For many girls, Bid Day parallels Christmas morning, your birthday party, and Halloween all rolled into one big, glorious day. For some girls, Bid Day is an awkward but manageable elevator ride. However, for a few girls, Bid Day is hard and extremely emotional. 

Whichever category you fall into, here is a Bid Day “breakdown” to help you have a great day no matter what.      

1. Prepare yourself. It is so easy to assume that because you made it to “Pref Night,” you will undoubtedly receive a bid. However, for most sororities, around 70 girls attend “Pref Night”, but a pledge class typically consists of 40. While some girls opt a different house, you may or may not receive a bid from your first choice. It’s important to remember that sorority recruitment is a numbers game, and you cannot be 100% sure of anything until you hold the bid card in your hand. 

2. Be considerate of others who did not receive a bid to their preferred sorority. It’s exciting and overwhelming to watch your friends soak their acceptance envelopes with tears of joy. While it’s okay to be happy (you should be!!), remember that not every girl is excited about her new sorority yet. 

3.  Wear comfy shoes. After girls receive their bids, each sorority takes their new pledge class to do an activity. Bowling, ice skating, roller blading, and dancing are all examples of sober activities you might participate in on Bid Day. Wear comfy shoes and bring socks so you can be ready for anything. 

4. Stay calm. As you look around at the sea of unfamiliar faces in your new pledge class, you might feel anxious or insecure about not knowing anyone. That’s okay! I didn’t know a soul in my pledge class, and now they are my best friends. Introduce yourself and stay involved in the day’s activities to make new friends. Also, don’t be hesitant to look to older girls for comfort. We want you here!! 

5. Finally, remember that no matter what, your sorority does not define you. You are so loved and valued by each life you touch. Don’t forget that. Whether you’re happy, sad, lonely, confused, ecstatic, overwhelmed, regretful, self assured, or at peace, you are still the same you that entered this process. 

No sorority recruitment -- or any other recruitment process you may experience -- can change that. 

Have a happy Bid Day!