Clickity-clack—the sound of hundreds of pairs of heels eagerly scurry down the sidewalks toward the banner clad sorority houses. Recruitment season is here, and with it brings the joy and excitement of everything that sorority rush entails. During the next few days, you will meet, greet, and bond with more females than you ever knew attended your school and if you’re lucky you will find a new place to call home. For those of you who don’t know, I am a Delta Zeta. I love everything my sorority stands for and cherish the memories my chapter gave me with fervent adoration. I found my home in my sisterhood surrounded by strong and brilliantly driven women—women who supported me, encouraged me, and challenged me to seek the best version of myself possible. Sorority rush is so much more than gobs of glitter and matching sundresses. It’s the Hogwarts sorting hat of the Greek system, plant willing women where they were meant to be, and where they will flourish as a member of their respective house. I am so excited to share with you what you can expect when going through sorority recruitment and hope that the information I impart serves you well as you make your way through rush.
Why you should go through sorority recruitment
As previously stated, there’s a lot more to sorority life than crafts and matching outfits. If you are looking for a place where you can get involved on campus, meet new people, gain leadership experience, network, serve your community, improve your resume, and have fun doing it, then sorority life is for you sugar. I never imagined that becoming a member of Delta Zeta would grant me the opportunity to serve on a life-changing international missions trip with the Starkey Hearing Foundation in Toluca, MX, but it did. You never know what your doors your Greek life involvement could open, give yourself a shot at an amazing undergrad experience and register for recruitment.
What you can expect during sorority recruitment
No, it’s not like what you’ve seen on T.V. There are no goats and no virgin sacrifices so you can relax. What you will get is a whole lot of chanting, laughing, snacking, and mingling. You may be subject to a few PowerPoints and ice-breaker games, but that’s about the extent of the possible peril of recruitment. It’s actually a lot of fun. You get to meet people you probably would’ve never crossed paths with, that’s the beauty of it. At the core of this Hobby Lobby explosion, are real girls from all walks of life brought together by a desire for connection to something bigger than themselves.
What you can do to improve your chances of getting a bid
1. Be yourself. The quickest way to not get a bid is by trying too hard to be something you’re not. You don’t need to go out of your way to impress them, that’s their job, just relax and have a good time.
2. Get out of your comfort zone. Recruitment week is like speed dating if you don’t engage when the opportunity presents its self you might miss your shot. Sorority women don’t bite, so do your best to engage with them when they approach you, even if you’re shy.
3. Don’t wear a dress you’d take to the club. Go for something classy, cute and fun. If you need ideas, I’ve created a Pinterest board of appropriate recruitment looks that I’ll leave below.
4. Don’t talk about Frat guys. It’s no secret that half of America thinks that sorority women are boy crazed, party girls, and the last thing any chapter wants is to add more fuel to the stereotype fire. They don’t need to know your boyfriend is a Kappa Sig, or that you want to join to meet hot guys, or that you hate all Fraternity men in general. Keep your opinions about the bros out of recruitment, or you’ll likely get the boot.
5. Don’t talk about partying. Again, with the stereotypes—they don’t need ‘em. If you think sharing that you can do a keg stand for 45 seconds is going to get you in, guess again. These women are looking to recruit future leaders, not PR scandals.
What if I don’t get the house I wanted?
There are two ways to handle a disappointing bid. Option a: decline the bid and wait until next fall to go through recruitment again. Option b: accept the bid and trust that while you may not have been placed in the house you wanted, you may just be in the house you needed. Give it a shot; your disappointing bid might be the greatest thing that ever happened to you.
Final thoughts
I am so excited that you are about to embark on this life-changing journey through the Greek system. Comment below on how your rush week went or with your favorite recruitment memory. I can’t wait to hear from you.
With love from the Lonestar,
Isabella
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