Debunking Sorority Myths
Membership & Recruitment
MYTH: Legacies are guaranteed a bid, and PNM numbers determine ranking.
MYTH: Sorority membership only matters in college.
MYTH: Sorority women don’t have friends outside their chapter.
MYTH: Some sororities at USF are better than others.
MYTH: Joining a sorority is about the merchandise.
Academics
MYTH: Sorority life takes up too much time and interferes with academics.
Hazing & Alcohol
FACT: While sorority involvement requires commitment, all ten USF Panhellenic chapters prioritize academic success. Many chapters provide study hours, academic mentoring, and scholarship opportunities. In fact, the Panhellenic community GPA is consistently higher than the USF Women’s GPA.
MYTH: GreekRank is a good source for researching sororities.
FACT: GreekRank is often unreliable, containing biased or false information. We encourage potential members to experience sorority life firsthand rather than relying on online rumors.
MYTH: Sorority women are hazed or forced to drink.
Finances
MYTH: Sorority membership is just paying for friends.
MYTH: Sorority women don’t participate in sports or campus activities.
MYTH: Sororities don’t truly care about philanthropy.
FACT: While being a legacy is an honor, it does not guarantee a bid. Additionally, PNM numbers are assigned based on registration order and do not impact the recruitment process.
FACT: Sorority membership is lifelong. Alumnae networks provide professional connections, mentorship, and leadership opportunities beyond college.
FACT: Panhellenic women foster friendships across chapters through philanthropic events, leadership roles, and shared experiences.
FACT: Every chapter is unique and offers different opportunities. There is no “best” or “worst” sorority—only the best fit for you.
FACT: Sorority life is about leadership, service, and lifelong sisterhood. While members enjoy wearing letters, their experience goes far beyond apparel.
FACT: USF has a strict zero-tolerance policy on hazing. All sorority members are educated on anti-hazing policies and sign agreements to uphold them. Additionally, social participation is a choice—there is no expectation or requirement to drink or go out.
FACT: Membership dues support leadership development, philanthropy, scholarships, housing, and social programming—not friendships. Many chapters also offer payment plans and scholarships to make dues more manageable.
Athletics & Involvement
FACT: Many sorority women are student-athletes, involved in intramurals, and actively participate in student organizations, leadership roles, and campus events. Sorority life enhances involvement rather than limits it.
Service & Philanthropy
FACT: Each Panhellenic chapter at USF has a unique philanthropy they are passionate about. Members actively volunteer, fundraise, and engage with the community to create meaningful change.