Have you ever thought about going through sorority recruitment? I did for two years before finally pushing myself to. It was stressful and exhausting, but also fun and exciting! I met girls throughout the week I know I will continue friendships with, even though we found different homes. Whether you think Greek life is not for you, you are afraid you won't find your home, or you are excited to rush, here are some tips I can give you from my experience.
1. Make an effort to know girls in your Rho Gam group.
These girls will be on the same journey as you and it is nice to know that you have someone to talk to who understands.
2. Become close with your Rho Gammas!
Not only is it important to meet other PNM's, but your Rho Gammas have already been through the process before. Their main job through the week is to give you advice and make you feel comfortable.
3. Shine on the outside, but more importantly the inside.
Dressing cute, doing your hair and applying makeup are important for some but the main thing sororities will look for in their PNM's is a great personality. Just be yourself! You are trying to establish genuine connections!
4. Do not shut down or close yourself off.
The week will be stressful but you are NOT alone. Remember if you feel uncomfortable with a certain group of girls, that is OK. Your friends may not love the same sorority as you and that is OK. Everyone has a home, that doesn't mean you can't still be friends.
5. Ask questions that matter.
Sure, small talk is good to start off, but these girls genuinely want to know about you and are there to answer any questions you have. Don't hesitate to ask the hard questions, you are trying to find your home and you don't want to be blindsided.
6. Follow the "dress code" for each day, but make sure you are comfortable at the same time.
You are there to establish connections and make a good impression, but you do not want to feel uncomfortable throughout the process.
7. Focus on what you value and what the sororities value.
When making preferences throughout the week go with your gut, do not make a preference based off of your friends.
8. Consider GPA, campus involvement and monetary requirements, as well.
Sororities will have different requirements when it comes to chapter dues, whether you have to be in an organization separate from the sorority and what your GPA needs to be in order to remain an active member.
9. If you do not get called back to a house you wanted, do not give up.
It is SO important to give every house a chance. If you were called back to a house that you didn't preference, do not be frustrated. You want the place you call home to be somewhere where all the girls are like family and you are not constantly trying to prove yourself. Everything happens for a reason and you want the connections to be mutual.
10. Go in open-minded and ignore stereotypes.
If you go with the flow and make opinions on your own then you might be surprised and love houses that others didn't like. Everyone should make there own opinions.
11. Do not talk bad about sororities based on first impressions or your own opinions.
Your recruitment group will be big and girls will all have different preferences. Don't make girls feel bad for liking a sorority that you would not choose for yourself because you would feel bad if they were talking bad about a sorority that you love.
12. If you get a bid that isn't your top choice DO NOT drop right away.
At that point, you can drop anytime before initiation and you will feel horrible if you drop without giving it a try. You could miss out on so many amazing sisters and friendships. You will not miss out on anything by trying, but you might miss out on something great if you don't try.
13. Remember that no one house is better than another.
You have all found homes and sisters that will make you better person and be there for you anytime. Do not lose sight of the bigger picture and remember that the Greek community works together as a whole.
Do not worry if formal recruitment is over at your university; you can go through informal recruitment! Greek life may not be for some people, but if you are even a little bit curious, I would encourage you to try it out! You may regret it later if you don't!
