Choosing the right Greek Life organization is a big job and the thought of getting it wrong can give anyone anxiety. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time with these men or women over the next four years and many of them will most likely become lifelong friends. The organization you choose will also play a big role in your networking abilities after college, so while it's tempting to join the coolest chapter or the one with the best parties, it's more important to choose a Greek Life organization that aligns with your values, your interests and your goals.

Understand Your Values and Interests

Before you pick a fraternity or sorority to pledge to, it's a good idea to take some time to reflect on your values and interests. Do you have a passion for helping people? What is the reputation of the group like and are you comfortable being a part of it? Does the group support a cause that you're interested in? Every Greek Life organization has a mission. Research the different groups that are active on your campus to learn about each one and see if their mission aligns with your personal values and interests. You can find information about a group's mission and philanthropic efforts online at their website.

Explore the Greek Life Landscape on Your Campus

Exploring the Greek Life scene at your college or university can help you get a better understanding of what groups there are to choose from, how active each one is and what types of activities or benefits they have to offer. At the beginning of each school year there will be many Greek Life events and information sessions you can attend where you can talk to current members of different organizations, ask questions and get a feel for which groups may be right for you. You choose which group you join, but it's important to remember that the group must also choose you, so explore your options and try to find a good fit.

Consider Your Social and Networking Preferences

As you explore the different Greek Life groups on campus, you'll notice large and small groups. You'll want to consider the size of the fraternity or sorority along with networking opportunities, their level of community involvement and the degree of commitment you're willing to offer. Keep in mind that there are different types of fraternities and sororities. Some Greek groups are social organizations while others are professional organizations - this is a very important distinction.

Evaluating Chapter Reputation and History

As you research each fraternity or sorority you're interested in joining, you'll come across a lot of history and probably quite a bit of information on the group's current reputation. Look into why each group was formed, what they stand for and what they're known for today. Consider the achievements of each group and whether or not they've been recognized for any outstanding work or notable alums. Consider if the group's reputation and history align with your personal values. You can talk to current or alumni members to hear about their experience in the group.

Examining Philanthropic and Community Involvement

Every Greek Life organization has philanthropic activities and community service initiatives and most are published on the group's website. You can use this information to assess the impact of the group in your community and determine if your philanthropic interests align with those of the organization. If you feel passionately about a cause or charitable effort, you can probably find a Greek Life organization that shares your vision.

Read more: Greek Life Philanthropy: Making a Difference in the Community

Assessing Financial Obligations and Time Commitments

Greek Life isn't all fun and games. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a big fanatical and time commitment. You'll want to make sure you fully understand the financial obligations associated with Greek Life and the time commitment required by the organization you're interested in joining. Consider your budget, your class schedule and any other commitments already in place before joining. You don't want to stretch yourself too thin or fall behind in your classes.

Participating in Recruitment Events and Activities

Once you know which Greek Life organization you're interested in joining, you can attend formal recruitment events or rush week activities. This will give you a chance to interact with some of the members of the organizations, ask questions and find out if the group is right for you. Before you begin, be sure to learn some sorority lingo and brush up on your Greek Life definitions.

Trusting Your Gut and Making a Decision

Choosing a Greek Life organization to join is a big decision and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Trust your gut when you choose a group, the same way you did when deciding if you should join a sorority or fraternity, and take into consideration the experiences and interactions you had with the members. Consider choosing the organization where you felt the most comfortable, even if it wasn't initially your first pick. Trust your instincts in choosing the right Greek Life organization and you'll soon feel right at home.

Finding the right fraternity or sorority to join can make a big difference in your Greek Life experience. Make sure you choose a group that's aligned with your personal values and interests, has a good reputation, can help you grow as a person and doesn't require more of a financial or time commitment than you can give. Greek Life is a fun part of the college experience and by taking your time, trusting your gut and really immersing yourself in recruitment events and activities, you can find the right Greek organization to call home.