Hey! So I've tried to do research myself on Delta Sigma Pi and Alpha Kappa Psi. Those are two business fraternities at my university. They both seem to participate in the same activities. I was just wondering which one should I join from a ibanking/business point of view? Your advice and insight is really appreciated!
Thank you!
DSP and AKPsi Business Fraternity Rankings
During college joining a business fraternity (bfrat) can help students make friends and build a professional network.
When selecting a bfrat, there are four elements that you could consider:
- The strength of the national network
- The strength and intensity of the local chapter
- The fraternity's placement record into your career of interest
- The social factor
Our users shared commentary below:
@monk-E commented:
On a national level, I don't think there's really any difference aside from the fact that AKPsi has been around longer and probably has more alums. What's more applicable to you is what the current members are focused on. If you casually mention during a social stage that you're really interested in IB ... you should get a feel .. their response will be "Oh, we got plenty of people who are going to be doing IB next year .. have you talked to x, y, z ? They're all working at bulge bracket firms blah blah blah...
@pattimayonnaise shared their belief that Delta Sigma Pi is the favorable choice:
Seems like a no-brainer to me...
- DSP is selective to only business majors- not like campus-wide business clubs or social fraternities (or AKPsi)
- They are the only business org. that has a national staff consulting/providing support constantly
- DSP is a member of the Professional Fraternity Association allowing for networking and leadership development among 40 other professional fraternitites (AKPsi is not a member)
- DSP has membership for life with no renewals (or alumni dues)
- DSP hosts the largest national convention of any similar fraternity
- The national website provides jobs posting section for collegiate and alumni members nationwide
- DSP is in more than 47 countries around the world
@Closer121 echoed @pattimayonnaise sentiment that DSP is the better choice:
DSP is the best business fraternity. At my school, a VERY non-target, they sent 5 people out of a 10 seniors into IB/S&T and 3 into Big 4 Accounting.
@yawster shared:
This is a ridiculous question. Of course the fraternities will differ from school to school. Some schools have a stronger DSP chapter, some have a stronger AKPsi. If it were me I would join the more hardcore one -- the one that places the most people into banking/finance. I would also spend another quarter/semester pledging an IFC house. That would be the best of both worlds... of course this is assuming you could handle 2 pledge quarters/semesters.
Decided to Pursue a Wall Street Career? Learn How to Network like a Master.
Inside the WSO Finance networking guide, you'll get a comprehensive, all-inclusive roadmap for maximizing your networking efforts (and minimizing embarrassing blunders). This info-rich book is packed with 71 pages of detailed strategies to help you get the most of your networking, including cold emailing templates, questions to ask in interviews, and action steps for success in navigating the Wall Street networking process.
Comments (53)
on a national level, i dont think theres really any difference aside from the fact that AKPsi has been around longer and probably has more alums. whats more applicable to you is what the current members are focused on. If you casually mention during a social stage that your really interested in IB ... you should get a feel .. their response will be "Oh, we got plenty of ppl who are going to be doing IB next year .. ahve you talked to x, y, z ? theyre all working at bulge bracket firms blah blah blah'
just my opinion...good luck with rush ..
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Side-by-side comparison of top modeling training courses + exclusive discount through WSO here.
yeah, at my school it seems like both are very good so that's why it's so hard to chose. However, I wanted to see how it was in other places around the country.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
you should go with the fraternity where you think you'll like the people the most. it doesn't matter what type of presence the organization has if you can't mesh with the people. neither of those organizations are so tight-knit anyway that they'll shape your entire career...remember these are professional fraternities, not "brotherhoods for life"
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
ah, i like the people almost equally.. so that's why im asking. i have friends in both..
i might flip a coin.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
pick the ones that seem like theyre more fun to drink with...thats what i did and it turned out alright...
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Seems like a no-brainer to me...
-DSP is selective to only business majors- not like campus-wide business clubs or social fraternities (or AKPsi)
-they are the only business org. that has a national staff consulting/providing support constantly
-DSP is a member of the Professional Fraternity Association allowing for networking and leadership development among 40 other professional fraternitites (AKPsi is not a member)
-DSP has membership for life with no renewals (or alumni dues)
-DSP hosts the largest national convention of any similar fraternity
-the national website provides jobs posting section for collegiate and alumni members nationwide
-DSP is in more than 47 countries around the world
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Join the one that has the quickest gains and will require the least amount of your time. Do you really want to be that kid that makes the poster at the front of school or is sitting at the bake sale?
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
This is something that totally depends on the school you go to and the members of the individual chapters. At my school, Alpha Kappa Psi is much larger and held in much better regard though I am sure the opposite is the case at other schools.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Yeah. This has really helped. Thanx you guys!
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
DSP is the best business fraternity. At my school, a VERY non-target, they sent 5 people out of a 10 seniors into IB/S&T and 3 into Big 4 Accounting
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
But as people said, it is all about who is there now. Find the smartest, most dedicated kids and go with that.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Check out the websites, if they have them, and see the "Careers" section. You should be able to get a feel for which fraternity sends more people to the best firms.
On the social level, try to spend some time drinking with both fraternities and get a feel for what they are like, and what fits best with you.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
This is a ridiculous question. Of course the fraternities will differ from school to school. Some schools have a stronger DSP chapter, some have a stronger AKPsi. If it were me I would join the more hardcore one -- the one that places the most people into banking/finance. I would also spend another quarter/semester pledging an IFC house. That would be the best of both worlds... of course this is assuming you could handle 2 pledge quarters/semesters.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
join a real frat, dont be a gdi
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
couldn't agree more with bateman. when a banker sees that you're in akpsi or delta sig on your resume, unless he's from one of those "frats" himself, he'll probably think you're a shallow finance douchebag. oh wait...
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Side-by-side comparison of top modeling training courses + exclusive discount through WSO here.
what school do you go to?
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Don't join. Both are just a waste of time and $.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
lol. well, this comments are way too late, since ive already pledged for one of those fraternities.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
if you're a freshman, you could always just quit and join a real frat.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
just curious, which one did you join?
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
um, not a freshman. and seriously, fuck social fraternities.
And I joined AKPSi- better feel on my campus than delta sig
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
cool, well just make sure that when you're on campus, every time you have the opportunity to drop the name of your organization, you respond with "alpha kappa psiiiiiiiiii!!!!" cuz that's how the real gangstas roll. you are guaranteed to make many friends this way (only if you're hardcore, though)
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
finance frats- dont throw parties, dont attract hot chicks, dont funnel beers, dont help kids get jobs
social frats- parties, keg stands, beer bongs, hot drunk chicks, bankers
honestly i would rip on a kid in a finance frat and ask him when he didnt join a real fraternity...but thats just me
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Real talk. Basically every kid I've ever met that was in one of those "frats" was a tool.
But go ahead and join, you fuckin' puppet.
Check out my WSO Blog
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
agree with bateman. barring the 2-3 cute girls in each of those "frarorities", they're filled to the brim with one dimensional d-bags.
IFC fraternities place as many people in finance and we got laid way more.
yea! eff social fraternities!
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Agree with the two above. Many of my friends in IFC fraternities got SA positions with top banks. I think theres a stigma associated with business fraternities also. Most people I know that aren't in them view them as places for people who need anything they can get to get accepted into a bschool program. May be much different at schools without undergrad bschool program.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
hm. that's very interesting you guys but i think it depends on the school.
Really- like the business fraternity that i joined at my school has a shitload of parties and it has a lot of really cool people in it. hah :p. I'm sorry if it's different at your school.
And TheKing, thank you for calling me a puppet.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
oh, and btw, idk how it is at other school, but many people in my business fraternity aren't business majors-probably at least half. Even have a visual arts major so it's really a lot different than you know it be.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
And there is your AKPsi/DSP comparison haha. DSP only takes business majors...
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
oh wow, some visual arts majors? sign me up
theres also a difference between "throwing parties" and throwing parties that people (see hot chicks) actually go to
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
-_- versus 8=====>(|)
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Usually you wouldn't expected people in banking to comment that negatively, but hell, if numerous people are they might be on to something? Haha, I think it varies from school to school though. The ~6 people in DSP here that applied for banking all got solid positions. At the same time, don't ever say a professional fraternity can throw a party anywhere close to the caliber an IFC house does. Trust me, that's just plain wrong. That, or the Greek system is underdeveloped at your school.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Business frat equates volunteering and paying money to someone.
Real frat equates massive hung over and paying money to someone.
I have to say I'd rather get a hung over if I am paying...
But instead I chose: finding girlfriends to sleep at their houses, crashing on my friends' couches, sleeping in my car, or studying abroad as the better option. Cause nothing beats free rent!
Remember, you will always be a salesman, no matter how fancy your title is.
- My ex girlfriend
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
wow. it's funny that every time someone comments on this post i have examples from my bus. fraternity that's a lot different than what other people think. Maybe it's because I'm from a really cool city in the south or something.
Last night: bus. frat party=$1 drinks=hung over.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
last nites IFC frat party=free beers=fucked in half drunk
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Congrats on Joining AKPsi... I think you made a great choice and this is coming from a person who is on both sides of the fence... Business Frat and a Social Frat... I am a Brother of AKPsi as well a Brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated... DaniNo when did you cross?
KeiSongz AKPsi-Sigma
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Which business fraternity to join? How to succeed socially in Wharton/Penn/on Wall Street? (Originally Posted: 08/04/2014)
Hi everyone,
I'm an incoming freshman at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania. Just want to ask for advice on which of the three business frats should I join - AKPsi, Phi Gamma Nu or Delta Sigma Pi? Currently, I'm leaning towards AKPsi because it seems the most established out of the three, but I'm open to learning more about the other two.
Also, does anyone know specifically what the rush process is like? From what I've read, there is open rush and closed rush. And there's a pledging process after that. Anyone knows what are the specific tasks you are 'assessed' for, and what does it take to do well and be accepted into the frat? I heard it's really difficult to get into AKPsi :( (and I'm a girl, let's face it.. does that makes things even harder for me?)
Last but not least, I'm wondering if anyone has tips or advice for an international student on how to succeed socially at Wharton/Penn/on Wall Street even? Like anything particular/peculiar about US culture and etiquette I need to know, that is important in school/at work? Any ultimate taboos or things that Americans look highly upon/admire?
Would love to hear your opinions! Thanks in advance! :-)
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Congrats on Wharton. Join a sorority. Have a good time and go develop some solid social skills. You sound smart and ambitious already, but if you master the social side of things you'll be the total package. I actually think being a girl should make it easier for you. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
Any one of those business fraternities will be fine.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
I am in both a business fraternity and a Greek fraternity, and while some here like to look down on business fraternities, mine has helped me a lot. I was recently contacted by a recruiter due to one of the older members, so the network is invaluable.
Anyways... PM me if you have any questions about rush, I'll try to help you out.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
I was in AKPsi along with a Greek sorority. Join either AKPsi or DSP, the other one doesn't have any brand name. Whether it helps depends 1) which school you're at, and 2) how hard you want to network. I've never used my AKPsi connections for networking, but ymmv. Rush process also varies by school. At some it's super simple. At others it's a hazefest (*cough*Stanford).
Currently: clinical psychologist (in training)
Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
I am in Wharton and AKPsi. I think at Penn each of the b-frats has a different reputation and is involved with varying activities on campus. The best thing to do is to scout all three out first semester, as no freshman are allowed to join a b-frat, sorority, fraternity, cultural frat/sor. first semester. Then second semester pay attention to your top two choices and then go for it. You can rush more than one frat, but make sure you are getting to know the Brothers, as that is the most important part. Additionally, I can assure you that there are international students in all three of the b-frats, some of them being close friends of mine. If you have specific questions, please ask away; I was rush chair for AKPsi last semester.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Join a sorority - tridelt, theta, etc. Business frats are a waste of time
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
I was at Penn and did not find that people in the business fraternities did any better when it came to job placement
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Join a real fraternity or sorority... Business frats are generally a joke unless you're in like Delta Sigma Pi at Cal Berkeley (which is a real powerhouse as far as they go)
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
agree with joining a real fraternity.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
First off, the people saying join a real fraternity either have reading comprehension problems or do not understand greek life.
If you want to excel socially you will have to leave your comfort zone. Sure, you could join a business fraternity only and hang out with only Asians at Penn and perpetuate Asian stereotypes. I would advise you to rush a sorority and be yourself and make friends that way. Maybe you will luck out and get a bid.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Joining a Business Fraternity (Originally Posted: 09/03/2014)
I recently transferred to a small private college with no greek greek life besides a med and business fraternity. Delta Sigma Pi is the business fraternity on campus. I was wondering if it would be worth pledging? I hear mixed reviews about this subject. Seeing how there are no social fraternities, i would assume this would be the 2nd best option. I'm looking for networking opportunities. Would a business fraternity help?
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
I am currently in both a business and a social fraternity, so I will give you my view on this subject. The people in my bus. fraternity really bug me. They get a bad rap on here, and, honestly... it's warranted. I go to the meetings, come up with as many excuses not to go to things, etc. There really isn't a 'brotherhood', I've seen some members turn a cold shoulder to other members completely ignoring them if they see them outside of meetings. If you are looking for brotherhood, get to know some of the members first; see if they are actually people you could see yourself hanging out with. So, maybe the bus. fraternities at my campus are just weird, I don't know.
As far as networking goes... that's just the luck of the draw. Again, mine has let me down in this respect as well. Nobody really has any connections in high finance. I have gotten referrals for other industries via the fraternity, but nothing that I couldn't have gotten anyway. Point is, there may be members that are connected, or you will have a lot of first generation students.
My advice: join an organization that actually interests you. IMO you are just as likely to meet somebody who's dad is a VP of a IB in the mountain biking club as you are a business fraternity.
Just my .02
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
I would say not much... Everyone knows that business fraternities are just clubs for minorities that want to say there in a 'fraternity'
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
^Extremely accurate. I was in a social fraternity in ug and I can say that guys will go to bat for you in some way to help but I highly doubt that is the case in business fraternities.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
1-Click to Unlock All Comments - 100% FREE
WSO is a knowledge-sharing community that depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something.
I am a blogging intern at Wall Street Oasis.
Feel free to follow me to see my weekly posts.
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Want to Vote on this Content?! No WSO Credits?
Already a member?
Must Reads on Wall Street Oasis
Related Content on Wall Street Oasis