Frequently Asked Questions
When is recruitment?
Recruitment occurs some time around Mid-September for the Fall Rushes, and Early February for the Spring Rushes. For exact dates, keep an eye out for posters and flyers around campus, or checking on our socials for announcements. You can also ask a current member regarding dates.
It says PhiDE is a fraternity, does that mean women are not allowed?
No, despite the contrary, Phi Delta Epsilon is Co-Ed, meaning we accept all students, regardless of gender or identity. We only require the applicant to be pursuing a career as a practicing physician (M.D. or D.O.). There is no prejudice against race, religion, beliefs, ethnicity, or backgrounds. All members are expected to be embracing and welcoming to any and all, fostering a safe space for individuals looking to progress their medical path as a collective group.
What does being in a professional fraternity mean?
Phi Delta Epsilon is a group of aspiring physicians, dedicated to keeping the good image and principles of the fraternity intact at all times, while also displaying utmost respect for the entire medical process, in addition to representing UMBC in a professional manner. PhiDE is meant to be a stepping stone for advancing and building a strong profile for medical schools, while also uplifting our brothers and sisters in a similar manner.
I'm a freshman, can I still rush?
Yes and no. We unfortunately do not accept first semester freshman, as we require applicants to have at least one semester recorded at UMBC. Second semester freshmen are eligible to join however, so if you are interested in Phi Delta Epsilon as a Freshman, be sure to keep an eye out for next semester's rush.
Do I have to be pre-med? What if I'm not quite sure?
Yes, we do require applicants to be pre-medicine, as we strive to nurture and raise future physicians. If you are on the edge, you can always consider your pathway and apply at a later semester, if you are uncertain around the time of rush. We do not want applicants to be uncertain and commit to such a big decision at once without being certain.
Do I need a specific GPA to rush?
We require applicants to have a 3.2 GPA or higher at the time of application, as that is typically the cutoff for most medical school applications.
Do I have to be a Biology Major to join PhiDE?
No! We have many members who are not Biology or Chemistry Majors, or even STEM majors. Many of our members are pursuing non-science majors and minors, as we only require you to have taken, or are considering to take courses required for medical school. Even some of our E-Board members are pursuing non-traditional majors.
Is there hazing involved?
No. Phi Delta Epsilon has a ZERO tolerance policy against hazing, and does not condone any member or activity involving any form of hazing, including substance usage or social pressure. Phi Delta Epsilon is a proud partner of the Hazing Prevention Network, embracing the phrase; "These hands don't haze, they heal."
I didn't get accepted the first time I rushed, can I try again?
Absolutely, we have no limit on the amount of times you can rush. Many of our members got accepted on their second or third rush (or fourth)! We do not hold biases or grudges against any student, and are welcoming to all. We strongly encourage students to rush again if they were not accepted on their previous rush cycle, as it can show student growth and continual dedication towards the medical field.
However, please do NOT ask members why your application was accepted or denied, as that information is confidential and cannot be shared.
Recruitment occurs some time around Mid-September for the Fall Rushes, and Early February for the Spring Rushes. For exact dates, keep an eye out for posters and flyers around campus, or checking on our socials for announcements. You can also ask a current member regarding dates.
It says PhiDE is a fraternity, does that mean women are not allowed?
No, despite the contrary, Phi Delta Epsilon is Co-Ed, meaning we accept all students, regardless of gender or identity. We only require the applicant to be pursuing a career as a practicing physician (M.D. or D.O.). There is no prejudice against race, religion, beliefs, ethnicity, or backgrounds. All members are expected to be embracing and welcoming to any and all, fostering a safe space for individuals looking to progress their medical path as a collective group.
What does being in a professional fraternity mean?
Phi Delta Epsilon is a group of aspiring physicians, dedicated to keeping the good image and principles of the fraternity intact at all times, while also displaying utmost respect for the entire medical process, in addition to representing UMBC in a professional manner. PhiDE is meant to be a stepping stone for advancing and building a strong profile for medical schools, while also uplifting our brothers and sisters in a similar manner.
I'm a freshman, can I still rush?
Yes and no. We unfortunately do not accept first semester freshman, as we require applicants to have at least one semester recorded at UMBC. Second semester freshmen are eligible to join however, so if you are interested in Phi Delta Epsilon as a Freshman, be sure to keep an eye out for next semester's rush.
Do I have to be pre-med? What if I'm not quite sure?
Yes, we do require applicants to be pre-medicine, as we strive to nurture and raise future physicians. If you are on the edge, you can always consider your pathway and apply at a later semester, if you are uncertain around the time of rush. We do not want applicants to be uncertain and commit to such a big decision at once without being certain.
Do I need a specific GPA to rush?
We require applicants to have a 3.2 GPA or higher at the time of application, as that is typically the cutoff for most medical school applications.
Do I have to be a Biology Major to join PhiDE?
No! We have many members who are not Biology or Chemistry Majors, or even STEM majors. Many of our members are pursuing non-science majors and minors, as we only require you to have taken, or are considering to take courses required for medical school. Even some of our E-Board members are pursuing non-traditional majors.
Is there hazing involved?
No. Phi Delta Epsilon has a ZERO tolerance policy against hazing, and does not condone any member or activity involving any form of hazing, including substance usage or social pressure. Phi Delta Epsilon is a proud partner of the Hazing Prevention Network, embracing the phrase; "These hands don't haze, they heal."
I didn't get accepted the first time I rushed, can I try again?
Absolutely, we have no limit on the amount of times you can rush. Many of our members got accepted on their second or third rush (or fourth)! We do not hold biases or grudges against any student, and are welcoming to all. We strongly encourage students to rush again if they were not accepted on their previous rush cycle, as it can show student growth and continual dedication towards the medical field.
However, please do NOT ask members why your application was accepted or denied, as that information is confidential and cannot be shared.
If you still have questions, feel free to email us, or ask one of our active members.