Bama Rush Tok insider gives insight into cost of sorority life
Olivia, who went through the Alabama 'Bama Rush' sorority recruitment process, has given a peek behind the curtain into just how much it costs — and what fines the young women are at risk of copping if they put a toe out of line.
'What you might not know is that girls literally have to pay to rush, and then they have to pay dues to their sorority every single month — or every semester, depending on the sorority,' Olivia said.
The US student said it wasn't cheap, and that just to go through the rush recruitment process costs $375 (AUD $572). It takes place the week before school starts, so there is an additional $180 (AUD $275) if you need to move in early.
This doesn't include beauty or fashion costs that many of the hopeful young women accumulate in the hopes of 'dressing to impress'.
Then, once you get in, you need to pay your dues. This can vary semester to semester, based on your sorority and has caveats such as whether you live inside the house or not. It typically includes meal plans.
'Your first semester in the sorority, your fees are always going to be higher because you have to pay initiation fees and new member fees,' Olivia said.
She said the average cost for a first semester was $4280, which is roughly $6530. The higher end is $5240 (AUD $7995).
It can be higher if you live in the sorority house, but it does include a meal plan, cleaning fees and general house maintenance. Olivia said this doesn't include the matching T-shirts or fines that people may cop.
In a follow-up clip, she detailed exactly what students can be fined for, revealing a copy of the fine list she handed.
Extra costs for details such as three T-shirts, costing $15 (AUD $23) a piece, and pictures, which cost $25 (AUD $38).
If you missed any recruitment event, you'd be fined $100 (AUD $153). It would be the same if the women missed a fraternity event. If you missed a mandatory house event or skipped out on your house duties, it would equal a $50 (AUD $76) fine.
If you flaked out on your service or study hours, it was $5 (AUD $8) for every hour that you missed.
'Activity points, which were points you had to collect to prove you're an active member of the sorority and active on the college campus, were $5 per point,' Olivia said.
'We had to get 120 points so imagine, if you only got half of that, how much you'd have to pay.'
If your dues were late, it would be an extra $10 (AUD $15) and if the house got a violation from the university it would be an extra $100.
The student said that you could get out of a sorority event if you emailed an excuse, and it would be approved or denied. Reasons such as going home to visit family and friends, studying and work were not considered valid excuses as, according to the sorority, those should have been scheduled around the events.
People had big feelings about Olivia's insight into Bama Rush life.
'Sororities and fraternities are banned on my campus and I think I see why,' one person said.
Another said: 'I don't understand.'
'No wonder people think US colleges are a joke,' one added.
'Tri Delta adviser here — we don't fine anymore! Tri Delta is phasing out fines nationally but the chapter I advise has never fined,' another shared.
One person said: 'Groups usually send out a monthly, semesterly, or yearly calendar in advance. They share this with all members helps everyone feel included, informed, and ready to participate.'
'I had to miss three days of recruitment … because I had to work to pay my dues. I quit shortly after instead of paying anything more,' one shared.
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Bama Rush Tok insider gives insight into cost of sorority life
Bama Rush Tok grips social media every August and September as people around the world watch 18-year-old students in Alabama attempt to get into the college sorority of their choice. Olivia, who went through the Alabama 'Bama Rush' sorority recruitment process, has given a peek behind the curtain into just how much it costs — and what fines the young women are at risk of copping if they put a toe out of line. 'What you might not know is that girls literally have to pay to rush, and then they have to pay dues to their sorority every single month — or every semester, depending on the sorority,' Olivia said. The US student said it wasn't cheap, and that just to go through the rush recruitment process costs $375 (AUD $572). It takes place the week before school starts, so there is an additional $180 (AUD $275) if you need to move in early. This doesn't include beauty or fashion costs that many of the hopeful young women accumulate in the hopes of 'dressing to impress'. Then, once you get in, you need to pay your dues. This can vary semester to semester, based on your sorority and has caveats such as whether you live inside the house or not. It typically includes meal plans. 'Your first semester in the sorority, your fees are always going to be higher because you have to pay initiation fees and new member fees,' Olivia said. She said the average cost for a first semester was $4280, which is roughly $6530. The higher end is $5240 (AUD $7995). It can be higher if you live in the sorority house, but it does include a meal plan, cleaning fees and general house maintenance. Olivia said this doesn't include the matching T-shirts or fines that people may cop. In a follow-up clip, she detailed exactly what students can be fined for, revealing a copy of the fine list she handed. Extra costs for details such as three T-shirts, costing $15 (AUD $23) a piece, and pictures, which cost $25 (AUD $38). If you missed any recruitment event, you'd be fined $100 (AUD $153). It would be the same if the women missed a fraternity event. If you missed a mandatory house event or skipped out on your house duties, it would equal a $50 (AUD $76) fine. If you flaked out on your service or study hours, it was $5 (AUD $8) for every hour that you missed. 'Activity points, which were points you had to collect to prove you're an active member of the sorority and active on the college campus, were $5 per point,' Olivia said. 'We had to get 120 points so imagine, if you only got half of that, how much you'd have to pay.' If your dues were late, it would be an extra $10 (AUD $15) and if the house got a violation from the university it would be an extra $100. The student said that you could get out of a sorority event if you emailed an excuse, and it would be approved or denied. Reasons such as going home to visit family and friends, studying and work were not considered valid excuses as, according to the sorority, those should have been scheduled around the events. People had big feelings about Olivia's insight into Bama Rush life. 'Sororities and fraternities are banned on my campus and I think I see why,' one person said. Another said: 'I don't understand.' 'No wonder people think US colleges are a joke,' one added. 'Tri Delta adviser here — we don't fine anymore! Tri Delta is phasing out fines nationally but the chapter I advise has never fined,' another shared. One person said: 'Groups usually send out a monthly, semesterly, or yearly calendar in advance. They share this with all members helps everyone feel included, informed, and ready to participate.' 'I had to miss three days of recruitment … because I had to work to pay my dues. I quit shortly after instead of paying anything more,' one shared.
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