The ever approaching Fall semester brings with it the excitement and trepidation of sorority recruitment. If you're
unsure if the whole process is right for you, or if you're just doing some research of what to expect, keep reading! Rush is definitely a blur of houses, outfits, and a seemingly endless loop of perfectly manicured girls smiling at you. Having been on both sides of recruitment, I understand just how important pushing through the long days and sometimes awkward conversations can be. This week is all about finding the house that you will call home for the next four years, as well as the place that you will foster friendships that will last you a lifetime.
Below are my tips and tricks to having the best sorority recruitment week you could possibly have!
1. Take a Deep Breath and Relax
Everyone is nervous, not just you. Just because the girl next to you may exude confidence and poise, it doesn't meant that she's not silently freaking out a little on the inside! Nerves are a natural part of this week. After all, meeting all these girls and trying to figure out where you fit in can be overwhelming and intimidating. Furthermore, if you are paired with a girl that you find overwhelmingly pretty or cool and you're scared that you will say something that will make her instantly hate you-- don't be! The girls who are rushing you have butterflies in their stomach too. None of them want to scare you away or do something stupid that will be shared by PNM's-- potential new members.
2. Know yourself
Trying to change your personality to fit every single house you walk into may seem like a good idea, but in reality, you're sabotaging yourself. You aren't meant to fit in at every house, that's why they are all diverse and made up of different personalities. Instead, you should focus on the conversations that flow easily and the girls you consistently get along with from round to round. As a note in knowing yourself-- be confident enough in your connections and decisions that you pick the house that is going to make you feel happy and included for four years, not the house that has "the hottest girls on campus". Reputations change, your comfort level won't.
3. Dress the Part
Most schools put together a pamphlet of some kind that outlines what each round is about and what you should wear. Make sure you follow those guidelines!! Trust me, you are not making yourself look trendier or more fashionable if you decide to wear heels around the first day to dress up the t-shirt provided to you. It doesn't look cute. It looks like you are trying too hard to play a part. I'm not saying to completely change your style for a week- if you want to wear patterned shorts instead of khakis the first day, do it. Mold the guidelines to fit your own personal style; don't completely ignore them.
*** outfit ideas for each round to come! ;)***
4. Write It Down
I know this one sounds silly, but taking notes honestly helps tremendously. The first one or two days you will be visiting every single sorority house for a short amount of time. It's important that you remember how you felt after each house. Whether a notebook, piece of loose leaf, or in the notes section of your phone, be sure to record how you felt and how your experience was from house to house. After long days Alpha Chi Omega and Chi Omega can sound pretty similar, and you don't want to confuse one visit with another!
5. Talk to Your Pi Chis/Rho Gamma/ Group Leaders
These girls have all made the decision to disaffiliate themselves with their chapter, and delete all social media in order to help PNM's have the best, most unbiased recruitment week possible. They also spend their summer going through a training process in order to counsel you and help you with decisions throughout rush. Don't be afraid to text/call/talk to them about questions you have. Whether it be what to wear a specific day, if your dress looks cute or not, if your make up is running, or more seriously if you think a house would be a good fit for you or not, they are ready and excited to help you! Think about it: these girls went through the same experience you did, and they have a very good grasp of how the recruitment process works. They are going to be some of your biggest supporters for this week, don't be afraid to lean on them for advice.
6. Pack a Snack
There's no way to avoid it. The days of recruitment are long. Often times, your usual meal schedule will be disrupted. I suggest packing a snack such as a granola bar or cereal or fruits to keep you going! If you're prone to getting cranky when you're hungry, make sure to eat!! You don't want to ruin a conversation at one of your favorite houses because you are more concerned with your next meal than with what the girl is saying to you.
7. Don't be Influenced by "Tent-Talkers"
"Tent-talking" basically means gossiping about a house you just visited, or how your rounds are going with girls who are waiting outside with you from house to house. Even if it is your best best friend, try to resist! It sounds cheesy, but the recruitment rounds are designed so every girl gets a clear idea of where they would like to be and where they don't fit in. You don't want to mess up someone's decision by saying "Oh I hated that house!" or "Join this with me!" Recruitment is meant to be an individual experience, so don't interfere with someone else's or allow yourself to fall into someone else's influence.
8. Avoid the 3 B's
There should never ever be a conversation that revolves around any one of the Three B's-- boys, booze, and bids. Don't bring up which frat has the hottest guys, or how many shots you can take without throwing up, and especially do not ask how each sorority determines who gets a bid from them, or how close you are to getting one. It's very inappropriate and a sure way to get you dropped off their list completely.
Have any questions about recruitment? What are your tips and tricks?
