As a sorority girl, I have seen both sides of rush: as a new member and as a full-fledged sister. As an unassuming freshman, I came out for recruitment with not one idea of what would make me “attractive” to a sorority. After a year and a half, and seeing more than one recruitment process as a sister, it’s a wonder I got selected in the first place. Knowing what I know now, I look back and think of all the questions I asked that were taboo, how overdressed I was, and how nervous I shouldn’t have been. But no fear, potential new Hofstra Greek-lifers, here’s how to show off your best self during rush.
1. Don’t look a mess, but leave the ballgowns at home.
Think of recruitment like a first date. You don’t want to show up looking like you just rolled out of bed, but you don’t want to be over-dressed and freak the boy out. Show these girls that you care enough to not only show up, but show up looking put together. Yes, jeans are okay, but wear a nice blouse on top, some kick-ass shoes, and accessorize appropriately. Make sure your hair and makeup look fresh and clean. At the end of the day, if you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it will show and make you stand out.
2. Don’t feel like you have to “parrot” the room.
Rush is all about helping you meet all kinds of sororities, but also to help all the sororities meet you. Remember that even though these organizations have a large pool to choose from, you also have a considerable pool of organizations to narrow down. If you walk into a room, and you don’t feel a connection, don’t sweat it. No one feels that sisterly spark with every sorority. But this doesn’t give you an excuse to mentally check-out while you’re there. Be on your game the whole time! You never know what you might learn talking to them that you will be able to use with your top picks. (And you never know who’s friends with girls in other orgs.)
3. Don’t rely on talking to just one sister.
The premise is simple: the more sisters you speak to and make a good impression on, the more sisters will remember you when they’re selecting new members later on.
4. Pick a memorable story or experience to tell sisters about so that they remember you.
Make it a light, funny story, or an interesting experience that makes you stand out. During rush, sororities see hundreds of girls and hold multiple conversations. By the time they get around to reviewing all the potential new members, they’ve talked to so many people that it’s hard to keep track. Having a good story to share with them is a good way to open up conversation and to prevent you from slipping through memory-cracks when it really matters. But remember, if it’s a sensitive topic in regular social venues, it’s probably not good for recruitment either. (ie: extreme political or religious views, bodily functions, etc.)
5. BE YOURSELF!
I know, I know, IT’S SO FREAKING CLICHÉ! But in the end, these girls are the ones you are trying to determine as the best fit to being your adopted sisters for life. The sorority that chooses you will ultimately see you when your guard is down and, at times, when you’re at your worst. The goal is to join the org that you will feel comfortable in and that will be accepting of YOU. Obviously be your best self, but never EVER be someone you’re not.