Do you want to have a brotherhood bonded together in a bond of love? “Divine 9” organizations on the yard at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, has always been a pillar of college life, but you will have to put in some work if you want to stand out from the rest of the crowd. From having a good GPA to creating a name for yourself on the yard, being picked up by a “Divine 9” organization requires much more than you might think. Here are 4 ways to get noticed by a “Divine 9” organization.

1. Have a good GPA

It does not matter which organization on the yard that you might want to join, having a good GPA is a great way to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Let us say a 3.0 and above is what you should be shooting for. That is not to say that a lower GPA would not make you qualified to get picked up by a “Divine 9” organization, but lots of Black Greeks prefer quality over quantity any day.

2. Create a name for yourself on the yard

As an incoming freshman, there is not a lot of organizations that you can join. However, you want to find some way to create a buzz around your name, so that “Divine 9” organizations will notice you. Maybe it is by serving the HBCU community or working as a tutor on the yard. Find some way to create a name for yourself.

3. Be knowledgeable about the “Divine 9” organization that you want to join

This is important. Black Greeks want to know what you already know about their organization prior to them picking you up for the summer, and or fall line.

Study, study, study and practice makes permanent. Also, make sure that you do this discretely.

You may even find some luck and will have a member of a “Divine 9” organization to confine in. This saves you on countless hours of time.

4. Be you

Always be yourself. Just because you are wanting to pledge a “Divine 9” organization does not mean you necessarily have to change who you are as a young man or a young woman.

Do not forget that, if and when you cross the burning sands, your letters do not make you who you are, but having integrity gets you the most respect.