For girls coming into formal recruitment for the first time, it can be very nerve-racking. If this is something that you have never experienced before, you probably have many questions. Formal recruitment can be intimidating at first, but trust me, as someone who has been through it all, it really isn’t as bad as it seems. You will have many people guiding you and helping you throughout the whole process. This should be a fun experience where you meet new friends and get to experience all of the sorority houses on your campus. For all you about to go through it, I have a few tips to help calm some nerves and guide you during the process!
I will say that out of the whole experience, the most important tip is to just be your unapologetic self. Don’t let the reputation of houses or other girl’s opinions sway you to choosing a house you will not like. When talking to the girls in the house, have real conversations and get a feel for the setting and vibes of the house. You’ll know which house is for you when you feel comfortable in the house and the girls have similar interests as you. It is so important to judge each house out of your own personal opinion because, in the end, you’ll be the one making friends for yourself and spending time at the house. The last thing you will want is to end up with a house on bid day that you didn’t feel comfortable in and didn’t love. Stay true to yourself and you will make the best friends and amazing memories!
With such a busy day and schedule during rush week, it will be hard to remember all of the conversations you had at each of the houses. The thing that I relied on the most during rush was my notebook! In it, I wrote down what houses I went to each day, the names of the girls I talked to and what we talked about. I would write down details, like what I liked about the house, the philanthropy, and their sisterhood. This was an easy way for me to remember all the details and feelings I had during my time at the houses. There is so much going on every day and you may be overwhelmed with all the new people you are meeting. Keeping a notebook is the best way to organize your thoughts and review which house you liked best that day. I HIGHLY suggest bringing a notebook to your formal recruitment.
Although you are now away at college and free to party and have a good time, this is something to avoid bringing up in conversation during formal recruitment! During rush week, you are not allowed to drink alcohol or go out, and this goes for the girls in the house too. Girls will report you if you are seen drinking or partying during this week. The last thing you want is to worry about being reported. And trust me, they will find out. This can risk your chance of getting into most, if not all, houses. When talking to the girls in the house each day, try sticking to your hobbies or talk about the school! Try your best not to say anything about drinking or partying during this week. Once you are in the sorority you may still not be able to go out for a few weeks, or until initiation. This is the way rushing a sorority works at most schools. Overall, try to talk about things other than drinking and partying during formal recruitment.
This is the week that you will want to break out your best dress and heels. During some days of formal recruitment, you will need to dress up. This requires heels, dresses, and hair and makeup done. If you’re not into makeup, though, don’t try to be something you’re not! Bare faces are just as beautiful. Feeling confident in your outfit is so important this week. If you are uncomfortable the whole time, you will seem it and may get distracted from your conversations in the houses. Wearing something you feel amazing in will boost your confidence and make you feel more outgoing. The girls are not judging you solely off of your outfit. They still will be searching for girls with similar personalities and good conversations. The outfit just makes the occasion more formal and shows that you are coming close to bid day!
The only way that you’ll know if you want to be in a house is if you ask questions and find out about it. Stories offer so many opportunities that you may not hear about. If you are really passionate about something, ask the girls in the house if they offer similar things. Most sorority houses have clubs or programs within the house. For example, some houses may have bible clubs you can join with your sisters or offer philanthropy work you can become apart of! These are important questions to ask during formal recruitment in order to better understand where you want to end up. You may also want to ask what sisterhood events they do each year because every house is different. Find one that suits you best! Don’t be scared to ask the important questions!
Although it might be tempting to tell all your new friends about your opinions on the houses and girls you’ve met, DO NOT! I can not stress this enough. They make it very clear during the start of rush week to keep your opinions to yourself. I remember during my formal recruitment a girl in my group had overheard another girl talking bad about a house and reported her. This got the girl in a lot of trouble and made her look bad. Your group leaders, also known as Rho Chis, will not let this slide. They will report what you said to the houses and the girls rushing you. You do not want the reputation of the girl who talks bad about other girls and houses. Be kind to everyone you meet! Keep your personal opinions to yourself. You do not want to have houses drop you because of something stupid you said!
The last bit of advice I have to give for formal recruitment is to have fun! This week is supposed to be an exciting time when you are meeting new people and getting used to being away at college. Do not stress yourself out this week if it is not going the way you expected. You will hear this a million times, but trust the process! If you stay true to yourself, have fun, and enjoy seeing all the houses, you will end up in the house perfect for you! I promise you will meet your new best friends and make so many memories. Girls in the houses will notice if you are stressed and nervous. Stay calm and enjoy what each day brings!
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