Frequently Asked Questions

What are Professional Fraternity Organizations (PFOs)?

Professional Fraternity Organizations are student-run groups that unite under a common interest and common career goal. Cornell’s eleven Professional Fraternity Organizations span five fields - business, law, medicine, engineering, and government. They provide their members with unique resources, national alumni networks, and education necessary for their various industries, but most of all, they provide brotherhood and friendship for those who join.

Why should I join a PFO?

A Professional Fraternity Organization is a great way to learn more about a field you’re interested in pursuing or gaining valuable insight and experience from older students who might be going through graduate school applications or recruitment cycles and can offer advice. Joining a Professional Fraternity Organization is like joining a family on campus, a community of close-knit students who want to help you succeed.

What kind of applicants are they looking for?

Each Professional Fraternity Organization values different traits in their applicants, and a great way of learning more about what applicants are successful is by researching the organization and going on coffee chats with their members when those opportunities present themselves. On the whole, each organization is committed to philanthropy, brotherhood, and professionalism, and will seek out candidates that embody these traits.

Can I join more than one organization?

Students are absolutely allowed to join more than one organization, and there is much crossover between certain organizations. However, students are discouraged from going through more than one recruitment process at a time, as many recruitment events overlap.