When I was getting ready for sorority recruitment I was extremely overwhelmed and had no idea where to begin. I had heard so many different opinions about what to wear, whether or not I needed recommendations, etc. I also felt like every other "potential new member", or PNM, somehow already knew exactly what they needed and what to expect, but in reality that was not true at all. Going back and talking about recruitment with some of my friends I realized we were all in the same boat and no one really knows what to do or what to expect. I hope to change that by answering a few questions I had as I was preparing for recruitment.
1. Why should I go through recruitment?
I personally think anyone who is interested should at least try to go through the process.If you decide midway through that the whole sorority thing isn't for you, you can always drop the process. For me, the recruitment process was one filled with varying emotions, from utter stress to pure joy and everywhere in between. I had known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be in a sorority, but I did not know how much happiness it would actually bring me. Recruitment allowed me to get adjusted to the campus before starting my new classes, it allowed me to become friends with the girls in my dorm and it allowed me to find a group of girls that I will forever consider my sisters. So if you are debating whether or not you should go through recruitment my advice is, do it!
2. What should I wear?
This is one of the most common questions circling through PNMs minds as they are preparing their "recruitment wardrobe." I was very lucky and Georgia College's Panhellenic sent out a powerpoint with descriptions and pictures of the t-shirts we would be receiving for the "t-shirt days." Even with these helpful tips I still felt so confused, because I had heard some girls say, "You must wear name brands if you want a bid from a 'top tier' sorority," and other girls say, "Lilly Pulitzer and other 'preppy brands' are so cliche you should not wear them." Neither of those opinions are true. Wear whatever you want to wear. If you want to wear Lilly wear Lilly if you would not normally wear something like that don't do it just to "please" someone else. If a sorority drops you for what you are wearing, it isn't your home.
3. Do tiers matter?
When I was starting the recruitment process all I ever heard was, "What tier is that sorority?" Tiers do not matter! You will not become an outcast if you choose one sorority over another. Once you find your home you will realize that and no one will give you a judge you for your decision. If someone does, don't be friends with them. Sororities should not be about being in the "top tier" sorority. Sororities are about finding where you fit.
4. Is it hard to figure out what to talk about?
The girls recruiting you want to get to know you. They want you to find your home and they hope it is with them. It is their job to lead the conversation and they were once in your shoes. Honestly, you will probably be asked what your majors is about a hundred times before the week is over. Don't get annoyed if the girls repeat questions they are just trying to connect with you.The most important things to remember are; don't talk about going out and partying, don't stress, and be yourself!
5. Is being in a sorority just for girls who can't make friends?
Everyone knows the stereotype that sorority girls are just for buying your friends. Honestly, I have met my best friends through my sorority and even if our sorority hadn't brought us together I would still choose them. Although, being in the same sorority sure made it a heck of a lot easier to find them. Another thing that you may here about sorority girls is that they are so big there is no way you can truly consider all 200 girls your sisters. I can tell you for a fact that any girl in my sorority no matter how well they knew me would drop anything if I needed them and I would do the same for them. Now, just because you are in a sorority does not mean your sisters are your only friends. I have plenty of gal pals in other sororities and who are not involved in Greek life.
Recruitment can be extremely stressful but it will also be one of the most joyful experience of your life. If you can just remember to be yourself, put your best foot forward and remember that everyone ends up where they are meant to be you will be fine!
