Rush Week is a crazy week. Hundreds (usually) of girls together for a whole week. It's full of tears, selfies, group pictures, frat poses, new friendships, happiness, nerves, anxiety, and so much more. Each girl pours their heart and soul into their outfits, hair, and makeup each day so they can make the best impression on their favorite houses. They want to be remembered so they can be invited back. If you haven't gone through formal rush - here are a few tips for when you do. And if you go through informal - you can use these as well.
Wear something memorable.
My first few days, I wore flower headbands and nobody else did. Every house I went to, I got complimented on my headband. I stood out before any words even left my mouth.
Do your research.
Yes, it is great to keep an open mind but you should research each houses' values beforehand so you know a few places where you can fit in. Know the philanthropies because you could be more passionate about one than another. For example - Zeta Tau Alpha's philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness. For some people, this is very personal because they could have had a parent, grandparent, aunt, cousin, and so on have breast cancer. So they might find that Zeta Tau Alpha is a better fit than another house due to what they are passionate about.
Ask questions - a lot of them.
Don't be afraid to ask anything. Ask why the girl you're talking to chose the house they are in. Ask about philanthropy events. Ask about live-in policies and costs. Ask how they feel about their sisters. Just remember that no question is a stupid question. It is important that you know things about the sorority and understand all that they do. You'll probably hear some of the same things over and over - that is okay.
Take notes.
This is so important. Make sure after each visit that you are taking notes. You'll want to remember what each girl you talked to talk about. You'll want to remember things about the house and the girls so that when you are ranking, you won't be stuck. So bring a little notebook and a pen and take lots and lots of notes.
Prepare for any weather.
During my recruitment, we had heat, cold, light rain, and thunderstorms. Most girls didn't have umbrellas because it was sunny earlier that day. So yes, clothes were soaked and hair was ruined. Hairspray did no good in that situation. And as for the heat? Bring deodorant and spray. You'll regret it so much if you don't. I brought stuff but you could obviously smell the girls that didn't.
Talk yourself up.
Did you volunteer during high school? Do you have a pet that you care for by yourself? Have you held any leadership positions? Have you gone through anything life changing that you had to push through? Talk about it! I always talked about my pet because he is important to me and gives me a sense of responsibility. I talked about sports and how they took up most of my time in high school and so I didn't get to volunteer and that's why I chose to rush and so on. Your outfit is just as memorable as what you say about yourself.
Relax.
I was incredibly nervous my very first day. But I showed up the second day ready to go. Each day you talk about yourself, ask the girls about themselves, and ask whatever is on your mind. It may seem super stressful at first but you're just getting to know things about the sorority and the girls in it while letting them know about you. It's not a stressful interview. So just relax, be yourself, and have fun.
