As Formal Recruitment season ends and new members settle into their chapter's individual routines, Continuous Open Bidding (COB) season is just beginning. COB is sometimes called Informal Recruitment (actually, it's not really called that by actual Greeks, because it's just as "formal" and important as Formal Recruitment, it's just a different process). Basically, COB is held by select chapters across a college campus as a more prolonged and relaxed way to gain new members.

As someone who went through Continuous Open Bidding myself, here's some advice for those of you deciding to go through the process...

If you have questions, ask.

Don't worry if you don't know everything about the recruitment process or the specific chapter you're visiting. The people you're talking to know everything there is to know about their chapter; asking questions shows you're interested, and it's so much better to be informed than uninformed.

Keep in contact.

A member of the chapter you're visiting will probably reach out to you to let you know about different COB events you can attend. Attend as many events as you possibly can and always RSVP to them as soon as you know if you'll be there.

Keep an open mind.

COB isn't very different from Formal Recruitment, besides the fact that you're choosing which houses you're going to and the schedule is much more relaxed. If you visit multiple chapters, keep your mind open to which ones might be a good fit for you.

Be yourself.

I know this sounds obvious and almost silly, but recruitment can feel stuffy, even in its most relaxed form. If you act like you, you'll find girls who actually relate to you as a person. You're looking for a home, not a job!

Be respectful.

This applies to all types of recruitment, actually. Respect is more than not yawning in someone's face while they're talking; respecting someone and their chapter as a guest in their house involves being interested and engaged. Share a little about yourself and laugh along with the people you're talking to. Your future sisters might be right in front of your very eyes!

Confidence is key.

There are tons of reasons that you might choose to do COB. Maybe you dropped out of Formal Recruitment, maybe Formal Recruitment terrifies you, maybe you haven't really ever considered Greek life and you sort of ended up at a COB event by consequence or destiny. No matter the reason you're going through with the COB process, you need to carry yourself as best as you can. Continuous Open Bidding is just as important as Formal Recruitment, and chapters take it just as seriously.

Get Pumped.

Hey! You're about to make possible lifelong friendships and bonds with the women you're just chilling with over free fro-yo right now. Going Greek is the best thing I ever did for myself throughout my college experience, and I never saw myself as a sorority woman until I became one. Get pumped for one of the best experiences of your life, lady!