The words "sorority recruitment" are met with mixed emotions.

If you've never rushed, you probably don't understand it. If you have rushed, you may have hated it. People are often shocked by this, but a lot of people (including myself) really love recruitment! If you're rushing in the fall, here's your tell-all guide with all of my most valuable tips and tricks.

It's gonna be hot.

You're probably going to spend a lot of time outside, and it's going to be hot. Be prepared and dress for the weather. You're obviously going to be in shorts and dresses, but you may want to leave your cap sleeved dress at home and wear something with a thinner strap. Seriously, anything can help during the heat. Honestly, don't laugh at the girl who brought the electronic fan. You'll wish you had one.

Take advantage of your gamma chi/pi chi groups.

If you're unfamiliar with sorority recruitment, you'll be separated into a group of girls called your "gamma chi" or "pi chi" (or sometimes other names) group. There, you'll be in a group with other girls rushing and will have a group leader- your gamma chi or pi chi- who is a girl who has disaffiliated from their sorority. Your gamma chi had to apply and be interviewed for this position- she wanted to be there for you. During this process, they are not allowed to talk to their sorority sisters, and so it's all about you! Don't be afraid to ask them questions... that's what they're there for. Also, get to know the girls in your group. This is a wonderful way to meet new people before you even join a sorority, and you may make a new best friend.

Take everyone else's opinion with a grain of salt.

Yeah, I know this sounds cliche. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT pick a sorority based on what you've heard about them or the opinion of someone else. My biggest advice during recruitment? Be selfish. Pick what's best for you. Put yourself first. Who cares if someone in your group or that you met during rush didn't *love* the same house you did? This is your decision, so own it.

Realize that you're making a big commitment.

I don't mean to scare you, but joining a sorority is a big commitment. There are costs involved- in terms of money and time. Considering this, pick the sorority where you feel comfortable, and where you could really see yourself. Being in a sorority is a great thing, but you have to know that you are essentially picking the organization you want to be apart of for four years. Sounds scary right? I promise you will know the places you feel that you fit in and those that you don't feel as at home. Some may fall in the middle, that's cool too. Stick to your gut and follow your heart.

Lastly, know the girls you're talking to are nervous too.

I have been both a PNM and a "rusher." Basically, I've done both sides of recruitment. I was equally as nervous for both sides. PNMs often get nervous to talk to sorority girls. Sorority girls get nervous to talk to PNM's. Everyone is nervous, so take a deep breath and relax. It's all going to be okay.

Sorority recruitment gets a bad rap, and often comes with lots of negative stereotypes. I promise that if you go into recruitment with an open mind, you will fare well. Besides, these girls want you to join their sorority! Be open to making new friends, meeting new people, and it's all going to go great. Best of luck, PNM!