Everyone has different experiences when deciding to sign up for sorority recruitment. If you're like me, then you signed up on the very first possible day, before your freshman year even started. Other girls sign up the day of because their roommate didn't want to go alone, while some wait until their sophomore year to rush. It doesn't matter when someone decides to rush, but everyone I know has gained something from the experience. Some gain life long friends, a big sister and little sister, even their future bridesmaids. While others ultimately realize that Greek Life just isn't for them, but they still grew as an individual. That's what college is all about, right?
Here are a few tips and tricks to relieve some stress during the process:
1. Be yourself!
Everyone you may ask about recruitment will tell you this as the most important rule. Sororities are trying to connect with you on a personal level, to see if you're a right fit within their sisterhood. You will be asked questions about your major, interests, hobbies, etc. and more often than not, there is always someone there to connect with you. Stay away from being someone you're not, it's more noticeable than you think.
2. Treat this as a casual job interview or first date.
Dress and behave like you're going to grab coffee with someone for the first time. It shows who you are! Sororities will invite you back based on your conversations and connections, no one will ever rate you on your appearance. But like any first date or interview, you should always make a good first impression and remain professional.
3. Get plenty of sleep and hydrate!
Being well-rested and drinking water beforehand will help you out tremendously! Each university is different, some schools have recruitment that lasts as long as two weeks, while smaller schools like mine, have an all-day/weekend process. A good night's sleep and lots of will help you stay focused on conversation and keep you from being parched.
4. Which chapter do I choose and am I making the right choice?
Always go with your gut, pick the chapter you feel most comfortable with. If you know which chapter you feel comfortable with early on, tell them that before bid day. It's definitely something the girls recruiting you love to hear, but towards the end of the recruitment process! Weigh the pros and cons, think about time management, academics, philanthropy, sports, involvement, the feeling of sisterhood, if you can afford it, etc. and decide what is important to you and if the chapter you want to choose upholds your values.
5. Bid Day is the best day of the year!
There is a home for everyone on bid day, it just may not be the chapter you connected with on the very first day! Every chapter is excited to see a new member find their perfect fit.
