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Collegiettes, the only thing more exciting than being asked on a date date at Wake Forest is being asked on a rush date. Rush dates are common protocol for sorority sisters who are looking to recruit their newest freshmen members. On a rush date, older girls woo groups of PNMs (Potential New Members) by taking them to yummy places like Brynn’s, the Loop, and Sakura. Who doesn’t love an excuse for an off campus meal with a couple of new girlfriends? (Disclaimer: Some rush dates DO occur in Benson or the Pit…Sorry)
                                               *Image from kardashianheart.blogspot.com
So if you’ve been fortunate enough to be courted by the members of a sorority, you should be super thrilled and ready to go. Right? Wrong (sort of). Going on a date with upperclassmen girls who you really really want to like you can be nerve racking! I mean, what do you wear? What do you say? What do you order to eat?
Well, stop racking your brain (and your closet) for answers, collegiettes; HerCampus is here to help you ace your rush date!
                                                *Image from thehouseworkcanwait.com
Clothes (Don’t?) Make the Girl
When you’re meeting older girls, you want to dress to impress, but keep in mind who you’re impressing. Low cut tops and super short skirts are not ideal. Dress like you’d dress for a normal day of class – jeans, boots and a sweater are totally fine. What you wear to your rush date should be representative of your personal style, so don’t try to put on a front. Your date-ees will be able to tell if you’re wobbling in wedges that you don’t normally wear. One tip: try not to wear gym clothes if you’re going off campus. Remember: these girls are putting in the effort to take you somewhere, so don’t show up looking like you rolled out of bed or off the elliptical.
Makeup Fakeout
The amount of makeup you should be wearing to a rush date is MINIMAL. Limit yourself to foundation, concealer, blush, mascara and lip-gloss. The girls who are taking you to dinner want to get to know you for who you are, not what you look like. Don’t feel pressure to do a smoky eye. A smokin’ personality is much rather preferred…
                                                *Image from arizonafoothillsmagazine.com
Put the Phone Down
It makes you look uninterested and bored. Keep it in your pocket/purse/backpack. No text or call can be SO important that you’d be willing to jeopardize your chance of making a good impression, right? Wait until after dinner to text your friends “OMG just had dinner with _ÂÂ____ in _____ sorority!”
Avoid the Bs
Booze, boys and bank accounts. Avoid these as they can be gateway topics to uncomfortable conversations. Don’t brag about your alcohol tolerance. Don’t brag about the hot OLDER guy who is into you. Don’t brag about your 2014 E-class Benz. And if you’re reading this and saying “but hey, I wasn’t bragging” NEWS FLASH: it still comes across like it. P.S To be safe, add politics and religion to the list of topics to avoid.
                                                        *Image from The LoopÂ
Eat, Please Eat
For heaven’s sake, order something and eat it. It just makes everyone else feel uncomfortable if you get a side of asparagus as your meal. Just because you’re in a group of girls doesn’t mean you have to order a salad – I hate that society makes us feel this way sometimes. Don’t be ashamed to show off your appetite. Sorority girls L-O-V-E to eat!
Collegiettes, a rush date is supposed to be fun. Don’t let your nerves prevent you from making connections with girls in a sorority. Be truthful and real if you want to ace your rush date. Remember that these girls aren’t taking you out just because they want you in their sororities; they’re interested in getting to know you for you. Even if your rush date doesn’t lead to an eventual bid, it may lead to a brand new friendship, and what freshman collegiette doesn’t want that?!