Recruitment or Rush as many schools call it, is the time where girls and guys look at all of their options for greek life and select the one that best fits them. But there are some little secrets that nobody ever tells you. Not because the information is truly secret, but because we just forget. So here it is, the information you never knew you needed.
Do not say where you want to go.
When you are at the recruitment parties, do not be explicitly telling people what organization you want to join. Especially you are at a different sorority/fraternity's party. People are constantly listening for what you say, not because they're stalkers but they want to make their preference list based on who really seems interested. Which brings me to my next point.
Don't get your hopes up
I'm not saying that because you won't get into the sorority/fraternity that you want. I'm saying that because there aren't any guarantees. You may really like one group, but perhaps you weren't very talkative at their parties so nobody knew of you in order to pick you. Maybe you were the perfect candidate for their group but they may not know enough to say that's true. And also don't think that you belong and one group and are going to get in just because your friends are in that group. Other people than just your friends control who gets in.
Be talkative
I mean, let the active members get a chance to talk too, but they appreciate it when you make engaging conversation. When you're at the parties it is a perfect time to ask questions you have about the group. Like what community service do they do, what are their dues, what is their favorite thing about their group. Meanwhile, tell them a little about yourself too so that if they like you, they remember you.
Don't only talk to your friends
Allow other people than just your friends to get to know you because then you'll have more people pushing for you when the time comes to select.
Go to your favorite group last
On the last night of recruitment, go to your favorite group last. This is so the groups can gauge how interested you are in them. This is a very unspoken rule. Nobody tells you this. I was told by an alumni.
Don't be upset
If you go in and preference your groups on bid day and find out when you open your bid card that you got your second choice, don't be upset. Everything happens for a reason. You were meant to be in the group that you end up in. So have an open mind. And if you still don't think that club is for you, then you do not have to be activated. It's your choice entirely.
Believe nothing that anyone says about a group unless it is positive
People spread rumors all the time. Whether they are from the greek organizations or independents, people make up stuff about the greeks. DO NOT believe what they say. Find out for yourself because I can assure you, the rumors are almost never true.
Be yourself
Nobody is looking for someone who has the craziest life or someone who told the best story. They're looking for girls/guys who fit in with the club as they are. They do not want you to be a carbon copy of the other people. They want you to be who you are. And if the group doesn't accept you for who you are, then that is not where you're meant to be.
There you go. There are all the secrets that I can tell you about recruitment week. I highly encourage you all to go through recruitment, because it was definitely the best decision of my entire life.
