What I Wish I Knew About Greek Life: Recruitment 101 And My Personal Experience

Years ago, I never envisioned myself in a sorority, but the more research I did, the more I realized it was something I really wanted to be a part of. I was SO nervous about recruitment, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I made in my first year at UCSB, and I would recommend rushing to everyone.

RUSH TIPS:

These tips might sound generic, BUT they are tips for a reason! Although this can be hard, try your best to go into recruitment with an open mind and as few preconceived notions as possible. Some houses you’ll love, and others you might not like, but you won’t ever truly know how you feel about a house unless you give it a fair shot. I recommend focusing on what values you want in a sorority and what experiences you are looking to get out of Greek life, and then looking at how each chapter can serve those after you visit their house. 

I also highly recommend taking notes after every round of recruitment at each house because you meet so many girls, and sometimes it’s difficult to remember how you felt after visiting. Make sure, when doing this, however, that you keep your thoughts private because everyone should be able to have their own thoughts without external influences. In my notes, I looked at things such as their philanthropy, how well I got along with the current members, and how my energy levels were after each house (ex, did I leave feeling super energized vs. did I leave feeling a bit tired?)

If you have the opportunity to do formal recruitment, I highly recommend it, even though it is a lot of work. Formal recruitment allows you to meet other potential new members (PNMs) and is an amazing way to make new friends. I met some of my best friends through my PNM group, and recruitment really helped us bond. Some girls in my group also went ADPi, and it was so fun seeing familiar faces on Bid Day, but I’m also still close with other girls in my group who chose a different sorority. 

Finally, as cliché as it sounds, BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF! I am very thankful to have found a home in ADPi, but that only happened because I was my true self during recruitment. If you are authentically yourself, that is the best way to find your home in the Panhellenic community. Pretending to be someone you’re not will only make things harder and probably lead you to end up in a place where you don’t feel entirely comfortable. When it comes down to it, recruitment is based a lot on conversations, and the recruiters are so excited to get to know YOU, so focus on presenting your genuine self. 

MY EXPERIENCE:

I have so much love for the entire Panhellenic community and believe every chapter on campus is truly incredible. I chose ADPi for various reasons, but mostly because I felt at home there and could envision it being an integral part of my college experience. I felt very tied to our philanthropy, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and our values, which are scholarship, service, sisterhood, and leadership, all of which are extremely close to my heart.

Scholarship:

I wanted to be in a sorority that values academics, and this has proven true in ADPi. All of our members are incredibly smart, and our chapter has a diverse range of majors; it is so comforting knowing someone can always help you if you don’t understand the homework or need additional support. I also love being able to find ADPi girls in my classes without even knowing we were taking the same course! No matter where you go there is a familiar face which has been so wonderful, especially in my first year.

Service:

I have always been extremely service-oriented, and I love how service-oriented ADPi is. ADPi has allowed me many opportunities to get involved with the community through service and to do so alongside some of my favorite people as we have weekly volunteer opporuntuies and frequent philanthropy events to support or get involved with. 

Sisterhood:

I am so thankful for the sisterhood ADPi has provided me. I love being involved with my sorority and look forward to spending time with the girls! Whether it’s Chapter dinner, meetings, sisterhoods, brunch, chapter retreat or just running into someone I always enjoy the time we spend together! I feel so incredibly grateful to have found some of my best friends through ADPi and to continue making more connections within my chapter.

Leadership:

I love being involved and wanted to be surrounded by girls who were highly involved on campus even outside of ADPi and my sisters absolutely are. Every member is a leader and truly inspires me to be a better person. I love seeing everything they accomplish, and everyone in the chapter is so supportive and rooting for all of our girls! Adpi has also been great for professional development, such as having access to networking events like Greek Interconnected which a previous ADPi Exec member planned!

Ultimately, if you are thinking about rushing, I really hope you go for it. I have met so many incredible girls and love being part of the Panhellenic community. It is so special and has given me so much in the time I have been involved. Being a part of Greek Life is amazing for professional development, philanthropy, community service, and for finding a home away from home!  

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