Joining Alpha Kappa Alpha as an Undergraduate
Attend a university with an AKA chapter. If you know you’d like to join AKA prior to choosing a school, consider colleges with their own chapter. If your school doesn’t have a chapter, look up local undergraduate city chapters. Your school might be affiliated with them. The only difference between a city chapter and a university one is the membership pool. City chapters serve all participating colleges in the area, allowing you to bond with sisters across town.
Earn at least 12 credit hours in one semester. You must be a full-time student for at least one semester immediately before applying. Carefully plan your semester in advance.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of C+ or better. Your semester average should also be no worse than a C+. If your school uses a 4.0 scale, the numerical equivalent to a C+ is a 2.50. Some chapters or schools might require a higher semester and/or cumulative average for undergrads.
Complete the AKA Undergraduate Membership Interest Application. The application is available on their website, aka1908.com, with a pre-Rush checklist. Some parts of the submission package include an official current transcript, two reference letters, and a letter explaining what you’ll bring to AKA. Arrange your submission materials in the order given on the checklist. Your reference letters cannot be written by other undergrads. Ask professors, high school administrators, or employers. You’ll need proof of campus or community involvement from the last two years. Participate in campus clubs like the school newspaper or an entrepreneurial club. Or highlight your community service to show your commitment to aiding others.
Attend the official Rush. Rush begins the undergrad membership process. It lasts about 4 days, with each day sporting a different focus. If you don’t attend Rush, you’re ineligible for AKA consideration. Add a reminder on your phone so you remember Rush’s location, time, and date. Day 1 introduces you to all the houses at your school. Day 2 and 3 vary by college, but might include a skit, philanthropy presentation, or a craft, along with a house tour. Day 4 is Preference, where you’ll learn the traditions and values of the house. Plan your outfits beforehand. Day 1 is the most casual, so try dark jeans and a sweater. Upgrade to a skirt and sandals for Day 2, and heels on Day 3. On Day 4, wear a cocktail dress and a statement necklace.
Begin the official Membership Intake Process (MiP). You’ll start this process when you receive a Letter of Acceptance after Rush. There are no membership activities between Rush and receiving an acceptance letter, and participating in prohibited events during this time could impact potential membership. Be patient until your letter arrives, then follow next steps when prompted. Your school might enforce additional conditions before you can seek membership. Pledging is not required to join AKA. Knowingly participating in pledge activities could hurt your chances of becoming an AKA, as it’s not part of the process.
Becoming an AKA as a College Graduate
Meet the minimum requirements for graduate consideration. The requirements are nearly identical to the undergraduate ones, but you must also have a completed degree, either baccalaureate or graduate/professional. These degrees must be from an accredited school, and a C+ minimum cumulative average is required. The sorority expects all members to promote AKA programs and policies as they enforce them across the organization.
Learn the rules for joining as a college graduate. You must be invited in order to begin the application process. This means the members at your graduate chapter must recognize your interest, take a liking to you, and offer to include you based on your talents and enthusiasm.
Stay up to date on local graduate chapter events. Members of the sorority host and attend events that are often open to the public, so participate regularly. Highlight your interest so members can seriously consider whether you’re a match for AKA. Look at your local chapter’s online calendar for events that interest you. Perhaps the chapter is holding a seminar on a topic you find fascinating. Or maybe there’s a gala, and you love to dress up and socialize.
Acquaint yourself with the members of your local chapter. It’s not enough to show your face at all the panels and parties. Network and genuinely learn about the people at the chapter near you. Making an effort to understand the structure shows your investment in the organization. Learn the positions within the chapter and who holds each role. Be friendly and interested in the people you meet. You might make a lifelong friend. Be genuine. If people think you’re being fake or flattering them only so you can acquire an invitation, they’ll be less willing to consider you as a prospective candidate.
Wait for your Letter of Invitation. It could be a long time before you receive a formal invitation, allowing you to take the next steps. This is especially true if you have no personal connections to the sorority, like friends or family. Use your time wisely and let relationships develop naturally between you and the members.
Attend the Information Session after receiving your invitation. You’ll receive a Letter of Invitation signed by the graduate chapter president and the membership chairman on chapter stationery. Your letter will direct you to the Information Session, where you’ll need to bring certain documents. The required paperwork will be outlined in your Letter of Invitation; read carefully so you don’t miss anything.
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