Good luck! :)

I am very excited for you maybepnm!

I may be off in this suggestion as I have not been involved with a colonization before, but definitely don't forget to mention all of the things you are already involved with on campus! My impression is that during standard formal recruitment, PNMs can schmooze (I don't mean this with negative connotations) with members and make a good impression and be well-liked and invited back, but I feel like in a colony recruitment the alumna and other collegians are really interested in your involvement/what you could contribute to the sorority. Of course this holds true in standard recruitment, but I have the impression that it is given even greater weight in a colony recruitment.

Good luck, and put your best foot forward!

Is there anything I should keep in mind when discussing information about the sorority I've found when doing my own research? My main concern is coming off as sort of "know-it-all"-ish...I don't want the alumnae and actives I meet to think I believe I know their organization better than they do, but I DO want to make sure they get the idea that I'm definitely interested.

Do your research (and ask questions).

Example: Research the philanthropy. Know what it is and what they do. Say, "I understand that for your national philanthropy you support the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. What philanthropic events or fundraisers are generally held on different campuses in order to raise money or to donate time to this organization?"

Another example: Research scholarships. Say, "I know that the sorority offers scholarships to collegiate members, but I wanted to know what is included in the application process? And do chapters generally offer any scholarships, or have programs to help members excel in school?"

Show that you did your research AND seem interested and inquisitive. Inquire about the things that you don't know by using the things that you do.

I think they will be pleased that you cared enough to find out some things about the organization.

Be natural. Use good eye contact. Firm handshake. Big smile.

Yes, please. Wimpy handshakes went out with hoop skirts.

Definitely mention some things you like about the group on a national level, but don't go overboard...that will make you seem psycho and stalkery. I think if someone came in and knew my group's mission statement word for word I wouldn't be able to back away far enough. (Especially since all the NPC mission statements kind of sound the same.)

But the main thing is to stress what YOU can contribute and what would make YOU a great colony member.

11:02 a.m., 10-22-08

NutBrnHair & 33girl agree on something for the 2nd time.

:D

Thank you so much!!! That example was just what I needed, I think -- I feel a lot better now about being able to go in and not sound like an obnoxious nerd :)

good luck to you!

Just don't come off as stalker-ish like others have said. We had a girl do that to us (about our specific chapter none the less) and it did creep us out a little. Just keep it to general things, like their philanthropy, and you should be fine!

Good luck and keep us updated!

Hi everyone!

It's been two years since I (successfully!) went through recruitment and over a year since I finished my BA. I'd forgotten about GreekChat (apologies, apologies) until I noticed an email asking for a donation. I'm a poor grad student now so I can't spare a dime but I thought I'd come by and thank you for all your advice, which was very helpful in making me realize I belonged in...

CHI OMEGA!

I cannot believe it's been so long since I knew whether or not Chi O was my home but I just wanted to come by and give you a real THANK YOU because my year as an active was so amazing and the push I got from GC had no small part in making sure I got there <3

Thank you again!

Yay! That's good news!

And be sure to join one of these. Chi Omega is a lifetime commitment!

it's great to hear from you. glad that you enjoyed your time an a collegian in chi omega. hope your alumna years are even better(they usually are!).

Oh no! While that's not a sign explicitly mentioned in the "Little Apocalypse" section of Mark, it wouldn't hurt to check out the routes to nearby hills or mountains.

You just never know. :D