Should I Colonize Or Wait 'til Next Fall...

[Katmandu]

But why is age such a huge issue? I'm still a freshman, if they're concerned with how long I'd be able to serve the chapter?

Chapters might be concerned because you are already 3 years older than the typical freshman and would be 25 as a senior. Chances are your tolerance meter for dealing with 18 year old women and men would be in overdrive by then. It really varies by campus, and I don't have the energy to investigate where PBPhi is colonizing this year. On a traditional campus PNM age can be an issue. On commuter and less trad schools, prob not much of an issue.

Greek life telling you sophs, jrs and srs can rush doesn't tell you what your realistic chances are... just that you can sign up. It's like the girl with the 2.8 HS average. Can she register? Yes. Will she get a bid? Maybe, but it will probably be quite limited opportunities. Colonies are unique experiences. You should at least investigate. Legacies don't carry as much weight anymore, especially from further up the line.

[misscherrypie]

Take the potential opportunities that being part of a new colony recruitment would give. Please, give it a shot.

I would have loved to have had the same potential opportunity. I too, was a non traditional student, although several years older than you. Unfortunately, it wasn't in the cards for me. You have a great opportunity open to you....I suggest that you grab it.

[ChioLu]

What a wonderful opportunity to be part of a new colony.
Pi Beta Phi will be looking for all ages and grade levels, so it will give you a chance for better consideration than if you wait a whole extra year for Formal Recruitment (as Formal can be really "ageist").
I would take this opportunity by the horns!
DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!
(And let GC know how things went.)

Good luck!

[Blue Skies]

As an older, nontraditional student, your best chance is with the colony. Pi Beta Phi is a wonderful organization and I believe that you would never regret joining, should you be given that opportunity.

[AnchorAlumna]

Let me add that being a part of a colony is a VERY bonding experience. It's also a real privilege and honor.

I just realized that there was a page two to my thread but, I’m also very amazed by all of the advice and support that I’ve received. This has been much more responsive than other forums I’ve posted to in the past. I definitely hear all of you loud and clear and I’ll be honest, this isn’t the response that I was initially expecting. I was expecting people to say, “Go to formal recruitment so you can visit all of the houses!” I never considered my age as a factor before I came on GreekChat. So I’m definitely convinced, and am really pumped now about going through the final stages of recruitment next month! I already bought my dress for preference night ($30 on Amazon)! On a side note, I haven’t purchased the cardigan to go with the dress yet...does it look like a PNM is trying too hard when she tries to wear the colors of the sorority she’s trying to get into? Anyways, again, I just want to say thank you to everyone who replied to my thread, it was really fun reading everyone’s point of view on the subject. And wish me luck! I’ll update the thread when I find out if they’ve accepted me or not.

[Titchou]

Yes, wearing the colors of the group is considered a little "too" - if you get my drift.

[LAblondeGPhi]

Originally Posted by Titchou

Yes, wearing the colors of the group is considered a little "too" - if you get my drift.

Well, I think if you wore just a burgundy or blue dress, you could be fine.

But you should definitely avoid these outfits:

[AOII Angel]

Good luck!

[FSUZeta]

Please come back (or better yet, stick around and read the recruitment threads-there are a few colonization threads that might give you some insight) and let us know how everything goes. Best wishes!

[DubaiSis]

I probably wouldn't be as on the nose as that. Be seasonally appropriate and the correct amount of dressy in whatever colors look good on you and wear it with pride. Good luck!

So I already picked out my dress. And mostly because I already own the black version and it's a very comfy yet flattering dress (I wore the black one at my Dad's wedding so I have the skinny white belt too). So I was thinking maybe a white or black cardigan and white or black heels/flats. Not sure yet but I'm thinking blue and white would look cute together and keep it bright.

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

Please come back (or better yet, stick around and read the recruitment threads-there are a few colonization threads that might give you some insight) and let us know how everything goes. Best wishes!

Hey, are there any particular threads that you think I should read? I mostly posted my thread in the first place because I was having issues finding enough info about colonizing.

[adpiucf]

Coral or Yellow would be super pretty for a cardigan with that dress. Good luck! Agree with other posters that the colonization is your best shot. If you don't receive a bid from them, register for formal recruitment.

[Sciencewoman]

I wouldn't wear white shoes in the fall...stick with the black shoes with a black dress.

I like the idea of a colorful cardigan.


I'd LOVE to see my Pi Phi daughter's reaction if I suggested she try to recreate this ensemble: