Dear Potential New Member,
I remember this time last year vividly as I prepared to go through sorority recruitment at my school. I was beyond excited, but also crazy nervous. I was so worried that coming from out of state I might not even get into a house because nobody knew of me, but I quickly learned that putting myself out there was the best decision I could have ever made! Here are some real talk tips that will help you get through recruitment week.
Be yourself
Everybody will tell you this but it is SO true. Do not feel like you have to fit a specific mold in order to go through recruitment. Be your most authentic self. If you hate wearing makeup then don't wear it. If you'd rather wear a pantsuit than a dress then absolutely go for it! The girls in the houses you talk to want to get to know what you are really like. Talk about the things you were involved in throughout high school and what made you passionate about them even if you don't think it was "popular." Why would you want to join a house that you felt pressured to act differently in anyways?
Keep conversations appropriate
Whichever sorority member you are talking with in the house really has the responsibility to keep the conversation going and steered in the right direction. However, there are some topics on your end you should avoid in order to not raise any red flags. Avoid discussing boys or partying, and definitely do not ask the sorority women about fraternity boys or college parties. This signals to the girls that you might be looking to join a sorority for the wrong reasons.
Do your research
You definitely don't need to know every single fact about the houses you are visiting, but try to have a little background in order to think of questions you can ask. Maybe research a little on each house's philanthropy events and their beneficiary. Having some knowledge about the house you are in can really show the girl that you have genuine interest in their house, and they'll be very excited to have you back! Lots of houses will post recruitment videos or tips on their social media before rush so take advantage of that. It's a great way to get an early look on all the girls you will be meeting and where you think you might fit in well.
Dress appropriately
Just because sororities are "social organizations" does NOT mean you should dress like you are going to the club. If you plan on wearing a dress my suggestion is to walk around in that dress for about five minutes. Do you have to keep tugging on it? It's likely too short. Choose outfits that represent your personality, but will also look respectful. If you plan on wearing heels any of the days make sure you are comfortable in them. My biggest regret of rush was wearing my high heels for preference round and being SO uncomfortable. I could barely focus on what my girls were saying to me in either of my houses because all I wanted to do was sit down. The two key words for your wardrobe this week should be comfortable and, of course, confident.
Bring a bag with essentials
As long as your Panhellenic Council allows it, have a bag to carry around with you. The things I was so grateful I had included oil blotting wipes, Q-tips, gum, deodorant, and a water bottle. Also bring a notebook or keep notes in your phone if you are allowed to! My school had fifteen houses so trying to remember what I liked about each house was very difficult at the end of the day. You will love yourself so much more if you have some notes to refer to when it's time to go and cut houses.
Stay positive
You might have a perfect rush week where you keep the houses you love all the way through, or you could face disappointment from the get-go if the house you loved cut you. Whatever happens do not beat yourself up about it! Houses have countless reasons and criteria for how they go about having to cut girls for each round. Grades are something that are super important and you should think about as many houses have a required GPA they want their new members to have from high school. If the house you loved cut you, it really just was not meant to be so shake it off and get excited to explore the rest of the incredible houses you do have. I fluctuated which houses I really loved after each round, but on bid day I ended up exactly where I needed to be surrounded by girls who loved me for who I was.
Have an open mind
If you have heard any stereotypes about any of the houses you will be visiting put those out of your head. The girls in each house change yearly as new pledge classes come in. Every house is amazing in its own way and is filled with inspiring women from across the country. As you have to begin to cut houses, one great tip I learned going through my recruitment is the couch rule. Can you imagine your most authentic self lounging on the couch, no makeup on, crazy hair, and sweatpants in that specific house? If the answer is no, then it's more than likely that house is not for you. You want a house that is going to bring out the best in you and empower you throughout your college career. Also remember, you may begin going through recruitment and decide that it isn't for you. That is totally okay! College has hundreds of opportunities and organizations to get involved with besides Greek Life. Get excited, because no matter what these are going to be some of the best years of your life.
