Flipping for Recruitment
 

I just went through recruitment at an SEC school this Fall and wanted to share my experience. I am a former competitive gymnast so I will name each sorority for a gymnastics move.

I will begin by telling you a little about myself. I am from a small town with few girls, or guys for that matter, who attend SEC schools, so I didn't have a group of girls from home on the inside pulling for me. I did, however, work during the summer with college age girls and guys from across the Southeast. I made great friends in a short amount of time with girls in a few sororities at my SEC school. I was very involved in various organizations and held leadership positions in my high school and volunteered in my community. My mom was not in a sorority, so we had to do a ton of research on greek chat and asked friends to help us prepare for recruitment.

After I decided to go through recruitment I had tons of people tell me what they had heard about the reputations of each of the sororities on my campus. Thankfully my mom's friend who was a very involved alumnae in her sorority explain that the best sorority is the one where YOU best fit and feel comfortable. I will always be thankful for her guidance through this whole process. She helped me to go into recruitment with a positive attitude and an open mind.

So, here is my story...
I will give each sorority a name that has something to do with gymnastics.
There are seventeen sororities on my campus.

Flip
Tuck
Salto
Kip
Twist
Layout
Handspring
Cast
Handstand
Cartwheel
Vault
Arabian
Flyaway
Dismount
Aerial
Leap
Spin


Day 1 and 2-- Ice Water Teas
Day 3 and 4 -- Philanthropy Days
Day 5 -- Skit Day
Day 6 -- Preference Day
Day 7 -- BID DAY

Fun, yay!

Double yay!

I forgot to say that we met with our PiChi group the afternoon before recruitment started. I immediately fell in love with my PiChi! She was amazing! I am also still good friends with several of the girls that were in my group.

Day 1-- Ice Water Teas
Flip: I was really nervous about this sorority. The one girl from my high school that attended an SEC school was a member here...we were friends in middle school and when we got to hs boys got in the way. I was not sure how she would respond to me...
Big smiles! She was super sweet and I loved all the girls here. It seemed that they paired me girls that I had tons in common with. Great conversations! I really wanted to get an invite to get to know them better. There are several ladies from our area who wrote recommendations (4) for this sorority.

Tuck: These girls were so sweet, but It was hard to be excited after my first party.
I had two recommendations for this sorority. I liked them and would be happy to have another chance to get to know them better.

Salto: I thought these girls were super sweet. They made me feel comfortable and glad that I was there. I had really good conversations with the girls. I would like to get an invitation to come back another day to meet more girls. I had three recommendations here.

Kip: I liked the girls that I met, but it was not a favorite. I would be happy to get an invitation for another day , but I really was not that excited about them. I didn't have a recommendation for this sorority.

Twist: This is my mom's friends sorority. (Another university) I immediately felt comfortable. I had such fun conversations with several girls. I have a friend in this sorority who came over as I was leaving and hugged my neck. I really hope to get invited for another day. SWEET! I had four recommendations to this sorority.

Layout: I liked these girls, but they didn't seem as excited about recruitment as some of the other sororities I had visited so far. Of course, they were all very nice, but I am looking for a sorority that is enthusiastic. It could have just been the girls I met this first day. I would be glad to meet others if they would have me back. I had two recommendations for this sorority...one was from one of my former teachers thatI so love! I am a little disappointed that I didn't feel more of a connection. I think the girls are really nice, though.

Handspring: Wow! Blown Away! I loved these girls!i had the most fun at this party. I had Sooo much in common with many of the girls. I have a friend here. They made me feel really special and that they were really interested in me. Several older girls came over and said they were really impressed with my résumé. I was really feeling special until I got outside and realized this was most everyone's experience here. These girls know how to recruit. I still loved them and really wanted to be invited back for another day! I hade four recommendations to this sorority.

Looks like you had a great start to recruitment! I love your enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing your story. Can't wait to read more.

Yay!!! A new story. Keep it coming!

I'm wondering if you are presenting these in the order you actually attended them. The reason I'm asking is because you were less than thrilled at your 5th party and I'm wondering if that wasn't either the last party before lunch or the first one after. Sometimes your impressions can really be based solely on time of day/hunger/fatigue on both your part and the part of the sisters you meet. Anyway, carry on!

Saluting...
 

Question:
When you land and finish with the flips as well as your recruitment story, will you salute the judges?
Like they do in competition?

Just askin'...

LOVE the gymnastics theme!

Thanks everyone! I am sorry this is taking so long to post. I keep getting timed out. I am almost finished with Ice Water Teas and I promise to post quicker.

DubaiSis, you may be right about being tired on both sides...myself and the girls rushing me. I know it is a stressful time for everyone.

Cast to hands: I had a very awkward moment with the girl rushing me here. She asked what I would be studying and when I told her she went on and on about how she didn't understand how anyone would want to chose that career, etc, etc, I know she was just nervous, but it really bothered me. I didn't have a recommendation for this sorority.

Handstand: This sorority was one that all the girls in my PiChi group talked about being a top sorority. I tried not to listen, but it is really hard to tune everything you hear out. I went in with high expectations. My rusher was really sweet, but she didn't seem very interested in me. We didn't have much in common and she looked around the room while we talked. I was a little disappointed. I really would like to go back to see if it was just the person that I didn't connect with. I had a ton of recommendations here. I just hoped that maybe she thought things went better than I did.

Cartwheel: I was really excited about meeting these girls. My service project in high school connected to this sororities philanthropy. I really hoped that we would connect. When we walked in the lighting was really dim and the colors were somewhat muted. I talked with about 3-4 girls and loved them. They were really sweet and beautiful! I really would like to go back to meet more girls. I liked it here. I had three recommendations.

Vault: Loved everything! The girls wore precious matching outfits in their sorority colors. Everything was decorated so vibrantly and cute! The girls were so much fun to talk to. I had probably the most "real" conversations here. I met the rush chairman and the President came over to meet me. We had such a fun conversation. I was so welcoming and warm. I completely fell in love and soooo want to come back! I had two recommendations here.

Arabian: I met one a girl who was in the sorority about a year earlier while shopping. We became fb friends. She was so sweet to answer questions about freshman life. She was my rusher. In the beginning I was really excited and relieved that I had her. After talking with her she began talking about things that let me know she had studied my fb thoroughly. I don't have anything to be embarrassed about on my fb or twitter...it just sort made me uncomfortable that she knew so much about me. I do like her and hope to come back here though. I had two recommendations here.

Flyaway: I was so tired when I got to this sorority I hardly took any notes.I know that I like them. My dad has a good friend who works with this sorority closely as an advisor of some sort. I had four recommendations here.

Dismount: These girls were amazingly beautiful! I had such good conversations with these girls. The president came over to meet me and we had a great conversation. I really liked them, but I told my mom I just don't look like these girls. I hope to get to come back and learn more about them. Im had three recommendations.

Aerial: I have read over and over about how you will just know...have that feeling that this is where you are meant to be. Well, I know it was just the first day, but I couldn't help myself. I loved everything about these girls. They were so well put together, and smart, and sweet. I could go on and on! When I left several of the girls in my PiChi group said they thought about me the whole time they were there. Love! I had four recommendations here.

Leap: I knew a couple of girls here through my brother and summer work. I was excited to meet their sisters. I was not disappointed. I could see myself here. I had very natural conversations...as if I had known them my whole life. I had three recommendations here.

Spin: I was paired with a girl that was like my twin. We were involved in some of the same things in high school. I enjoyed talking with her. I liked everyone I met here. I would like to be invited back to meet more girls. I had several recommendations. My cousin and aunt are members of this GLO at different universities.

As you can see, I had a great first round and found so many great qualities in each sorority. i would be lucky to be invited to any of the sororities. Of course, there were a few that I thought would be a better fit for me than others. We could receive a maximum of twelve invitations for the second round of parties. So after the last Ice Water Tea party we were asked to rank the sororities for Philanthropy round.

These were my top twelve after the first round:
1) Aerial
2) Handspring
3)Leap
4) Twist
5) Vault
6) Dismount
7) Cartwheel
8) Flip
9) handstand
10) Flyaway
11) Arabian
12) Spin

1)Salto
2) Layout
3)Tuck
4)Cast

I had such fun during Ice Water Teas! I genuinely found that every sorority has something special about them. After ranking I went to my dorm and slept. I was tired, but I also was satisfied that I would be lucky to be invited back to any of the sororities for second round.

Our PiChi informed us that we would meet at 7:30 the next morning unless she called us about a change in our personal schedule. Again, I want to say how awesome my PiChi was all week. I couldn't have made it through the week without her.

We all met at 7:30 and received our invitation list......
I was beyond excited! I had a full schedule of twelve. I lost Handstand :( BUT I get to go back to Salto!

Loving your story!

Enjoying your story so far!

To make it a little easier on yourself with the timing out issue, you may find it easier to type things out in Word and then copy and paste it into the thread.

Oh, and I wasn't being judgy. I know when I looked back at my outcomes each day of rush WHEN each party happened made a lot bigger difference than anything else. I got cut from 3 of my first 4 parties. The 4th (of 15) was the one I ended up pledging, but admittedly they weren't the most selective. Chances are if they were able to cut me, they would have too! Other people probably did better at their first parties and worse at their last parties, or being hungry caused a problem. Unfortunately you can't say "you know, I'm really not a morning person, so could I arrange all my parties to start at noon?"

Quick question .. you listed 17 chapters in your initial post but didn't list "kip" in you list of preferences. Do they not participate in recruitment or did they just get lost in the shuffle?

So sorry! They just got lost in the shuffle. Kip was not one of the twelve during philanthropy round.

Day 1: Philanthropy
Leap:
I loved them just as much as the first day. I feel so comfortable and can be myself
here.
Flyaway:
I met several new girls and talked with a few that I met the first day as well.
These girls are very down to earth and very likeable.
Twist:
I wasn’t as excited about this sorority today. My rusher was VERY shy and I had to carry the conversation. I love their philanthropy and was excited to talk with the girls about their experiences.
Dismount:
I really loved it here today! I met several girls and had such a fun time!
Vault:
Again, super sweet and cute. I really like these girls!
Handspring:
These girls really have it together! They are just fun to talk with…I saw several of the girls I talked with first day and met about ten new girls. I soooo hope to get invited back here. I saw my friend on the way out and she ran over to say hello. I just can’t believe that these girls are this attentive to all the girls going through recruitment! Maybe…just maybe…I hope…I will get invited for another round.
Arabian:
I feel terrible, but I just get an uncomfortable vibe here. They are really sweet and super involved on campus and very passionate about their philanthropy. Everything I am looking for! I just can’t put my finger on it.
Aerial:
I had a great time here today! I immediately feel comfortable with the girls here. I talked with several new girls and several that I met the first day came around to say hello. I was so excited to meet a girl from my area. Our parents know one another, but we went to different schools and she was older than me so we didn’t cross paths. It was great talking with her. I also have a summer work friend here. I love that this sorority is very interested in grades and involvement on campus. Their philanthropy is very near and dear to my heart, as well.
Cartwheel:
I was so excited to visit this sorority today. My high school service project was related to their philanthropy. I had great conversations with several girls. I really like everyone that I have met…the only thing is…they are all gorgeous beauty queens! I am not a beauty queen girl. It’s really intimidating even though they are precious sweet to me.

Day 2: Philanthropy

Spin:
I loved how passionate the girls were about their philanthropy. I liked my rusher… just not as wowed as with some of the other sororities. I still think there is something special about these girls….just not sure if I am a good fit here. I definitely want to get to know more girls here.

Flip:
I was really pretty surprised and excited to be invited back to this sorority. This is where my high school “middle school friend/high school boy drama girl” was a member. She was really nice during the first round. Maybe we can patch things up?!? I really loved all the girls I met the first day, but today I am with three girls who seem to care less whether I am there or not. ---I hate to admit, but my first thought was that my friend talked to my rushers before the party. I was really disappointed.  I really liked the girls first day, but I am afraid to rank them high and miss out on girls who really want me.

Salto:
The sweetest girls I have ever met! I am not sure this is the place for me, but these girls are great!

We met with our PiChi after out last party to submit our rankings. I really struggled with what to do with Flip. I loved many of the girls that I met and had so many things in common…but I could really be taking a chance of losing a great sorority for one that, in the end, will not want me.

So this is how I ranked:
1. Aerial
2. Handspring
3. Leap
4. Twist
5. Dismount
6. Cartwheel
7. Vault

1. Flip
2. Salto
3. Flyaway
4. Spin
5. Arabian

We will meet our PiChi at 7:30 the next morning unless we receive a call. I didn’t sleep well at all! I prayed that I made the right decision! After tossing and turning and praying for hours I finally fell asleep.

Skit Day

I didn’t receive a phone call!  I got ready and headed out to meet my PiChi. When everyone arrived she distributed the invitation lists. I closed my eyes and said one last prayer before opening the paper. And this is what was on my list…..

Twist
Vault
Cartwheel
Dismount
Leap
Aerial
Flip

Flip?!? Where was Handspring???? I thought Handspring really liked me? I was filled with a mix of emotions—surprise, sadness, joy, disappointment, excitement. I took a deep breath and pulled myself together. Yes, losing Handspring is a disappointment, but I am thrilled with receiving a full schedule. I still have so many sororities on my list that see me as a potential member. At this point I could seriously see myself in any one of the sororities on my list.

WOW! What a great recruitment you are having!

Skit Day

Twist
I am hoping to meet a few more girls here today. My last rusher was very shy and I had to carry the conversation. Overall I have enjoyed all the girls I have met here, so I ranked them in my top seven. I didn’t want one girl to sway my decision about this sorority….I am so glad that I did!! My rusher today was so bubbly and sweet! The skit was really cute! I enjoyed being here today.

Vault
I was so pumped about this sorority earlier in the week. I have enjoyed getting to know the girls and they have always made me feel comfortable. The skit was cute. I’m not sure this is my dream sorority, but I definitely would not be disappointed if this is my home.

Flip
I talked with my mom about Flip. I am so afraid to completely open my heart to these girls. My mom advised me to look at the total sorority. She said that one girl should not determine my feelings for the whole sorority. I took her advice and went in with an open mind. I had the most fun. I feel that I fit in and have so much in common with soooo many girls in Flip! Their skit was one of the best so far. Hilarious! As I was leaving I saw one of the girls I talked with earlier in the week and walked over to say goodbye. We had a really nice quick conversation. I didn’t realize until the end of the conversation, but my high school “friend” was standing near through the whole conversation. I smiled and spoke to her and she smiled back. She didn’t say anything…

Cartwheel
I had a nice time here, but I know it is not the place for me. There isn’t anything wrong with the girls…I just know that it is not the place for me. The skit was fine and the girls were great. I would not be devastated if I end up with these girls for sure.

Dismount
Beautiful girls! I really liked everyone I met here! I had great conversations and the skit was really cute.

Leap
I love these girls! This may very well be my home! All week I have had that feeling of home and comfort. The skit was okay, not one of the best of the day. I am not choosing based on acting performances…I want real sisters with a real sisterhood. I may have found that with these girls. LOVE!

Aerial
These girls are so impressive! Everything is beautiful and the skit was so funny! I loved everyone I talked with today. I talked with many of the girls I met during the week as well. I feel that I fit here.

We met with our PiChi to rank our top three. I knew exactly who I wanted to rank in my top two spots, but the third spot I was not so sure about. The only sorority that even came close to my top two was FLIP. I'm not so sure ranking Flip in the third spot is the smart thing to do no matter how much I like them. I like many of the other sororities that I was fortunate to be invited to for skit day. It's so confusing. I am tired and just worn out emotionally and just questioning my judgement. I found my PiChi and explained the whole high school drama and how I was feeling. She was so sweet and assured me that I shouldn't choose a sorority based on one girl, nor should I eliminate a sorority based on one girl. So, this is how I ranked for Pref Day....


1. Aerial
2. Leap
AND






3. FLIP ---I hope I did the right thing
Our PiChi said that if we didn't receive a phone call that we would have a bid on Bid Day.

It's finally Pref Day! My PiChi sent a group text to let us know that we all had invites for the day! I know that I have at least one party today, so that is a relief. We all were instructed to meet at 7:30 to get our invitation list. I have never been so nervous in all my life. When everyone arrives our PiChi begins to distribute the invitation lists......I close my eyes and say a quick prayer. I see at the top of my list.....




Aerial
Leap




And.....
Dismount! A quick response of anger...then excitement for my top two!

Pref Day
Dismount
Again, these are the most gorgeous girls I have ever seen! I feel so humbled to be invited for Pref with these girls. The first girl that I talked with this week met me as I walked I. Everything was beautiful! She told me how much her sisters had meant to her over the past year. She said she could see me as one of her sisters. I really like these girls!

Leap
I was met at the door by my brother's friend. We had a great conversation about what this sorority meant to her. Several girls stood up and talked about being a legacy and how important it was to them to share this bond with their mom. It was very touching. Love these girls!

Aerial
My summer work friend met me at the door. We had such a wonderful conversation. She told me so many things about her sorority and how important it had been in her life. Each girl I talked to today said something about why they thought I was meant to be a part of their sisterhood. WOW!

The line to make final rankings was soooo long. I was ready to rank. I knew exactly what I wanted to do.




1. Aerial
2.Leap
3. Dismount

I can honestly say that I have had the most wonderful week! I will be honored to receive an invitation to any of the three sororities on my list! Of course, I hope to find Aerial on my invitation, but I will be excited for any invitation onPref day! If I don't receive a call I should have a bid from one of the sororities on my list! I can't wait!:)

No phone call! My roommate and I hurry to dress and head to our meeting place. I see my PiChi holding our group's sign! We all brought our cameras and took pictures until time to receive our bids! Our group formed such a great bond during the week. Finally, all the PiChi's are given our bids in a beautiful bright bags. Shrieks of joy are floating through the air, crying and jumping and running girls are everywhere. My Pi Chi places my bid in my hands and I rip it open with shaking hands to see ................




ALPHA GAMMA DELTA SQUIRRELS RULE THE WORLD!!!!!!

Which was who? Aerial?

Oops! Sorry! Yes Aerial was AGD! :)