Going into college I had no idea what Greek life was. Lilly Pulitzer? Vineyard Vines? Say What? Not a clue. I decided to rush knowing that I would end up in a sorority where I would find my home away from home. I only wish that someone had told me these helpful hints before I started recruitment.
1.BE YOURSELF
If you take nothing else from this article, please remember this golden rule. One of the most common mistakes that you can make going through recruitment is putting on a fake image of what you think being a sorority girl is all about. In reality, we’re just like you only in matching outfits, singing chants and doing whatever it is that our recruitment chairs are telling us to do.
2. Recruitment Counselors are your backbone
A Pi Chi or Gamma Chi is essentially your “mini-mom” for the week. They have a huge bag full of anything that you could possibly need. These women signed up to take on this position to help you find where you belong and they know lots of information. USE THEM. THEY ARE THERE TO HELP YOU.
3. Go in with an open mind
Any stereotype that you have about sororities, Greek life or the organizations on that particular campus, throw those out the door. A majority of those labels you will find to be false and completely wrong. Give every organization a fair chance because you might be surprised which one you like!
4. Yes, Bid Day is as amazing as it sounds
No really. Bid. Day. Is. Awesome. You automatically receive a hundred new friends, free stuff and you get your first taste of one of the sorority perks. Expect many Facebook requests, Twitter followers and at least 50 more likes on every Instagram. If sorority girls are one thing, it’s loyal to their sisters on social media.
5. Do your research
Typically Greek Affairs at the campus will send out a pamphlet or a book that gives background information about each sorority. Read these and figure out which ones you’re interested in! Each organization has their own ideals, supports certain philanthropies and is made up of all different types of women. Having an idea of what you want always makes the decisions easier.
6. Expect to be asked the same thing a million times
Where are you from? What did you do in high school? What’s your major? How’s living in the dorms? Why did you choose to come to this university? What do you want to do in life? Do you have any pets? Over and over again…
7. Make your own decisions
As the golden rule states: BE YOURSELF. That means make your own opinions throughout the process and focus on the women you talk to. Filter out all of the good or bad comments that your friends/people in your recruitment group make because in the end, you are going through recruitment for yourself and no one else.
8. DO NOT TALK ABOUT THE B'S
Boys. Booze. Talking about these things can give a different image about yourself that you may not want to portray. Save those conversations for after bid day.
9. Trust in the Sorority gods
You may be disappointed and cut from a certain sorority that you had your heart set on but don’t sweat it. The women in the chapter know themselves better than you do. If you won’t fit in, they know it and it’s probably for the better that you were dropped from them.
10. You will join something greater than yourself. It's scary, but it's awesome.
Becoming a part of a Greek organization can be scary at first and also overwhelming but I guarantee if you give your sorority your all, she’ll give it back to you and so much more. As cliché as it is, the saying is so true: from the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. From the inside looking out, you can’t explain it. Don’t knock Greek life ‘til you try it!
