Bama Rush has officially returned. This time, instead of receiving tea on the rush process through your TikTok FYP, you now can view additional behind-the-scenes details on what rushing a sorority is like at the University of Alabama through Max’s Bama Rush documentary, which premiered on May 23. The doc has people wondering when fall rush 2023 actually starts, since it’s not as cut and dry as “the beginning of the semester.”
Max’s Bama Rush highlights four young college women navigating the University of Alabama’s Greek life process. During the documentary, viewers saw firsthand how the four prospective new members (PNMs) balanced preparing to rush while starting their journey as undergraduates. With the University of Alabama having the top sorority recruitment in the country, the new documentary sheds light on ways to overcome the mental, emotional, and physical toll of rushing at one of the most competitive sororities in the nation.
As noted in the documentary, sorority rushing consists of four highly-competitive rounds. These rounds include an Open House, where potential new members (PNMs learn about the different sororities. After Open House, PNMs participate in Philanthropy Day, where they will learn about each chapter’s volunteer work. After learning about each sorority’s philanthropy work, PNMs will participate in a Sisterhood round, where prospective new members will have one-on-one time with different sorority members. Lastly, PNMs will be invited to Pref Night, where PNMs visit their favorite two houses.
Although the rush process lasts about a week at most universities, many college women prepare months — and even years — in advance. One young woman in the documentary stated she began preparing for the sorority rush process once she received admissions acceptance to the University of Alabama. With Bama Rush taking over TikTok and television, many young women have aspired to participate in Greek life. From wondering what to wear to when rush even starts, many college women wonder what it takes to be a strong sorority candidate.
With fall being just around the corner, many young women want to know how to prepare in gaining acceptance in a sorority, and most importantly when it starts.
When Is Fall Rush 2023?
Before actually partaking in the sorority rushing process, it’s a good idea to know what exactly the process entails and when it begins. Typically, sorority rushing consists of social events and gatherings that allow prospective and current sorority members to get to know each other.
Each institution has its particular style regarding rushing procedures. Rush can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. Depending on the university, Greek rush can take place before the beginning of the fall semester, a couple of weeks into the fall semester, or even at the beginning of the following semester. Based on the Bama Rush documentary, the University of Alabama rush recruitment process begins at the beginning of August, kicking off with the early move-in for PNMs planning to live on campus (for 2023, that takes place on Aug. 10 and 11). However, different chapters and schools may have different protocols when they start fall recruitment. For example, UCF’s formal fall recruitment is scheduled to take place in the middle of August 2023.
Multicultural sororities also have alternative start dates regarding formal fall recruitment. For example, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) starts its recruitment process in late August and lasts approximately a semester long.
Ultimately, your best bet is to check your university’s academic calendar. While you’re waiting for rush to start, do some research on prospective sororities you’re considering joining. Remember to have an open mind, be yourself, and trust the process!