Something that I have done in situations when I knew nobody and it was important to communicate and network was to practice "sound bites".

Pretend that someone just said to you, "tell me about yourself". Write down any phrases or points that come to mind. Think about your hobbies, jobs you have held, volunteering you've done, favorite movies or songs, exotic adventures, places you've traveled to, etc.

Now think - what was special about them? Whittle the ideas down into brief phrases/ideas and practice saying them out loud until they feel natural. I'm not saying to memorize and perform them like you're on stage, but have them in the back of your head to help if you start to draw blanks.

Here are some examples from my own life that I might have used as a freshman during rush (I don't remember much of what I did say during rush, but I remember being shy and forcing myself to listen well and not to prattle on and on):

- I love musical theater and performed in school plays every year since kindergarten. My favorite role was "Louisa" in "The Sound of Music", because I grew up seeing the movie every year on television.

- I worked at the town Recreation Department last summer, where I processed pool passes. It was pretty boring until my town's little league team was going to the World Series!

- I'm majoring in English and writing. I love to write, and while packing for college, I came across some poetry I wrote in sixth grade. It was fun to read how dramatic I was at that age. I hope to use my skills working at the campus newspaper here!

I hope this helps!! And don't forget to be a good listener!!

A word of caution, though: don't OVERdo this. I went on a date with a guy who said my name at the end of every other sentence and it got really old and obnoxious really fast, to say the least.

Yes, what 33girl said! Only plan to do it upon saying hello and goodbye...if fits in somewhere naturally during the conversation, fine, but no overkill!

NPC launched Recruitment Prep last year and I would recommend that product over any other third party product that wasn't up to date with the latest NPC info.

http://www.recruitmentprep.com/

Wow, thanks everyone for all the tips! Wonderful ideas that I never would have thought of! (I especially like the story of the girl who tripped down the stairs and found her sisters doing that! Lol!) I'll just have to remember to keep this all in mind when rush comes around.

I had no idea there was an NPC Recruitment Prep but I'll definitely have to check that out!

Thanks everyone, y'all are easing my fears sooo much!

Futurehog -

Welcome to Arkansas! Woo pig! You are going to have a great 4 years in Fayetteville! You have been given some GREAT advice above. Read and study this site for lots of tips. Read the stickies and then re-read them as you go through this year.

Also:
Make sure you have minimum 2 recs for each house. Try for 3 - 4 if possible.

Are you from Arkansas or will you be from out of state? More on this depending on your answer.

Take a good look at your Facebook now and begin to weed out items that might put you in a negative light if a stranger were to look at your profile. The thing to remember about FB is that you want to use it to paint a picture of yourself. You might consider making only a couple of albums public rather than letting everyone see the 'aren't we funny taking pictures of ourselves pretending we are sexy celebrities ' photos.

Lilly Pulitzer is not dressy enough for pref at UA. (Unless Lilly is making cocktail dresses these days which she may be).

Yay for UA Greeks! :)

Im trying to help a PNM going through recruitment at Arkansas. Can someone give me some examples of appropriate pref. dresses. Thanks!

Think LBD but no rhinestones or sequins. And it doesn't have to be black - just that "look."

Think grown up cocktail party or evening wedding - here's a couple - there are lots on the sale rack now, but this one came up first
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna...sults-_-1_19_A

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna...sults-_-1_17_C

Think grown up cocktail party or evening wedding - here's a couple - there are lots on the sale rack now, but this one came up first
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna...sults-_-1_19_A

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna...sults-_-1_17_C

Be sure to pick something that you could wear again to a party or a wedding!

Thanks! Arkansas is great in that they wear t-shirts and shorts all week, but I wasn't sure how dressy pref was. I told this girl I would send her some appropriate dress links, so if anyone eles has any, please post them!

Have fun with your pref night dress. Yes, Arkansas tends to be on the more formal side. However, show your sense of style. You want to stand out. That doesn't have to mean gaudy sequins (although you will see some sparkles around) but find something that is unique. A fun color can also make you stand out among 1300 girls. Don't be too stuffy!
http://http://pinterest.com/pin/248260998181582083/


I have also noticed that Pinterest has become a great resource for recruitment this year. If you are on it you can search for outfits, conversation tips, etc!

Good luck! Go hogs!

All of the chapters at Arkansas are excellent chapters. Futurehog, no matter where you end up you can't go wrong.

Per Facebook, University of Arkansas Greek Life page, 1360 woman have registered for recruitment. WPS!