The day is here. You’ve been looking forward to this day all week. First, you had to go through one of the most time-consuming and intense processes you have ever experienced; Rush Week. You probably talked to well over 100 girls and still can’t remember their names no matter how hard you tried. You learned it’s almost impossible to walk 3 miles in heels, but you also grew appreciation towards the girls who could. For preference round, you probably cried and bawled your eyes out as you watched the sisterhood of sororities unfold right before your eyes. Leading up to this, you finally get to reveal which sisterhood is willing to accept you into their family.
But, you receive a phone call. You dare not to look who it is, but you already know. Your Rho Alpha calling to break the news, “Unfortunately, you did not receive a bid.” Terrible thoughts begin to rush to your head. “Was I not pretty enough?” “Am I not as involved as them?” “Am I a terrible person?”
Stop. You’re not a terrible person. Far from. I know it hurts at first to not be accepted into a sorority, but this is what makes you a stronger woman. There are many reasons why you simply didn’t get a bid and more than likely it wasn’t you. When I was rushing, the number of girls rushing exceeded the number of girls than previous years. Thus, this resulted in many girls not receiving bids. Keep in mind you’re not alone.
No, it isn’t the end of your college career and everything will be okay. Does it mean that you’re not meant to be in Greek Life? Absolutely not. There are many factors as to why you didn’t receive one; it’s not just you. If you joined because you want to get involved, there are plenty of other opportunities for you on-campus. Join a club, play in an intramural or club sport, volunteer, etc. Along with this, you’ll also meet new people and make friends, just as you would if you were to be in Greek Life.
Now, if you think you absolutely must be in Greek Life, have no fear, there is a solution. Informal recruitment usually follows after formal recruitment; these are the sororities that choose not to participate in formal. Usually, around campus, there are posters of the sororities hosting informal recruitment or you can always email your campus Greek life facilitator for more information. Then there is spring informal recruitment, not all sororities participate in this, but some do so just keep this in mind. Some sororities also do COB (continuous open bidding) and this serves more as if the sorority held interested in you before bid day they may offer you a bid later in the future.
Remember, trust the dreaded system. It might not have worked out in your favor at first, but don’t give up. Try again in the spring, next fall, whenever. If you want to apart of Greek Life, you'll find your place. God knows I didn’t give up and my sisters found me!
