So there’s a lot of pressure that comes with rush. Everyone in the room has the same goal – to make each house want them as a member. You want to leave the best impression - here’s how you can make sure that happens
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DO be yourself – If a house doesn’t want you for who you are, then you don’t want to be there. Plus, if you fake it, are you just going to keep faking it until graduation? Didn’t think so.
DON’T ask about parties – The chapters want smart new members who want to be a part of the house and promote philanthropy and scholarship, not keg stands. If you want to know how rowdy the members get on the weekend, visit their social media pages. Don’t ask anything during recruitment that you would not feel comfortable asking your grandmother.
DO dress to impress – Even if your school does casual recruitment, you still shouldn’t show up in sweats. If your school does a more formal recruitment, make sure you are dressed properly. Look decent and present yourself well, but also be comfortable. If you can’t walk in heels, don’t force it. Also remember that many sororities will pay attention to how much skin you are showing, so make sure to dress somewhat modest.
DON’T trash talk the other houses – This just makes you look bad. If you’re willing to trash talk the other houses, they’ll assume that you’re willing to trash talk their house. Just the same, houses talk to each other and you may not end up with a bid from anyone if they know you have a negative attitude towards their house.
DO trust the system – I know it sounds ridiculous, but whatever system your school uses – they use for a reason. It works. Regardless of which chapter you’ve always dreamed of joining, and which chapter may reject you, you will end up where you belong. Mutual selection is key during recruitment, and that will be reflected on your bid day. Don’t stress over recruitment because you will end up where you belong. This isn’t saying that you’re not pretty or cool enough for certain houses. A lot more than just looks and social standing go into finding the perfect fit. Try to relax, even if you feel like this all throughout the week:
DON’T get upset if a certain house doesn’t want you. Repeat after me, different people may belong in different chapters for so many more reasons than what you may think. There is no one-size fits all for Greek life. So just kiss it goodbye. You don’t need them anyways.
DO keep in mind that, although it may not seem like it now, the reality is that you would find equal happiness in several different chapters. Regardless of your letters, you are all Panhellenic sisters and you all joined Greek life for similar reasons. You are all held to high standards and you all wish to make your houses, as well as your campus, a better place. You will meet girls from other chapters in class and at parties, and you will quickly realize that you have a lot in common with them, and would fit well in each other’s chapters. Friendships between houses are just as important as friendships within your house. Some of your closest friends in college may be in a different chapter!
Above all, just remember that recruitment is a stressful time for everyone—for the rushees and the current sisters. Take a deep breath and enjoy every minute of it! Because once you receive that envelope on bid day, you won’t even remember what you’ve been so stressed about. By the time a diploma is in your hands and you’re hugging your sisters goodbye one last time before you part your separate ways into the real world, you may want to look back and have a good laugh at all the fuss you made.
