Not to mention that it's kind of creepy and obsessive to think that someone who wasn't even a member spent her time thinking this stuff up for them. If your parent worked for [name sorority philanthropy here] and you remember things from them doing it, that's one thing, but of course that's the exception not the rule.

I think this could depend on that chapter's situation.

If a PNM is being recruited by a small and/or struggling chapter, then the actives might be looking for candiates with new and exciting ideas. They might think a PNM who offers ideas shows she has spent time investigating this chapter, its goals, its needs, and she might be willing/able to step into leadership roles right off the bat.

However at a large/strong chapter, it could be viewed negatively. (Please note I am not saying this would always be the case, only a possibility.) A PNM offering new ideas during Recruitment could be thought of being critical of the way the chapter is currently being run. It could be seen as overly pushy because officers run the chapter, not new members who have no knowledge of chapter operations. If a chapter already has long running and successful activites, then suggestions for change could be thought of as lack of knowledge about the chapter by the PNM, or an unwillingness to be a part of the group, or worst case even disrespectful of tradition.

I think it's great that she did her research (this, coming from a fellow researching nerd) and that if she presented her ideas in the right way, she could've spun the presentation of her ideas so it looked like she was eager! full of ideas! idealistic! energetic! instead of trying to boss the members into revamping their philanthropy the way she ordered them to.

Here's some advice-take it or leave it.

Don't ever be RUDE to ANY chapter!

The reason I say this is because I've noticed there may be PNMs that come through recruitment already decided on what chapter they want to be in. The truth is-you should go in with an open mind. As an Alumna, I think its interesting to see that sorority chapter XYZ may be #1 at State U but, when you go to Private U, it's bottom on the totem pole. In fact, you should be polite throughout recruitment because my personal belief is that if you get an invite from ANY NPC-you should be thankful because to be a member of such an incredible organization is an honor in itself.

Remember, these women in these organizations are practicing years and years of tradition. They have upheld such high standards.

When I come across a member of ABC or XYZ sorority / fraternity-I don't say, "So, was this considered a top tier chapter on your campus?" That would be dumb! Instead, I think, "Wow-this person probably gave so much to their community and university while staying involved."

Just because the chapter of your choice did not choose you and there is a chapter of lower status on your campus that truly likes you-give them real consideration because remember-these organizations would not have lasted for so long if they did rock at some campuses around the nation! Every NPC has their "not so great chapters" but, they also have their "awesome" chapters! Keep that in mind!

Thanks for saying this. I think PNMs could stand to remember this point all the time.

Also, and in terms of being cut by "top tier" groups. PNMs have to remember, if a chapter cut you, then they for whatever reason WERE NOT INTERESTED IN HAVING YOU BACK. It's okay to be a little upset, but eventually you just have to get over it and get on with recruitment.

The groups who invite you back are the ones who ARE INTERESTED. So I think they're always worth giving a chance, even if you aren't initially excited.

This is just good advice in general.

Don't trash talk other companies when you're on an interview; it makes you look bitter. Don't be condescending to the secretary; you might need her help someday. Don't burn bridges by being rude to the people at the job you're leaving - you never know when you might end up needing a reference or to be rehired.

In general: be nice to people.

I don't even know if young ladies wear stockings (pantyhose) anymore, but please, do not come to a rush meeting with runs, tears, rips, etc in your stockings.
Carry an extra pair in your purse (no one will ever know) and if you get a run, try and dash into the bathroom and change them.
The alternative, if you're wearing knee-hi's or thigh-hi's, just carry a few extra pair with you. If you see/get a run, do the bathroom dash, change them, and know one will ever know.
It just makes you present yourself in a more professional/serious manner. It shows that you DO care.

Also, if you wear fingernair polish, don't let it be chipped.
A professor once told us that when you go for an interview of any kind, wear clear polish. That way, on the way there, you can apply a quick coat and it'll dry quick.
If you do wear polish, make sure, that before you leave, there are no chips or cracks on your polish.
If you are wearing acryllic nails, make sure that you have had a fill before you go to the interview. Believe me, anywhere and everywhere you go, there is a nail shop some-where that you can get a quick and one the budget (cheap) fill.
And if you are wearing acryllic nails--for the love of all that is HOLY, do not go in with hot pink, neon pink, neon yellow, black with purple, outlandish orange, or holy flaming neon blinking green. Ask any professor or your parents and they will tell you what impression you are leaving and why the company may not be calling you back any time too soon.

If it's a businesslike setting...dress as you would for a business interview. WEAR PANTYHOSE. If you can't figure out the colors, ask a saleswoman in the hosiery department of Macy's or similar to help you - don't go with the L'eggs Egg.

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet but to PNMs: Please don't say things in a conversation as though you've already gotten a bid. We had one PNM come to the house dressed in our colors. One of the actives rushing her noticed and said she liked her pink cardigan. The PNM responded with, "I went shopping today and bought SO much pink and green stuff for my closet! I have to represent DZ!". Later, we were talking about our mascot and how we had gotten a pet turtle. She asked me if it had a name yet and I said no. "Well if my parents let me move into the house I'll pick a really cute name for it!". Awkward...

Did she get a bid?

Doesn't sound like it, does it? But maybe she did, and we'll find out the name of the turtle.

Belle beat me to asking the question, and this follow-up just cracked. Me. Up!

/hijack

Ok, I have been reading these posts for months and felt I was quite confortable with being ready for rush.

UNTIL I was lavaliered by my boyfriend. We have been dating for three and a half years, and I cannot say I am not happy.

However, I am nervous that it might hurt my chances because I am afraid girls will think I think I'm a shoo-in because of my connection with this fraternity (which, I might add, is one of three left with a house on our campus).

As a PNM, should I wear my lavalier during rush? It is small and simple, with no diamonds or pearls or anything.

Any insight would be very helpful.

At my particular school, we had girls rush who were lavaliered to fraternity boys. They wore their lavalieres. It didn't matter a whole lot, because most of us didn't notice them (just b/c they were careful not to talk about their bfs or fraternities during recruitment).

However, I understand that there ARE schools at which a chapter WILL cut a PNM thinking "Oh she is lavaliered to a ___ so she probably only wants to be a ____."

If you are afraid that that will happen, I'd suggest NOT wearing it.


Better safe than sorry, and I'm sure the bf will understand if you explain.