Should you join a "lower tier" sorority?

[TriDeltaSallie]

I'd like to suggest a new sticky (if the powers-that-be think it worthwhile) with a discussion about how PNMs should think through the possibility of joining a lower tier sorority.

I know there are people on Greek Chat who object to this concept, but it is a reality on many campuses. And even if there aren't distinctive tiers, there are frequently chapters that are seen as "less desirable".

I believe it never occurs to a lot of PNMs that they could end up with their only options being chapters that they normally wouldn't consider. They all think they are going to get a "top" house. And then since they haven't thought through it ahead of time, they withdraw from recruitment and that is the end. If even some of them learned from a thread like this while they are researching sororities, it would be time well spent for all of us here.

I think it would be helpful if people shared their personal stories, linked to past recruitment stories that illustrate women being very happy and successful in lower tier chapters, etc. It is fine to address the potential downsides as well since that is something to take into consideration. But there are so many great stories told here in other threads about women who pledged the "lesser" house and ended up very happy. Or stories of women who joined a lower tier group that turned around in a few short years and is now a top group on campus.

Thoughts?