How to Become an AKA

Reviewed by Felipe Corredor

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 Fact Checked

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a community service-focused sorority for African American women. As an undergraduate, find a local AKA chapter and meet the minimum requirements to apply. Next, complete the Membership Interest Application and attend Rush. For college grads, you must be invited to join. But you can still network with members and participate in chapter events for an opportunity.

How to Join the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

If you're at a university with an AKA chapter, work on getting your grade above a C+ and fill out a membership application. Attend the Rush event to receive your invitation into the sorority. If you're out of college, then attend graduate chapter events to receive an invite.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Joining Alpha Kappa Alpha as an Undergraduate

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1
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.^{[1]
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Research source} Your school might be affiliated with them.^{[2]
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- 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.
You must be a full-time student for at least one semester immediately before applying. Carefully plan your semester in advance.^{[3]
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3
Maintain a cumulative GPA of C+ or better. Your semester average should also be no worse than a C+.^{[4]
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Research source} 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.
4
Complete the AKA Undergraduate Membership Interest Application. The application is available on their website, aka1908.com,^{[5]
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Research source} 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.^{[6]
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- 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.
5
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.^{[7]
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- 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.^{[8]
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6
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.^{[9]
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Research source} Be patient until your letter arrives, then follow next steps when prompted.
- Your school might enforce additional conditions before you can seek membership.^{[10]
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- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Becoming an AKA as a College Graduate

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1
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.^{[11]
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Research source} 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.
You must be invited in order to begin the application process.^{[12]
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Research source} 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.
3
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.^{[13]
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Research source} 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.
4
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.^{[14]
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- 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.
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.^{[15]
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Research source} Use your time wisely and let relationships develop naturally between you and the members.
6
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.^{[16]
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Research source} 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.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I join if I’m returning to school to finish my degree in human services and have a GPA of 2.75?

Nicole Yeh

Community Answer

If your college has a chapter, reach out to them to see if you qualify, since the article mentions being a full-time student and higher GPAs as possible additional requirements.

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Question

What paperwork will I need to bring with me?

Nicole Yeh

Community Answer

Refer to Method 1 Step 4 above. Details are on the website, (AKA1908.com) and will probably be discussed at interest/rush meetings.

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Question

Are you eligible if your college GPA was below 2.5 34 years ago?

Community Answer

Ask someone who actively deals with membership at the AKA you're interested in. Some organizations are strict. Others may waive certain requirements if you have an impressive resume or other outstanding circumstances.

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