If you have ever heard students talk about “rush” or “sorority recruitment,” it probably sounded a little intimidating. But what exactly is sorority rush, and what should you expect if you plan to join a sorority in college? It is important to note that the realities of Greek Life recruitment can vary immensely between schools, so the following information is based on the rush process at larger SEC schools. Here is a breakdown of the process, how to prepare, and some things you might want to know before diving in.
What Is Sorority Rush?
Sorority rush, or recruitment, is a process that helps college students find a sorority that fits them best. It happens over a few days, and it is typically held at the beginning of the semester in the fall, although there may also be a spring rush. During this process, potential new members (PNMs) meet different sororities to see which ones feel like the best fit. It is a two-way process, meaning you will be selecting sororities that you are interested in, and they will be selecting you too.
The Different Rounds of Rush
Rush usually happens in several rounds, each with its own focus.
Open House / Meet & Greet
This is the first round, and it is all about getting a general feel for each sorority. Recruits will visit each chapter briefly, so you will not go too in-depth into the sororities’ values or activities. It is just a quick introduction, so you can start thinking about your options.
Philanthropy Round
In this round, sororities talk about the causes they support and how they give back to the community. You will learn about the charity work they do and get a sense of what they care about beyond the social aspect.
Sisterhood Round
During this round, you will have longer conversations with the current sorority members and hear about their sisterhood and the realities of being a part of the chapter. Expect to talk about values, traditions, and what it is like to live as a sister.
Preference Night
This is the final round, and it is more formal. By now, you will have narrowed your picks down to one or two sororities, and these events usually feel a bit more emotional. It is your chance to really get a sense of where you feel most connected and where you can imagine yourself fitting in.
Bid Day
At the end of the rush process, you will receive a “bid,” which is essentially an invitation to join a sorority. On Bid Day, everyone celebrates and you “run home” to the house where you meet your new sisters! It is a big deal and marks the start of your new life as a sorority girl.
Fears and Preparation
Many girls feel a mix of excitement and nerves when preparing for sorority rush.
“My biggest fear is getting dropped by all of the sororities,” senior Sarah Carter said.
Although it can be intimidating, many people rely on friends or family members who have already gone through the rush process. Carter is finding comfort and guidance through her sister, who previously rushed at the same college and is helping her know what to expect.
Preparation can be the key to easing your worries during the rush process. Senior Kaytlin Cheney shared how she is preparing for rush at the University of Oklahoma.
“My biggest fear would be girls not liking me for the way that I am,” Cheney said. “I went to Greek Preview at OU and that really helped me out. I’m getting all of my outfits and stuff together beforehand.”
With good preparation and support, the process can feel a lot less overwhelming.
Overall, sorority rush can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it is also an opportunity to find a group of people who will support you through college and beyond. Whether or not you end up joining a sorority, the process can teach you a lot about yourself and help you get to know different people and communities on campus.
