what i wish i'd known

I'm a fourth year and I see it's time for recruitment again. It's interesting to look back and see myself as a first year on my first day of recruitment. So many hopes and fears.

First of all, good luck. You're going to need it. Recruitment is far more random than you imagine. The bottom line is there are a lot more girls than spots in the best sororities. From what I've seen it does not always "work out the way it's supposed to" as they say the first day. Really great girls will get cut from their dream sorority.

My advice is to enjoy the process as much as you can (it's really like speed dating imho) and be yourself.

I would also advise you not to settle for something that doesn't feel 100% right. A sorority is a BIG commitment in time and money. My friends who joined a sorority just to join ended up dropping. My friends who waited and did informal or rushed second year are much happier and ended up in really great sororitys.

You will be judged by the letters you wear. Harsh but true. Bottom tiers can have a tough time socially.

You will survive if it doesn't work out. Bid Day will be tough but it gets easier after that. I actually find my non sorority friends to be more involved on grounds. Keep yourself busy.

You will still have a ton of friends if you're not in a sorority. And you'll have a lot more spending money!

Best of luck to all PNMs!