7. Don't sell yourself short by thinking they already have a pledge class in mind. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What I Didn't Know Going Through Rush As A PNM

Because not all Greek Life is alike.

542
What I Didn't Know Going Through Rush As A PNM
Julia Hart

It was winter break of my freshman year as I frantically searched online to prepare myself for Sorority Recruitment. Using search items like "what to expect as a PNM," "what not to say during recruitment," "how to know which sorority you like," and "what to wear for rounds," I thought I was in pretty good shape to do well during the rounds. I double checked (probably quadruple checked) each day's outfit guidelines to make sure my outfits were perfectly in line with what Villanova Greek Life wanted. Turns out, I had no idea what I was doing. The good news? No one does!! I can't make any promises, but here are some things I wish I had known going into the long, grueling weekend that is panhellenic recruitment.

1. No one cares what you're wearing.

Correction: No one cares what you're wearing unless it stands out as being unusually cute or unusually revealing or just plain unusual. I truly believe the people who do best in recruitment are the ones who feel good in their own skin and can be themselves, no matter what they're wearing. Wearing something that makes you uncomfortable, even if it's a trendy new fashion, can be such a mistake. Don't wear something that will make you feel different. Try to wear what you're used to, just within the guidelines panhel sets.

2. You have to be able to adapt.

Last year during recruitment, my school decided to change venues to an off-campus site. Everyone was used to the on campus location, so things had to change a bit. There were a few challenges: not enough pizza for everyone to eat, the rooms didn't have enough AC, and it was difficult for PNMs and sisters to avoid seeing each other during rounds. Girls who were able to adapt to these changes (not not having any food- that was a disaster!) did well.

3. The sisters don't know much (if anything) about you before you talk.

I was under the impression that all 9 sororities had researched every single thing about me before rounds. Obviously looking back on the situation and the day, that is just not possible. The only people doing a little background check on you are those who match you with who you will talk to that day. This is based on what you put down in your application as your interests, major, hometown, etc.

4. Girls don't have specific questions they are required to ask you.

I thought there was a script every sister had to follow. This is soo far from the truth. Basically, the first few questions are small talk, as in "where are you from?" "what are you studying?" "why did you choose to rush?" Buuuut, after that, pretty much anything is fair game. As a PNM, try to vibe off the sister and she'll do the same. Have a few backup questions just in case.

5. Responding with one word answers is a big no.

This is by far the cringiest thing you can do, in my own opinion. Talking to PNMs who did this was pretty painful. Imagine striking up a conversation with some cool girl you think you could be potentially really good friends with and having her respond with zero emotion and maybe one word. Do. Not. Do. This.

6. Asking questions about boys is questionable.

If you are prepping for rush, odds are you have heard the "3 B's Rule." That is, don't talk about Booze, Bars, or Boys during rounds. Personally, I wouldn't be particularly annoyed if anyone asked if I had a boyfriend (though that varies depending on the sister). But when you start asking me which guys I like to hang out with, start bringing up specific names of people you know I know, and talk badly about different frats, that's where I draw the line. A PNM said to me last year "oh yeah imagine if I had to be in a sorority that hangs out with xyz frat. that would suck." I couldn't believe it. What if that frat had some of my closest guy friends in it? Would've been pretty awkward. Regardless, the lesson is not to mention specific frats or names.

7. Don't sell yourself short by thinking they already have a pledge class in mind.

The sororities likely have only looked at a few PNMs who sisters have suggested would fit in with current members. They don't have 50 girls who are automatically in and hundreds who are out. Go in there with a positive attitude, show your best self, and try to make some good connections.

Lastly, don't freak out. After all, it is only panhellenic recruitment and there are more important things in life than being in a sorority you think is "cool." If you go in with the intention of making some great friends you enjoy spending time with, you will do well. Enjoy the conversations and remember it's just as awkward on both sides!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

1272
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

447807
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

20739
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

43914
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments