rush week

Do you think ANY of the houses will want me? I have really good recs for the houses.

Rush is not about taking girls who look good "on paper". There are soooo many girls going through rush with connections that we always stress finding as many connections as possible.

That being said, you might walk into our house with great looks and personality and we might instantly have a "rush crush" on you!

As a transfer, I encourage you to find us in class. You will know exactly who we are, we don't wear anything to class except our sorority letters! Sit by us, be friendly with us. Ask about study groups. This is a great way for upperclassmen and transfer students to get an edge on freshmen. Freshmen are usually in freshman classes and we don't see so many of them in class.

I have been under the impression that if you don't have any connections, no houses will want you no matter how good your personality is. Could I still have a chance if I make good friends with some of the girls before rush starts? That is pretty much the only way I can make my connections.

Also, how many transfers go through rush, and do many of them end up bidless?

you seriously made me feel A MILLION TIMES BETTER! Thank you for the confidence boost! I will get no where during rush without confidence. One of the many, many reasons I am coming to Ole Miss is because I wanted a fresh start and needed to get away.

I really hope my legacy house gives me an invite back but if not, I will be okay!

You will literally get no where with confidence! :) I see it with PNMs all the time: "What house will I get in to? Will they like me? Oh crap I think they think I'm an idiot!"
You're legacy house might give you a second look, it depends on the house!
Honestly, just go into the first day of class with your head high because confidence is contagious and we can see a girl like that from a mile away! Sororities want to love you, but you gotta love yourself first!

Honestly, don't be afraid to find us in class! We will be wearing our letters every day! Sit by us!!! I honestly love meeting PNMs!!

That makes me really happy to know! So, it isn't weird to go up to a girl and say "Oh I see you are in XYZ sorority, I am going through rush and I can't wait!"

I wouldn't say that! I wouldn't mention their house unless you ask about their philanthropy. Like if her shirt has something like "Charity Bowl" or "PowderPuff" or any event really on their shirt then ask about it. That makes you look interested

Okay! thank you for directing me away from saying that and saving myself an awkward moment!

What should I say? or should I even mention that I am a PNM

If there's an event on her shirt ask what it is. It could even be a swap on her shirt, just anything that gets her talking about Greek Life! We will figure that you're interested. Just ask questions like "Oh, that's cool! What is that?", "What's a swap? Oh you party with frats? That sounds like so much fun! What about formals?". Heck! It would even be better if you just talked about how boring the class is!! Just talk to her as if you have known her for a while! Be open and relaxed! We're people too!
Once you break the ice, you can start talking about her specific sorority. Just start out with the basics: swaps, formal, philanthropy, or even just compliment on the shirt! Once she starts talking, that's your time to start a convo that's a little more specific to her house. I'm not saying you say "I see you're a _____". Just ask "What do you guys do for your philanthropy?" or "What kind of themes did you guys do for your swaps?", just be natural about it!
We love talking about our house!!!! But I felt kinda bad when a girl just saw my shirt and looked at me with a smile and said "So! You're a ______. I'm rushing this fall!" It stinks cause we feel used. Just be cool about it!
:) I hope this helps you and every PNM who reads this!

I would kinda pretend to not even notice that she's wearing a sorority shirt. When you get in the classroom, sit near her and say "Do you know if this professor is good or not? An A in the class would be awesome!". Once you guys kinda start talking say, "Yeah I really don't know anything here, I'm a transfer really. Do you know anywhere that would be fun to go to this weekend?" Ya da ya da ya da, "Any clubs here? I'm going through rush but I'm kinda interested in joining a club". Just sprinkle it in there. ;)
We will get the "Oh wow! A rushee!!" alert and she might even ask you if you're excited for rush. If she doesn't, don't be discouraged. There are plenty of classes to go to and plenty of actives to talk to! Even if we don't really talk to you that much up til rush, we will still remember you! We'll see your picture and go "Huh she's in my bio class! She's sweet!" and the actives who pick you up will remember you, too!!

this is really great advice everyone. Exactly what I was looking for! I will definitely put this to use when the school year starts.
Really happy I asked this on here, rather than sounding stupid in person!