Rushing Tips & Tricks

This year I decided to rush at the University of Colorado Boulder, and let me tell you it was an experience that changed my perspective on Greek Life as a whole. I am a sophomore, and although I considered joining a sorority as a freshman last year, it just never seemed to fit with where my life was going and what I thought I needed. I used to think that I wouldn’t belong in a sorority, or that it wouldn’t be the right fit for me. However, after rushing this year and joining Kappa Alpha Theta, I feel that I found somewhere I belong, beyond my usual and already established groups here at CU. 

In a way, it was better for me to rush my second year since I actually know myself better. Also, my life and friend groups as a college student feel more established, and now I have even more friendships to build upon and exciting new chapters ahead within my sorority. If you are someone considering joining Greek Life or you just want to try something new and make connections, I would highly recommend rushing if you can.

Before I list my tips, I first want to simplify some important Greek Life and recruitment terms and concepts that may seem confusing or unfamiliar. Rush begins with an orientation, where you learn about the Panhellenic council, and what the rush process looks like. It’s held in the Glenn Miller Ballroom at CU, with many girls in one space which can be overwhelming! However, it was one of my favorite parts of rushing since there was a wonderful speaker from College Moxie. The first round of datebooks (A.K.A “parties”, which simply means the different events during rush) are all about getting to know each sorority house and what matters to them. The first datebook is casual dress (think sweat set) and you get to meet your Rho Gams, the girls that are dissociated from their sororities for a time, who are there to help you with anything you may need. 

From there you rank, based on which houses most resonate with you, and if the houses you wanted also want to meet with you, then you get invited back for your datebook schedule. Essentially, the voting process continues throughout all the rounds of rush, which include philanthropy, sisterhood and preference. During these rounds you are building a stronger relationship with the girls in each sorority. You will meet different chapter members and have time to discuss your interests, and why you would be a good fit for their sorority. Each weekend, if you get invited back, you will see more of the houses and during sisterhood each chapter will give you a house tour! I would say preference is the most special, because it’s your opportunity to immerse yourself, talk with the girls you’ve met before, decide which house you most want, and hopefully match with the chapter that best suits you. 

Now that we have covered the basics of how rushing works, we can move on to the main five tips for the best experience! 

Tip #1: Be authentic 

Make sure to be yourself. Now you might wonder, why does this matter? Isn’t it more important what I bring, what I wear, or how I best present myself? Rush can be so competitive, especially at a school with fewer affiliated chapters (we only have nine at CU, while schools like the University of Alabama have upwards of 19). However, none of that really matters if you aren’t finding the best place for you. I pretty much went in blind to this entire process, and actually, I think I was better for it;I didn’t really have any preconceived notions or expectations for how I wanted to rush to go or where I wanted to end up. If you go in with an open mind, treat everyone with respect and kindness and be yourself, you will end up in the place that is right for you.

Tip #2: Don’t take things personally 

It is not the end of the world if a house you liked drops you! It has nothing to do with your self-worth or your value as a human being; it honestly just means that whatever chapter you are meant to be in will find you some other way. There is also something called Continuous Open Bidding (COB), which means after formal recruitment is over, you can informally chat with the houses you were interested in and possibly get a bid based on your conversations with initiated members. 

Tip #3: What to wear! 

Now we can get into the fun stuff, like what to wear and bring! This goes along with my first point about being yourself, but I would say wear what makes you feel comfortable and represents your true style and personality — not how you think the recruiters want to see you. For some datebooks, you have to follow certain dress codes, and there are more casual rounds, such as philanthropy rounds, and then more formal rounds such as sisterhood and preference. For the first weekend you will wear the shirt they give you, and you can style it however you like. Then for sisterhood, the dress code is garden party, lastly for preference you wear formal dresses similar to what you would wear to a gala or as a wedding guest. They will usually send out guidelines for what to wear in terms of fashion inspo, so as long as you are meeting basic requirements, it’s important to show what makes you you! 

Tip #4: Bring necessities 

If you have a long day, make sure to bring snacks, water, touch-up makeup and comfortable shoes like flip flops to wear while walking. Trust me, the blisters aren’t worth it, and if you have multiple parties to go to in a day, you will be walking all over the place (especially in Boulder because many of the houses are spread out). When rushing you also get a complimentary tote bag, a free panhellenic shirt that you must wear for the philanthropy round, and many gift cards so utilize them! You can bedazzle and decorate your items to make them feel more personal, and it can also help you keep track of your things since the bags are all the same.  

Tip #5: Be a chatter box (yes, you too introverts)

Last but not least, talk to people. Talk to girls you meet in line while waiting to go in the houses, ask people questions; I guarantee you they are just as nervous, and just as willing to make new connections and friends. After all, isn’t that what we are all here for? Some of the new friends I made during recruitment have turned into connections that I still keep in contact with — even if we ended up in different houses. We all wanted each other to succeed, and women lifting up other women is what matters most about the recruitment process.

There are, of course, going to be people with negative views about sororities, and you also may have some negative experiences along the way. Try not to listen to anyone else or compare your experience with another girl. I promise, if you go in with an open and curious mind, you may have more fun than you think. Also, it is important to consider that joining a sorority can be a large financial commitment, so make sure you are clear on your limitations and what works best for you and your family. 

Lastly, you are already enough on your own. If joining a sorority is the right thing for you, that’s great, but if you decide it’s not, that is just as great! What matters is your passion, excitement and willingness to participate, not what houses you get back or how “successful” you are during the rush process. Follow your heart, protect your peace and remember that you deserve good things. 

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