Now that summer's coming to a bittersweet end and everyone is starting to head back to school, sororities and fraternities will begin to start preparing for formal recruitment very soon. Finding awesome new members for the chapter is what rush is all about, and I am so excited to be on the other side of recruitment this year. Seeing as I rushed as a sophomore, I have only ever been on the new member side of recruitment and I realized now that I would've liked to have known a bit more about what to expect during recruitment. Here are a few tips for girls who are about to rush a sorority!

1. Drink water. The days during rush are LONG and can be very, very hot (pretty much guaranteed in San Diego). You need to keep hydrated throughout the days of recruitment, especially when walking from house to house in the heat.

2. Relax. Rush can be very intimidating and seem scary, but it really isn't as bad as it seems. Just breathe and try not to be too nervous because there really isn't a reason to be.

3. Be Yourself. Everyone talks about how you have to "girl flirt" and there's also often the misconception that you have to be fake. Obviously, be polite and your best self, but still show your own unique personality. You want each chapter to meet the real you and vice-versa so that you see who you click best with.

4. Ask Questions. Let whatever questions you have on your mind be heard. If you're curious about the costs of the chapter or how living in works or anything like that, just ask the member you're talking to. They will ask you lots of questions and try to keep the conversation alive, but they don't want to do all the talking either. Be active in the conversation and show interest in them and the chapter.

5. Be Open-Minded. No matter how much people try to stop it - people talk. You will most likely go into rush having heard about stuff about every sorority, but don't let that cloud your judgment. Trust your gut and keep your mind open so that you find the sorority that fits you best.

6. Be Memorable. In a GOOD way, don't act crazy or bitchy, but instead make the members you talk to you remember you because of how you let your amazing personality shine through. Be engaged in the conversation and add to it!

7. You End Up Where You Belong. It is easy to get caught up in rush and get really upset when a house you thought you wanted falls through, but just try to remember how many girls are rushing and how everyone is in the same exact position. This process is done to help you find the best fit for you and even if you are surprised by where you end up, it is usually where you end up loving.