Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$networks is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 207
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$is_shortcode is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 210
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$post_data is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 319
Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/utilities/SWP_Post_Cache.php on line 785
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Post_Cache::$post_id is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/utilities/SWP_Post_Cache.php on line 94
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Post_Cache::$share_counts is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/utilities/SWP_Post_Cache.php on line 902
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$shares is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 360
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$permalink is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 504
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$classes is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel_Trait.php on line 845
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$attributes is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel_Trait.php on line 824
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Twitter::$html is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Social_Network.php on line 392
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Linkedin::$html is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Social_Network.php on line 392
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Pinterest::$html is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Pinterest.php on line 274
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Facebook::$html is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Social_Network.php on line 392
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$inner_html is deprecated in /home3/ountake9/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel_Trait.php on line 803
Joining a sorority is a great way to meet new people and get involved on campus.
The parties, the events, the tailgates… What’s not to love?
Don’t be fooled, though. Recruitment (AKA rush) is a hard and stressful process. Yes, it’s fun but only if you make it fun.
Be prepared to put a lot of work in when you aren’t studying. You have to work hard to find the people you truly look forward to being around. Here are a few tips to get through the processes without feeling completely drained.
Please keep in mind every school does rush a bit different, so my rush process was probably not the same as yours will be.
Research Sororities
You want to know basic information about sororities. That’s a given. Make sure the sororities have a meaningful philanthropy and that you agree with the principles they are founded on.
Not to mention, sororities are a lot of money. Some of them won’t disclose their fees until you are a member, but get a general idea of what charges you will be faced with.
Also, this isn’t technically “research”, but get to know multiple members of each sorority. They can provide insight on what it is going to be like once you join.
Plan Out Your Outfits
I literally went shopping the week before because I “don’t have anything to wear” and guess what.
I didn’t wear half the stuff I bought. I ended up throwing together a few outfits the week before, and wrote out a list of the events I had.
My roommate was so supportive and wrote out my plan on our mirror, so I knew exactly what to wear.
Have an Open Mind
It’s easy to show favoritism after doing so much research. You may even have friends in certain sororities, but don’t limit yourself too much.
Joining a sorority is a big commitment. You need to make sure you are in it for the right reasons.
SO, have an open mind, and be open to even the lowest ranked sororities.
Take Care of Yourself
There is no way you will be able to make it through the process if you don’t take care of yourself.
You have to make sure you are eating, and sleeping, and having a good time.
I know this is such an exciting time, and you want to do everything. Take my advice. Don’t overexert yourself.
It’s not worth it. If you try to do absolutely everything, you probably won’t be able to give your all at the events that really matter.
Stay on Top of School Work
If you are not a disciplined person, this is going to be really hard. You have to focus on school.
After all, that’s why you are in college in the first place! And, despite popular belief, your sorority cares about your grades.
In fact, some sororities require students to attend study hall during rush and as they are getting used to the sorority. Still, you have to be responsible for your own productivity.
Ask Meaningful Questions
Yeah, it’s good to know everyone’s name and major and all of that, but you have all the time in the world for that.
Asking meaningful questions makes you stand out. Everyone is making small talk with each other. Be different.
Ask how the sisters support each other emotionally, academically and spiritually.
Ask what exactly the sorority does to support their philanthropy.
Ask what motivated the girls in the sorority.
Make a list of questions that really help you to get to know the girls and the sororities. You’ll be glad you did.
Sleep
Don’t let fomo get the best of you. You have to maintain a good sleep schedule to take on so many responsibilities.
You have plenty of time to party and stay up all night after the process. It can wait.
Not to mention, you could ruin your chance with your dream sorority if you are caught breaking any rules.
What’s that got to do with sleep, you may ask.
You are more likely to break rules when you should be sleeping. Most of the rules concerning parties, drinking or even being out with members after curfew all happen at night.
Go to sleep at a decent time, so you aren’t grumpy all day when you’re meeting everyone.
Have an Emergency Bag
It’s going to be a long day, and you always want to look your best. Check out a few things I kept in my bag:
- lipstick
- mini water bottle
- granola bar
- deodorant
- face wipes
- tampons
- cash (for last minute hang outs)
Stay Hydrated
Okay, I’ll be honest. I am not good at this one. During the process though, I was making sure to drink more water.
A lot of the events are outside in the heat, and nothing seems more embarrassing than passing out in front of everyone.
Drinking water first thing in the morning is a great way to get started, but you can’t drink one glass of water and call it a day.
Just choose to drink water with every meal and a bottle or two when you are out at events. No sorority wants anyone getting too hot, so a lot of them will provide water at events.
Fake It ‘Til You Make It
You’ll probably feel like you are making a fool out of yourself. It’s okay. Everyone else feels the same way.
Just act like you know what you’re doing. If you are introverted, act like you aren’t.
It’s hard at first, but it gets easy as time goes on.
Be Nice
No one wants to recruit someone that’s being rude and mocking everyone. If you have been told that you have a mean side, make sure you at least control it throughout recruitment.
Laugh with people. Make memories. Be yourself.
You want these girls to love you for you. If you are mean, they aren’t going to want you as a sister.
Make Friends
Even if you have already decided which sorority you like, don’t only talk to them. Recruitment is a perfect time to make friends all over campus. Don’t confine yourself to one sorority.
Make friends in every sorority. You could find some lifelong best friends you otherwise would’ve missed out on.
Plus, it looks good for sororities when their members have friends in the other ones. It shows that you are a genuine person, and sororities like that.
Have Fun
Recruitment is supposed to be fun! I know it seems a little scary. I was scared to death when I signed up, but it is worth it.
You will make so many memories and set a positive tone for the rest of your college experience.
Don’t you wanna have those super cute insta-worthy photos, too?
Find Recommendations
Disclaimer: I don’t know a lot about this one, since my school doesn’t require it.
I would recommend looking for your recommendations early, so you aren’t stressing last minute.
You , your siblings, and your parents can ask around to get these recommendations. If you use facebook, I have seen people being super supportive for this- liking, commenting and sharing posts.
Stay Calm
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of balancing rush and school. Maybe you have a five assignments due tomorrow and a mandatory event tonight. That’s part of it.
Plan out your responsibilities and get to work. You signed up for this, know how you are going to stay on track.
It’s okay to be stressed out, but don’t let it get in the way of finding your place.
Be Positive
Again, everyone has bad days. The girls recruiting you don’t think you are living a perfect life and have to be happy all the time.
I know that’s what people think sororities are like, but it’s not.
Sure, you might’ve failed your first quiz. So what? you have all semester to make up the grade. You only have this one chance to make memories during recruitment.
No one wants a negative Nancy as a sister. They’ll forget about you real quick when pref time comes along.
What If I Don’t Get the Sorority I Want?
I know, that hurts. You work so hard bonding with the girls and you really feel at home there… Then you don’t get it.
Our school does a double pref (girls pref the sorority and sorority prefs the girl) and some girls still don’t get what they want.
My big had our sorority as her last pref. She was not happy when she found out which one she got, but she made the best of it, and we have made tons of memories because of it. I couldn’t imagine doing college without her.
And if all else fails, you can just drop. Sorority life isn’t for everyone.
Don’t feel bad if you get halfway through your semester and regret ever joining. It happens!
You can do this! Sorority rush is scary but it is so much fun, even if you don’t find one you love.
Just take a chance. It’s not that bad. Go make those memories.