential sorority, for both good and bad sentiments. Depending on the school, they are either considered at the lower end of the top tier, or at the higher end of the mid tier. The fact that many Tri-Delts consider themselves top tier might explain some of the resentment they get from other sororities.
DDDs tend to be heavily invested in philanthropy, and would prefer to be labeled "classy" over "fun to party with," although they do not like to cultivate an image of bores, either. They do tend to take sisterhood seriously, and try not to get caught up in drama, which might lead to the sentiment that they're aloof and snobbish.
Zeta Tau Alpha
Zeta Tau Alpha is a sorority that tends to be far more popular in the South than elsewhere in the country. The reputations of Zetas tend to range depending on who you talk to, but "party girls" is a fairly common descriptor; the less charitable have compared Zetas to the cast of the Jersey Shore. Possibly because of this, Zetas can often have highly polarized opinions among both fraternities and other sororities. Many other sororities say they are hot in a pretty fake way, with heavy use of makeup, and a bit of a "princess" complex.
Although Zetas tend to be committed to philanthropy and consistently-successful fundraisers, part of their "Southern-only" reputation seems to come with the sentiment that they only accept white girls. This, of course, is hotly disputed by the Zetas themselves.
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Kappa Kappa Gamma ("Kappas") are known for being "rich girls." Their absolute ranking in terms of reputation relative to other sororities completely depends on the school, but they are universally considered "top tier." Maybe because of the money, their house tends to be one of the nicest on campus. However, many consider them to be materialistic and only after finding other trust-fund babies to marry...something that they apparently don't have much difficulty doing, since they are considered "cute" or "pretty" by most.
The terms you'll see applied towards Kappa are: fun, cute, and popular, and sometimes smart and classy (but not always). They do have a reputation of being "daddy's little princess" and for preserving their reputation, which, despite the usual onslaught of criticism from other sororities, is fairly intact across the country.
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega ("AXO" or "A Chi O") is a sorority that's probably solidly mid-tier, and because of its relative ranking, endures a wide range of opinions. However, AXO girls are generally not considered terribly hot or popular, but they are considered classy and involved. In spite of a tendency to keep a relatively low profile, AXOs are considered down-to-earth and "real" which sometimes can be a bit patronizing. However, they don't tend to be as social as other sororities, and sometimes they can feel "invisible" in the face of much more visible and social sororities.
Pi Beta Phi
Pi Beta Phi girls ("Pi Phis"), considered by most to be "top-tier," nevertheless have a widespread reputation of being pretty fake and superficial. They are not considered nice by most, but they also won't deign to be outright nasty either. Many consider them to be obsessed with their looks, and have body image issues. But these might very well be the gripes of sororities with an inferiority complex?
With consistently high marks for physical attractiveness, sociability and popularity, Pi Phis certainly earn the envy of some other sororities and a high level of interest among fraternities. Where they tend to lack - in philanthropy, for example - generally doesn't seem to concern them too much.
Kappa Delta
Kappa Delta ("KDs") might be considered an up-and-coming sorority, one that has risen to the top-tier in terms of reputation from mid-tier in years and decades past. Their reputation is by no means uniform, and this seems to be due to the fact that there is quite a bit of diversity in the types of girls who pledge KD. Unlike some other top-tier sororities, Kappa Delta does not have the reputation of being all clones, or princesses, but they are popular and social. Just about everyone knows at least one KD they really like and one KD they really hate.
One consistent observation is, possibly due to the fact that Kappa Delta has fought its way to the top tier in terms of popularity, is that they are obsessed with popularity and decide who they'll talk to based on it. This might not be a fair assessment, though, and might simply be the sentiment of those who have seen--and resent--KD rise in sorority rankings.
Comments
Yes, they are popular on certain college campuses, not as popular or even nonexistent on others. I never felt compelled to join myself, but you are right, those that do good charity work should be admired. :)
What a cool overview, livelonger! Now I feel like a dolt for not even pledging any... I signed up to when I was a freshman, then saw all the girls and was like "...... notforme."
But some of these sound really fun! Ah well.
Perhaps your guide will give others a better initial overview so THEY, unlike me, will still consider pledging some of these sororities :D
I can completely understand. I was exposed to a bunch of them my sophomore year in college, and learned a bit through "osmosis" although I can completely understand not wanting to pledge!
That's very interesting. I never knew anything about this stuff, and your take on their reputations was a lot more interesting than reading a wikipedia of their history.
I go to UF, and the sorority girls are ridiculous. Tri-Delts have their own saying, "Tri-Delt, everyone else has." They are kind notorious for being, um, generous. Both my mom and grandmom were Kappa Deltas, and they wanted me to join so badly. It's definitely not for me though. My friend got asked how much her dress cost when she was pledging. Not a scene I would ever want to be involved in.
Well I'd just like to start off by saying, it is never too late to join a sorority! This year, we invited a few juniors to join our house! Sure, being a freshman gives you a better chance because you will be a 4-year member, but at the same time, sometimes the older girls that join halfway through college end up being stronger members for the short time they are there, and it also sets you apart from all the freshmen who are rushing because you are different! Being in a sorority is something I can't explain in words. So just saying "sororities aren't my thing" or "I'm not a sorority girl" is dumb to me. Because honestly, sororities aren't like what you see in the movies. It's just a great place to meet friends that you will have for the rest of your life. The friendships in sororities are unlike anything else and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Nationally, every sorority has a philanthropy, so every single sorority does charity work. It's not just a few. So if the charity work is what you are worried about, do some research on what the specific philanthropies of the chapters at your school are. For instance, nationally ChiO is "Make-A-Wish" and DG is "Service for Sight." Find something you're interested in, but most importantly, just get a feel for where you belong. I was pressured to go one way because I had friends who were already members of a certain house but I ended up joining a different one and I've never been happier. It was where I felt I fit in, and I ended up finding out that I would have been extremely unhappy if I'd gone with my old friends.
Even if you don't think sororities are for you, I would suggest just giving it a shot. You have nothing to loose, and you'll never know if you could absolutely love it until you try it!!
You have got to be kidding. this is so out of date it's pathetic. I attend one of the top universities in the country, and arguably the most competitive sorority school in the country. One of the "top" sororities in this write-up just had to shut down their chapter, and one of the "mid-tier" sororities has so many top women that it's almost embarrassing to the other sororities on campus. Whatever you read here should probably be ignored. Seriously.
Elizabeth: As I stated at the top, the National Panhellenic Conference lists these sororities as the 10 largest nationwide, their status or standing in your school notwithstanding. I suspect you're a bitter member of a sorority that didn't make the cut, or that enjoys a reputation you don't particularly like.
At my school, Chi O and KD are considered the "best" sororities and what you said about the Chi O's is illustrated exactly at my school. And the KD's are definitely a hodge podge, but I love em! I'm rushing KD in the fall. The KD girls at my school aren't afraid of being a little odd and that's what makes them so approachable. Also, I know several Kappa Kappa Gamma's from other schools, and boy are you right about them!
I find that Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Kappa Kappa Gamma, all are considered "top tier' nationally. ALL have very rich girls and fake girls. The Pi Phis do tend to get the 'beauties', the Thetas get the 'jocks' and the Kappas get the 'partiers'. This can switch from school to school, but you did get the reps right, except for KD. I have never seen them as top tier at any school I have observed. Pi Phis tend to be arrogant, and really don't care what people think of them, they seem to be above it all. Kappa Kappa Gamma seems to be falling in their ranking some due to their wild, "substance' use, and 'easy' dating habits. I think you are right on about all of them to a large degree.
I'm so glad that i read all the comments before leaving this page. It looks like my daughter is going to be joining Alpha Phi and i've been so disappointed solely because of their reputation, but she loves all the girls that she's met so far and it seems to be a good fit for her, but the reputation........ ugh. Not good from everything i'm reading and I don't know how accurate it is. REAL feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I agree with most of what you said (especially about Delta Gamma) however, I'm pretty sure Chi Omega is considered top tier at most major universities...
Great hub .Thanks for sharing.
is usually a top tier sorority and the girls in it are wonderful.. Every sorority has partiers, so nothing should make aphi stand out in that area. Beautiful, classy, intelligent girls are in APHI! AOE
A lot of these are inaccurate. Delta Zetas are gorgeous, easy girls while Delta Gammas are typically bigger in size and far more unattractive. They aren't called "Del Grandes" for nothin'.
Agreed that different universities hold sororities in different esteem!! Phi Mu is very popular at LSU, but NOT at Arkansas and they even lost their chapter at UA bc they couldn't maintain their numbers. They were students calling Phi Mu girls Phi Moo at Arkansas and then the girls at LSU are pretty girls and it's a popular sorority. It all depends on the school you go to. Just like Lambda Chis for guys.
This is literally obnoxious. Every sorority has different traits from chapter to chapter. To attempt to generalize thousands and thousands of women based on a national chapter is humorous to me. And as for the parents and others commenting on this and taking it seriously, don't. Each chapter varies and although SOME of these stereotypes are similar to those on my campus, some are so far from it. Learn for yourself.
I think it is slightly ridiculous that people make pages like this. Obviously every girl going through rush wants to get into the "best" sorority on their campus and wants to be part of the "top tier." Anyone and everyone ever involved in the Greek System is obviously going to be biased toward their sorority or the sorority that all of their friends are in. The reputation of each sorority is DIFFERENT at every sorority you go to. Let the poor girls rush for Christ's sake and stop trying to put ideas into their heads about which are the best, the worst, the richest, the sluttiest, and the craziest sororities. Every girl should have the opportunity to get a feel for each and every house she rushes and decide for herself which she would fit in the best at.
How incredibly short-sighted. You can't classify ANY sorority with a "general reputation".....each chapter at each university is different. Have to agree with Lindsey right above me. Girls going through rush (and those rushing them) will decide where they fit in the best; the recruitment process is designed to try to ensure that good matches are made, and each PNM ultimately joins the house in which she will feel most comfortable. It doesn't work all the time, but it works enough of the time that sororities have maintained their popularity among undergrads for more than 120 years. Furthermore, if you're going to generalize like this, then include all panhellenic sororities, not just the largest national groups. Signed...proud member of DDD
This is pretty accurate, but I go to a southern school where Chi O and Kappa are at the very top. Both have very attractive and fun girls.
Pi Phi is the beautiful, richest sorority on top at my HUGE frat/sor oriented school and kappa and Chi o are the bottom. Interesting how it all works.
Pi Beta Phi isn't always like that, I know someone who is very nice and outgoing who is in Pi Beta Phi . Its obvious that the woman who wrote this didn't like this group because she (or he) mentioned about a hundred times how "Fake" or "Plastic" , etc. . they are. Everyone is different. Don't judge! :(
Cardisa 11 months ago
Hey Livelonger,
Wow, all I knew about sororities before was from movies. This is very interesting stuff. We don't have much of that her in or country, but from what I have gathered it's not so bad if you find the right one to be a part of. From the little I do know some sororities do charities and that is good in my book.
Thanks for the info.
Have a wonderful evening.