The Low Down on Each Round: A Guide to Sorority Rush

Sorority hopefuls, prepare yourselves. The time has come. This Wednesday marks the beginning of Spring Rush, a week of recruitment events that can be both enjoyable and mildly terrifying. You may have already excitedly planned your outfits, or maybe you’re still questioning whether or not Greek life is for you. Rest assured that many share your overwhelmed feelings. Trust this handy guide to ease some of the pressure by explaining each round to you.

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Round 1: Open House (Wednesday and Thursday)

All Potential New Members (PNMs) are required to visit all seven sororities during Open House. Expect to trudge through chilly winds and arctic temperatures, so bundle up. At each house, you will individually talk to three or four different current members for around five to ten minutes each. The conversations are brief and, consequently, tend to be somewhat superficial. You’ll most likely be asked about your hometown, major and classes. Be prepared to talk about topics such as winter break festivities and campus activities that you’re passionate about. Although these conversations are fleeting, your first impression is crucial to receiving invitations to later rounds. After Open House, most rushees will receive callbacks—some lucky girls will be asked back to all six houses, but the vast majority receives one to three invites. Your primary goal during this round is to be remembered. Bring your smile and a sense of humor with you, and the sorority members will want to see you again.
 
Round 2: Skit (Saturday)

The sororities showcase their humor and persona through their skits, which range from silly dances to hilarious plays. Like Open House, rushees will still have a few brief conversations with members before the show begins. It is again vital to make yourself memorable, whether it’s through a vibrant conversation or a killer fashion sense. Also remember to soak in the individual atmosphere at each sorority. Unlike Open House, Skit is a better representation of each sorority’s unique spirit and ideals.
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Round 3: Philanthropy (Monday)

Similar to Skit, Philanthropy is yet another example of the different sorority personalities on campus. During this round, you’ll participate in a craft and learn about the sorority’s specific charity and fundraising events. Members will often give house tours and spend longer periods of time talking to the girls. These longer conversations allow PNMs to develop friendships with current members and to learn more about the sorority’s activities. Don’t forget to ask any questions you may have about Greek life! No question is stupid. Committing yourself to a sorority is a serious matter, so make an informed decision. At this point, those girls with several sororities on their list should focus on narrowing their options down to two houses for the next round.

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Round 4: Preference (Next Wednesday)

Put on your heels and favorite classy dress for Preference. PNMs will only be invited to a maximum of two houses on this night, but these visits are far more personal than during previous rounds. You will again talk to current members, but this time they are often girls whom you’ve already met. Afterwards, members will usually perform a heartfelt ceremony or sing a traditional song related to the sorority’s history and core values. This is an elegant and serious occasion, but don’t stress—the members want you to feel comfortable in what might soon end up being your own home. And the best part is, you’ll be offered cake or candy just for showing up.

Immediately after Pref round, your Rho Gamma will ask you to fill out a bid card. On this card, you will rank which sororities are your first and (if you visited two houses on Pref night) second choices. Writing a sorority on your bid card means that you are willing to accept a bid from that sorority regardless of whether or not it is your first or second choice. Keep in mind that you are not required to list both sororities from Pref round on your card—you may “suicide” and list only one sorority if you are absolutely certain that you don’t want to be a member of the other sorority. Take these rules seriously, because you can’t change your mind after the card is handed in. If you are offered a bid and turn it down, you will be prohibited from rushing again for at least a year. Many girls will sit in the same room for an hour debating between two sororities, but some will be able to make their decision right away. Feel free to consult your Rho Gamma for advice, and be sure to think carefully about your decision.
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Bid Night (Next Thursday)

Congratulations! Bid Night is by far the most exciting rush experience. Your Rho Gamma will call you ahead of time if you’re offered a bid, and you’ll be given an envelope containing the name of your new home away from home. Together, the rushees open their bids and are soon consumed by cheering and hug-happy sorority girls. Enjoy the enthusiasm of everyone around you and meet your pledge class—even though they may all be strangers to you at first, they will eventually become your best friends. You did it!
 
Hopefully there won’t be any surprises come Wednesday, but even if there are, just remember to be yourself. It is a sickeningly cliché notion, but it’s also the most critical advice to follow. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re not asked back for a round, because it would be far worse to end up joining a community that you don’t feel welcome in. The only way to truly know which sorority fits you best is by being honest with yourself.