Girls, it’s rush season, meaning nerves are escalated, questions are arising and doubts are setting in. Recruitment is not intended to bring feelings of anxiety, though. The rush process is intended to be enjoyable and the beginning of a new chapter in one’s college career.
With that being said, it’s completely normal to be nervous and ask questions such as, “Will the girls like me?,” “Will I like them?,” “Am I going to find my home?” and “Is this journey even worth it?”
The answer to all of these questions is yes, if you trust the process, be true to your values and remind yourself of all the wonderful benefits of being in a sorority. Don’t fret, OU rush is nothing like Alabama RushTok.
Here, it’s a lot less intense, but still tiring nonetheless, as it is a 4 day, all day venture. With the right mindset and some ample advice, you will be set and ready to take on each house with confidence and elation. Here are 7 tips to remember when going through recruitment:
1. Have an open mind
Before even beginning the recruitment process, a lot of girls will think they know which house they want to call home on Bid Day. There is nothing worse than beginning Welcome Day, believing you know which house you want to rush.
It’s important to walk into each chapter reminding yourself that the girls inside could be your potential sisters. With an open mind, you allow yourself to connect more deeply with others and be unbiased throughout the process. Every chapter brings a unique perspective and personality to the Greek community as a whole. Therefore, while going through recruitment, it’s valuable to be open to what each house has to offer.
2. Dress for success
When you look good, you feel good and being confident during recruitment is key. When exuberating self-esteem, you are likely to be more reassured in your conversations and as a result, find through those meaningful discussions, which house best fits you.
A lot of newcomers will mistake “dressing for success” as being equivalent to dressing expensively and extravagantly, when in fact, it just means looking presentable, as one would do for work or an interview, and ultimately, wearing what permits you to feel most comfortable.
3. Be yourself
As cliché as it sounds, it’s true. Being fake and pretending to be someone you’re not, is only going to hurt you in the end. Let your true self shine through, and it will be so evident which chapters you're most compatible with based on both you and the current members’ similar personalities, values and life experiences.
During preference round, take a look around the room and ask yourself if you could see yourself not only laughing, but also crying with and sharing your most embarrassing moments with the girls surrounding you, because it will happen. If the answer is no, that chapter is not for you.
4. Don’t just follow your roommate
It’s typical to want to join a chapter just because your roommate does as well. A lot of time, this is for familiarity reasons and so it’s not as awkward to branch out and make other friends once you’re initiated. The best advice to follow, though, is to not talk about your feelings regarding recruitment with your roommate.
The two of you may be destined to join other chapters and that’s okay. Greek life is a community, meaning just because your best friend or roommate is in another chapter, doesn’t mean you can’t remain close. In this situation, the only person you need to be thinking about is yourself and there is no shame in that.
5. Take good notes
This tip may seem unusual at first, but it will be your saving grace. On the first day of recruitment, you will be given a booklet including all of the houses and some information and fun facts about each.
The days are long, so after visiting the last house on Day 1, you might not quite remember how you felt after visiting the first house earlier that morning. Hence, why taking notes on how you felt after the round, describing what you liked, what you didn’t and what kind of conversations you had, will help you when it comes time to rank your favorite chapters.
6. Don’t be discouraged
Recruitment is a mutual selection process. However, you obviously can’t join every chapter, and every chapter doesn’t have room to take all 300 girls, meaning when you get your list back each morning of rush, don’t be discouraged or drop out of the process just because you don’t get to revisit a house you really liked. Everything happens for a reason so stay positive, know you are right where you’re supposed to be and that the end result will be well worth it.
7. Be kind
Lastly, and most importantly, be kind. For starters, the current members recruiting are just as nervous as you are and will be searching for those effortless conversations to ease their nerves as well.
Give every member your undivided attention and act engaged, even if the house might not be your top pick. All of these girls have put in so much preparation time to be ready to meet you, so make both of your time worthwhile.
If you are interested in rushing this weekend beginning Sept. 18, click here.
