Recruitment is a scary time in every sorority girl’s life. It is the time where you not only find your future sisters, but also find a home. I went through recruitment as a PNM (potential new member) in the fall of 2015. I came from a small town in Michigan, so saying I had no idea what I was getting myself into is an understatement. It is a terrifying feeling not knowing what to expect as a PNM on the days of formal recruitment. This article will help give PNMs at Northern Illinois University an idea of what to expect each of the days they are at formal recruitment.

Day 1:

Friday is by far the longest day of the three. PNMs will visit each of the houses for about 20 minutes. This may seem like a long time, but it flies by. You will be lined up in front of each of the houses and the women from the sorority will come get you to welcome you in. Yes, it is terrifying when they pour out of the door. No, don’t listen to that voice who is telling you to run screaming. The women you meet will be the sweetest girls who just want to have a genuine conversation with you. The more you open up and talk, the better it is for you!

Day 2:

Saturday all I remember is being EXTREMELY hungry. So eat a good meal before you come! This day PNMs will visit about 5 houses for a longer period of time. During this time, you will do a craft and learn about the sororities philanthropy. BE AWARE! Some of the philanthropy videos are quite sad, so you may cry. No one is going to judge you for this! I know this from experience. You will have some down time between rounds and yes it is boring. Take this time to meet new friends!

Day 3:

Sunday. Today is the day. Bid day. You will be asked back to a max of two houses. These houses will bring you through a ceremony that is touching and close to their hearts. This is the day where you find out where your home is. Where you sit on that packet until they allow you to open it. Where you flash the T-Shirt they got for you and you become engulfed in sisters charging forward to bring you home. It was easily one of the best days of my life.

The days of the weekend are long. Not much sleep is to be had. It is nerve racking. But you need to remember, the girls that are recruiting you are nervous too. I am scared to death to meet you guys because I want you to love this place as much as I do. I can’t wait for you all to find your home here at NIU.

For more information of fall recruitment click here.

Click here to sign up for fall recruitment.