1) You and the frat share the same ideological feelings

2) They think of you as a real brother and not just some dink

Talk to current members, ask current members for the phone number of alumni members, do online research.

Depending on the organization, their focus and programs, and how well they fit to your own ideas/ideals will be the most important factor.

If you join a fraternity, you will be immersed/indoctrinated – if the principles of the organization are not something you already agree with, it will clash with your current principles…and will not be a good experience.

I would only add this: Once you are in a fraternity, it will either hang around your neck as a beautiful medal of yours and the fraternity’s achievements or will be a dark stone that weighs you down…both of these things are possible, and once worn, it will be worn for the rest of your life.

The friendships you make in a fraternity are extremely long-lasting and deep. Just make sure that you are a good fit for that fraternity–that’s what the pledging period is for.