Everyone should try sorority recruitment!

I think a big stereotype with Greek life is that you have to be a certain type of person in order to fit in the community. This isn't true, though! Especially at my school, there are so many sororities and places for everyone to fit in, and I don't think the "stereotype" is true.

You could experience disappointment.

It's not always the case, but it is possible. Sometimes, you might not get asked back to the house you had hoped for, or you might not get a bid from your top choice. However, this doesn't mean the world is over or that you should immediately drop. Even though you might have pictured yourself somewhere specific, something happened and the house thought you weren't the best fit and that you would fit better somewhere else. What may seem like total heartbreak in the moment is a good thing—you want to find the house you will belong in!

Be yourself.

This sounds cliché, and it definitely is. But if you try to be who you think the house is looking for or just anyone you aren't, you won't fit in the house. The goal of sorority recruitment is to find your home away from home, and you want to be true to yourself in your conversations.

Don't take it too seriously.

While it is a serious time, and you don't want to goof off the entire week, don't be too hard on yourself. Enjoy the week, meet new people, and be excited. It's not meant to be a scary process (though it seems overwhelming). Just relax!

Always keep an open mind.

Often times, a big mistake (and one that can lead to a lot of stress) is assuming a house is the one for you before you enter. Being a legacy doesn't mean you are meant for that house. You're picking the best house for you, and you don't want to base that off where your mom, sister, or friend is. Having your heart set on one house before recruitment starts can also lead to hurt feelings if you don't get into that house. Give every house an equal chance and keep your mind open for the best experience possible!

Don't listen to stereotypes.

The things you hear about houses are rumors from people who aren't in the house and judging them from the outside. Don't base your choices during the week off what other people are saying about the houses. Decide for yourself what you think of the house after you visit it, not before.

You aren't paying for your friends.

Some people will tell you that you are paying to make friends, which definitely isn't true. You are paying to be a part of an organization. If you pick a house you feel is the right fit for you, the friends come naturally! Being a part of the Greek community is a great way to get involved and meet people, but it is not true that you are only paying for your friendships.

Give yourself time to adjust to being in a house.

One of the most common things that happens when people don't get their first choice is that they immediately drop recruitment even if they receive a bid from another house. I think it's important to give yourself a chance to really get to know people before you decide it isn't for you. It can seem overwhelming at first, but I think you might regret it afterwards if you don't give it a chance. Being in a sorority is a ton of fun and provides so many opportunities!

Trust the system.

Another super cliché, but so true! You might not understand it, but you will end up where you belong if you just trust the process.

You won't regret it!

I haven't regretted joining a sorority once since I joined last fall. I have made so many friends, gotten to attend tons of philanthropies and events, and to be honest, I don't know what I would do with my time if I wasn't in one. It has provided me with a ton of opportunities, leadership positions, chances to serve the community, and memories. (Not to mention endless friends to go on coffee dates with, cute t-shirts, and fun functions and date parties). I think there is a place for everyone in the Greek community, and you should definitely give it a try this fall!