Planning on rushing a sorority this month? The collegiettes™ at Her Campus have been there and we’re sharing our advice on how to impress the sisters while still being yourself and end up in the house that’s right for you (if that’s what you ultimately want!). So take a break from stressing about what outfit to wear during round 3 and enjoy our seasoned advice. And after you’re done rushing (or if you’ve already rushed) share your own tips by leaving a comment below!
Go into it with an open mind. I know it’s hard not to have one sorority that you would just LOVE to be in, but if you don’t get into that place or if you get cut from it early on, you’ll be devastated and it will be hard to appear interested at the other houses that you visit. If you go into it with an open mind, you’ll be able to see the good in all of the houses you visit. Yes, every sorority probably isn’t for you, but most of them have awesome girls in them! And even if you don’t get into the one you wanted, give it a chance. I know a ton of girls who have ended up loving where they ended up even though they thought they would hate it at first.
-Jenni Whalen, Editorial Intern, Bucknell University
Keep an open mind and don’t get too worked up over the stereotypes of each one. I have friends in several of the other sororities here other than my own and honestly, we’re all the same!
– Alexa Johnson, Campus Correspondent, James Madison University
DO IT! If not for the experience of joining a sorority, do it for the sake of meeting new people and getting out of your first semester clique! I did it and even though my best friends went through at the same time, we did it for ourselves. We didn’t try to end up in the same chapter, we wanted to go where we felt best. I know I am where I should be — I created the entire website, was elected sisterhood chair and just became the vice president of philanthropy! Additionally, I am my sorority’s resident food eating competitor (and champion) as well as our powder puff team co-captain! Titles I would never have earned if I was afraid to be silly. I have a network of girls who have my back and like me just the way I am.
-Jackie Newell, Campus Correspondent, Susquehanna University
I never thought I’d be in a sorority until I helped found one my junior year at college. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. My advice would be to give everyone a chance because you might find yourself fitting in somewhere you never thought you would!
– Tia Meyers, Campus Correspondent, Quinnipiac University
Don’t expect an automatic bid just because you know older girls in the sorority. Don’t join a sorority if you’re just doing it for the clothes, date parties, or popularity. And remember, there is more to college than Greek life.
– Erica Avesian, Contributing Writer, University of Michigan
Listen to your gut feeling, and your gut feeling only. Don’t go by the “reputations” you hear about each house, don’t feel overwhelmingly compelled to choose a certain house just because you’re a legacy, and don’t pick a house just because all of your friends are picking it. Do what feels right for you and pick a place where you feel most comfortable. It’s hard to really get a feel for everything because you only spend a few weeks going through rush, but the best thing you can go by is listening to your heart. It sounds cheesy, but the last thing you want to do is end up in a sorority you don’t enjoy just because you’re going by what other people tell you!
Another piece of advice: don’t take it too seriously! Every year, I’ve heard stories about girls crying because they didn’t get into certain sororities. BUT every single time I talk to a girl who didn’t get into the house they wanted, they always ended up in a good place after the fact. Some joined another sorority and had really great experiences; others realized Greek life wasn’t for them and excelled in other clubs and activities. Not getting into a certain house isn’t the end of the world. It’s disheartening, but don’t let it define your happiness in college!
– Laura Baugh, Campus Correspondent, Virginia Tech
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Be yourself, being someone you aren’t won’t help you find the place you belong. Wear cute, stylish, BUT COMFORTABLE clothes/shoes. You want to look good and put together but not uncomfortable because you squeezed into a dress that doesn’t fit!!
– Jessica Johnson, Campus Correspondent, University of Alabama
I think the most important thing to remember during rush is to keep an open mind–don’t go into it thinking that you have to be in x, y or z sorority. Also, don’t be nervous and remember to speak up! The sorority girls talk to so many different girls each day, you want to stand out. Think of a funny, rush-appropriate story about yourself that the girls are sure to remember, and share it when you think appropriate, or even to fill the awkward silences when you’re struggling to keep a conversation going.
– Erica Petri, Campus Correspondent, Emory University
Go with your gut… Do not let your friends or family influence your decision. The sorority you choose to become affiliated with becomes your family for life, no one but you can say where you are going to feel the most comfortable. Choose the house with the women you could fall flat on your face in front of and not be embarrassed about it. Never chose a house based on the reputation you hear about the women within the house. Reputation is just hear-say; instead take it upon yourself to truly discover the character of the women within the house and follow your heart to whichever house you feel can become your forever home. :)
– Sally Maxwell, Campus Correspondent, Denison University