It's Greek recruitment time again and you know what that means! Posters galore of cute phrases involving letters, pictures on various forms of social media with pictures of girls in pretty much matching outfits holding up their letters or "throwing what they know", and then there's rushes. Rushes are events held by sororities (sometimes along with fraternities) where most sororities try to impress potential new members (PNMs). As a PNM, there are a few things that I am looking for in sororities that I won't always tell the sisters because it could change how they act toward me during and outside of recruitment.
1. Academics vs Social Life
OK, who doesn't love to have fun, let loose, and relax after a long week of school work? I know I do, but that's not the reason that I am at college. I came to college and am paying tens of thousands of dollars each year to get an education. If I spend too much time focusing on the social aspect of college instead of the academics then my bank account is taking this heavy hit for no reason. I'm looking for a sorority that will encourage me to relax when I need to but will also put academics first.
2. How do you treat other people?
My parents were both Greek in college and when I first told my mom that I was hoping to join Greek life one of the first things that she said to me was "Look at how they treat you outside of recruitment, but more importantly look at how they treat other people." I don't want to be a part of something that puts other people down. As a PNM I'm watching how you interact with people on campus that aren't in your sorority or even in Greek life for that matter.
3. Are you real with me?
Of course, I want to know how you actually are. I want to join a sorority full of people that I actually like to be around. I'm looking to see if you're always the same whether you're around me and other PNMs at a rush or if you're just with your friends in the dining hall. The more that I think you are showing your true colors to me, the more I will like you and want to join you.
4. How well do I fit in with you?
The most important thing to me when looking at sororities is how well I fit in with your sorority. If I have a lot in common with the sisters and I can see myself spending a lot of time with them then I will want to join.
Going through the recruitment is stressful and sometimes overwhelming. You're constantly bombarded with questions from sisters and information about each sorority that it can be difficult to keep track of everything. The hope is that at the end of it all, you find a group of girls that you are proud to call your sisters for the rest of your life.
Happy recruitment, may the bids be in your favor!
