sorority dues

I had the same problem when I was an incoming freshman. Unfortunately the dues in my sorority are one of the highest ones at FSU. I work my ass off during the summers to make a few grand and put every penny towards my dues. I work as a promoter at a club through the school year for spending money so my parents don't have to transfer anything into my account. I pay for the dues from what I make over the summer (only about 3/4 for one semester) and my parents pay about half of the remaining balance and we have a student loan for the remaining. It is by no means easy but I love my sorority so much that I try as hard as possible to make it work. There are of course the families that write out one huge check at the beginning of each semester or even the second day of class for the entire year. It's unfortunate that some students have to work their asses off for dues, and others don't even have to think twice about it. But that's life and you gotta do what you gotta do. Good luck! Also sororities work out monthly or weekly payments. You'll still be paying the same amount at the end of each semester, but it might be easier for you and your family to split it up throughout the semester so each time you get paid you pay a portion.

also every sorority has some type of nationals scholarship program! Usually only a few girls from each chapter receive it but it's worth a shot looking into. They usually range from $500-$1000 each semester and all you have to usually do is fill out a profile/resume type thing and maybe write an essay. But you would look into after you see which sorority you're in. $500-$1000 might not seem like a large amount when you're looking at a $4000 semester bill but believe me there are many things you can do with that spare $1000 that you will have left over and you'll thank yourself for staying in maybe one or two nights in a week to work on that essay to get the scholarship

I'm curious. Since the sororities do not pay for parties, what do they spend their dues on? I went to the University of Michigan and a lot of people were upset to learn that the Greeks were required to pay the salaries of the Greek Life staff.

I pay for 100% of dues myself and it definitely isn't the easiest thing to do but it is possible! I work full time over summers and work 25 hours a week during school years and make sure to make the most out of meal plans and housing.

I took a semester off after graduating high school (June 2015) so I'll only have 12 credits under my belt when I apply to FSU. Would I be considered a freshman or sophomore when I rush in fall of 2016?

Sororiities have always been expensive. You need to consider if going into debt is worth the cost. Honestly there is very little a sorority provides that you can't do on your own. Unless you live in the house all 4 years which is almost impossible it's a waste of money.
You can and will find friendships and a social life that don't require 5-8k a year. Realize your dues are in addition to your dorm or apartment expenses. The dues only cover certain expenses. Add in clothing gifts travel ect.. And that increases at least another 1-3k per year above dues,
Most girls families pay and maybe 10% in my house pay themselves. I do see those girls struggling to keep up all year and it's sad because they end up missing many events to work to pay dues . What's the point then? Tuition is extremely cheap at fsu so I don't think it's a problem for most girls.

If you are going to be struggling to pay dues I would reconsider rushing.
It;s difficult enough going to school, and working. Adding the demands of a sorority on top is additional pressure. Some can do it but it's not easy.

Get a summer job! That's what most girls do

Honestly, you have to be realistic and decide whether being in a sorority is worth all of that money you spend. For me, it wasn't. I worked my ass off my freshman year trying to afford my dues. Working full time, plus school, and making time for your sorority...it just wasn't worth it. I was so stressed. Not to mention I missed out on TONS of sorority events because of my job. I quit my sorority after my freshman year. You know, the sad thing is, all of the friends I made during my time in my sorority, I lost most of them. i graduated last fall, and I don't talk to a single one of them any more. But you know what? I don't care because I had a GREAT time in college. I made some absolutely amazing and life long friends outside of being in my sorority and who have become like family. I had an amazing social life and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The friends I made after I left my sorority were there for me at my lowest, so the poster who said that her sisters were there for her and not her other friends after her life took a down turn...don't listen to her. Making it sound like you can't have good friends outside of your sorority. My "sisters" dropped me like a hot potato when I left. Sororities are fantastic, and one of my best friends to this day, was in a sorority herself, but they aren't for everyone. Don't stress about rushing. Your social life will NOT be dictated by not being able to afford dues. You can still have an AMAZING social life and not be in Greek Life.

Please please DO NOT rush if you can't afford a sorority. You're only going to take someone's spot who could've paid and it also just sucks having people drop. Don't do it.