Sororities do have recruitment, selecting and pledging processes, so you don't have free reign. However, you do have some say in the type of sorority you join. Many campuses have social, service and program-specific sororities that offer distinct benefits. A social sorority fits the traditional view many people have of Greek life. It provides ample informal and formal social opportunities. A service-centered sorority emphasizes campus and community service projects, which helps you develop personal and professional leadership skills. Program-specific sororities bring together people in similar academic programs to provide valuable professional networking opportunities.
Whether it is your primary motive or a secondary benefit, you will likely make friends while you are a member of a sorority. Sisters do sometimes have personality conflicts, but a key point of Greek life is the mutual support and bonding between members of the sorority. You will likely get to know 15 to 30 women well, form strong bonds with a few and possibly live in a house with them as an upperclassman. You will also participate in social mixers, dances, intramural sporting events, and other campus events and projects.
A quality sorority also helps members grow personally during their time in college. Within the sorority, you have leadership opportunities as an officer, committee member and captain for teams or events. Most sororities do engage in some level of community service or organize professional development events, which allows for skill development in these areas. You will also have the chance to develop skills in relationship-building, networking, conflict-resolution and communication as you interact with your sorority sisters.
The specific onus sororities place on academic success varies. Some do fit the media-portrayed mold of a largely socially-focused group. Others, though, have minimum GPA standards and provide study tables for members. Additionally, long-running sororities usually have well-established alumni networks. This factor provides you with access to a great networking pool once you graduate. Some alumni stay connected to the sorority as alumni members or mentors.