One year ago, I stepped into the animal that is Southern Greek Life without much of a clue and somehow landed in the sorority of my dreams. Here are some recruitment tips that helped me get there you may not have heard yet.
1. Pick an anthem for the week!
The power of a consistent pump-up song is real (this is psychological). Carefully choose a bop that suits whatever you need. If you need confidence, listen to a rap song to pump up your sneakers. If you need comfort, choose a classic that you grew up with. If you're still confused, I would recommend anything by anyone in the modern "holy trinity" (Beyonce, Rihanna, and Nicki). For me, it was "Formation" by Queen Bey.
2. It is easier to just accept the weirdness of the door chanting.
Yes, it does sort of look like the gates of hell opening. Yes, all the girls in the houses look like this. On the positive side, the intention behind the tradition is to be silly and make the house less intimidating to Potential New Members (PNMs). And, trust me, it is more uncomfortable for us to actually do the bouncing than it is for you to watch it.
3. Don’t go overkill with the aesthetic. But, you know, try a little.
Admittedly, it is unfortunately materialistic that there are specific outfits or appearances that you have to keep up. However, the process is so quick that you need to put your best self forward on all fronts. A little like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," this is all about balance. False eyelashes on and heels on the first round may be too much, and rolling out of bed may say that you do not care all that much about the process (depending on the sorority).
4. Call your mom, often.
Reflect out loud as soon as the day is done. You'll forget important stuff if you don't. Plus, your parent will keep you grounded and remind you of what you wanted in a sorority in the first place if you feel lost.
5. Better yet, bring a journal.
Pro-tip: be sure to jot down the names of girls with whom you really connected in specific houses. This way, you can impressively bring up these ladies next time you are in that chapter. Add specific descriptions of the vibe or the girls to jog your memory of how you felt in there.
6. Don't underestimate the importance of getting in your zone while lined up outside the particular house.
Practice some handy-dandy breathing techniques or repeat a personal mantra, it could be a Bible verse or an inspirational quote. For me, I (strangely) memorized the phrase, "Do not go gentle into that good night," and it low-key gave me a lot of edge and strength.
7. Realize that you're going to be surrounded by hundreds of dolled-up girls in their physical primes.
Don't let this dull your confidence. Instead, let the majesty of teenage girls empower you.
8. Talk to other Potential New Members! Shared trauma yields good friendships.
Strike up a conversation with that cool-looking chick while awaiting your next party. A friendly face could change her whole day around.
9. Wear primer and stash some plain flats.
You will sweat. You will run. Be prepared for both.
10. Beforehand, imagine subtle ways to transition a seemingly average conversation to your good-points.
You. Are. Impeccable. Humbly, show them! Try to focus on stuff that they cannot already see on your resume. Now is absolutely not the time to be shy about the fact that you were a National Merit finalist or about how you went on a month-long mission trip to Asia. Do not be afraid of relaying your ambitions, accomplishments, and hard questions to the woman that you are chatting with.
11. It is acceptable to allow yourself be a little hermit during this exhausting week.
Watch your go-to happy television show to give yourself some relief to look forward to at the end of the day. (This could be anything from "Parks and Rec" to "Gilmore Girls").
12. Give your Rho Gammas a bear-hug!
They will be your guiding lights throughout Recruitment, complete with neutral support, oil blotters, and breath mints.
13. Do juuuust enough research on the sororities at your school prior to starting the process...
The general first round visits can leave you feeling directionless. Some social media stalking prior to rush will ease this. Each sorority has its own unique personality. You should choose a personality that challenges you and makes you feel at home all at once. ***Caveat, do not pay much attention to the Internet's rumors or rankings with sororities - every school is different.***
14. Remember that the pretty sorority girls are more scared of you than you are of them.
Recall that recruitment is a two-way street, both the PNM and the sorority are trying hard to impress the other. As a sorority member, I can confirm that we have been looking forward to meeting you and diligently preparing everything so that YOU want to join us. We would be lucky to have you.
15. Think big picture!
I mean this with all the love in the world: tone down the drama. At the end of the day, being in a sorority is basically just being in an intense college club. Recruitment is only one week long, and it is supposed to be logistical fun, not a scarring nightmare. Life will go on if you do not get the exact bid that you originally wanted. On that same note, your existence will not be permanently altered for the amazing if you do happen to get exactly the bid that you want. Authentically, I can confirm that it is simply not that big of a deal. Recruitment is fairly built up in many heads when, in reality, you just need to be yourself and trust the system.
Happy rushing, champ!
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