Rushing as a Junior?
 

Hi y'all :) I've been lurking for a few days, and I have learned SO much about Greek life. Y'all seem so sweet and helpful! So I'm hoping maybe you can help me too.

I'm a junior at UNC Greensboro, but this is my first semester here after transferring from UNC Chapel Hill. While I was there, I attended some informal recruitment events with their DZ chapter, but by the time I was considering pledging, I already knew I wasn't going to be there much longer.

From everything I've heard, being in a sorority is a great way to make new friends and be involved on campus, and I would really like to be in one. But... I AM a junior. When I start thinking about it, I have so many concerns: Do sororities really want girls that are only going to be there for two years (lol maybe three)? Will I have a hard time finding a group that will want me? And most importantly, will I look like an idiot during Recruitment week surrounded by freshmen?

Were any of you juniors when you first pledged? Does your sorority have a unwritten rule about bidding juniors? Any help, advice, support you could give is needed ;)

Just for reference, Recruitment Week is Sept. 10-15 and the sororities we have here are:

Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Delta Pi
Chi Omega
Phi Mu
Sigma Sigma Sigma

Thanks :D

Hey Carolina,
I went to school at Elon (right down 85 from ya) and I know that we had some juniors that always went through rush. Esp. transfer students. some of them got bids, some of them didn't. Same as everyone else that went through.

However, our greek system is much larger than yours so, you may in fact have a better chance going through at UNCG as a Junior then some place like UNCCH or Elon. So goodluck and let us know how it goes!
-Maggie

Carolina i can't speak for all the sororites at your school or even for the Phi Mu chapter that is there, but my chapter has had members join as juniors and they are some of our most valuable members (in fact my roommate pledged as a junior). go for it!

Yeah! Another rush thread for me to get addicted to! I know I'll be pulling for Tri Sigma!

go for it..
 

Hey there!
i think that its awesome that you want to rush.. but also
there are some sororities in BIG greek systems that cut a jr no matter what. But since you re rushing at a smaller school. i think it should be great! last year i met a girl in my sorority who rushed as a jr and she has been amazing asset!
How do you like it there? i have a cousin who goes there!
anyways,, have a wonderful time.its never too late to go GREEK!
im pulling for Alpha Chi!!!!
Love
Ashley

I am going to have to agree with what a lot of people said. Some larger greek systems will automatically drop juniors, but others dont. The main thing about going through recruitment as a junior is try to show what you can bring to the chapter in those two years you would be there. Show how you can be yourself and how being yourself is an asset to their chapter.

Well, when I went to a Panhel interest meeting, they gave me the impression that lots of girls, including sophomores and juniors, go through the recruitment process... but they never said much about how many of those girls actually ended up joining sororities. I talked to a recruitment counselor for a while, and she said that most girls who go all the way through get bids, so I'm really starting to get excited now!

Of course, now that I've definitely decided to rush... I have to find something to wear :eek:

I'll definitely keep y'all posted on my rush experience! I'm trying to not get even the tiniest idea in my head about which girls I might prefer... although pink is my favorite color, so I keep gravitating to Phi Mu lol.

**NewGirl, I love it here... I think it's a great small, state supported school, and I just "FIT" better here than at Carolina. Thanks for asking :)

Pink was my favorite color before I rushed too, and it still is, but for many more reasons than before! Good luck! I know you'll find the sorority for you, although I have to say i'm cheering for Phi Mu !

hey, carolinacutie, i'm from north carolina but i go to school up in virginia. hope you have a great experience!! too bad my sorority doesnt have a chapter at uncg, but i'll pull for chi o since i have a lot of friends there! :D

Don't Worry, Be Happy
 

Hey! I know what you mean. I just went through recruitment as a junior and was nervous as anything. Please don't let it discourage you!!! As so many people keep telling me, YOU ARE NOT OLD!! In fact one of my fellow pledge class members is married!!!
This is just my opinion but if a chapter won't give you a chance because your "older" than it's their loss. Sisterhood is for a lifetime. My Grandma was initiated over 50 years ago into Alpha Xi Delta and is still active!!
Just be sure to let all of us read your story :D :D :D :D

Re: Don't Worry, Be Happy
 

I agree with RosmaPomia. Two of my pledge sisters were older girls/women. And they turned into great sisters!!!

I rushed as a junior at Texas A&M-I am glad I was older b/c I was more relaxed and had a better handle on school and what to expect. Good luck and have fun!

CarolinaCutie,
Go ahead and Rush! You'll meet so many women, other pnms as well as sisters. It'll be so much fun for you. Also how can you not rush when they have a great ADPi chapter on their campus?:) (My version of a shameless plug)
Good luck cutie and keep posting,
violets

Juniors Rushing
 

I recently joined a sorority and two of the girls in my pledge class are juniors who trasferred to this school. I would go for it definately as you won't look like a fool. Its not too late to make friends that will last a life time.

Ahhh my thread is getting down to the bottom of the first page so I gotta BUMP it up...

I'm getting more and more nervous waiting for Tuesday night. I'm pretty sure that it's just an orientation to meet your Rho Chi and your group.

I feel so rushed in getting ready... Tuesday is only a few days away and I haven't picked out any outfits or gotten a pedicure! And being a college student like the rest of us, it's not like I have any extra cash sitting around to pay the price of beauty :p

GAHHHH I'm so excited :) Out of all the things to be worried about, I keep hoping that the girls in my group will be nice... I am not going through rush with a friend or anything like that, and I want someone to gab with about everything that's going on. But then, I can always come home and talk to you guys :D

Hope y'all are having a great day, and you KNOW I'll keep you posted!

Glad to hear your update! I can't wait to hear about your rush, and you must tell us EVERYTHING!!! :D

Carolina- we are always here to talk to!!!

...

CarolinaCutie,
First, don't worry about getting it all done. Your number one priority is academics, remember to put that first and then everything else will fall into place, truly. Also remember that doing things like choosing outfits and gettin pedicures is FUN, so try and enjoy yourself.
Try and relax and go in looking for a sisterhood that you can contribute to; I believe we get out of this what we put in. Don't listend to "tent talk" or campus gossip, judge the sisterhoods on your own interactions with them and your instincts and let your heart be your guide. That may sound trite but it's the best compass there is.
violets

MTSUGURL,
Thanks for the support, glad to know my sisters are doing well at MTSU!

Suggestion
 

I do have one suggestion for you, and any other women going through as juniors. During your conversation, it's a great idea to mention how long you realistically will be in school - if it works to your advantage. You may technically be a Junior based on the semester hours that you have accumulated but perhaps your program is a five year program - that gives the chapter one more year with you that they may otherwise not have known about....

You jokingly asked about chapters being willing to give bids to women that have two (or perhaps three, lol) years left in school but that extra year or even semester can make all the difference in the world.

It sounds like you have a great head about the whole thing. Not getting hooked on one group may end up being the key for you. Someone mentioned earlier that large systems will sometimes release Jr's quickly. In addition, larger chapters - or chapters that typically make quota each year can be quick to release Jrs because they're fairly certain that they can fill their New Member class with all women that will be there for four years. Don't get discouraged if that happens to you. - I'm not saying that it will and it sounds like you are prepared for that situation.

There are many great chapters on that campus and I am confident that you can make a great match with one of them.

Good Luck! And Have Fun!!

Thanks for the advice, AlphaXiGirl... that should be really helpful. I am almost positive that I will be here one whole year after my senior year, because I want to teach (lateral entry), and I have to go through the liscensure program after I graduate with my degree. And if I don't do that, I might be here a whole two years longer pursuing an Education degree on top of my current major. I may be a junior but I will have more than two years to contribute. Thanks for pointing out that useful hint :)

I had one of my sisters' friends stop by and visit me tonight and she went through my closet and picked out some really cute things for me to wear, so I am starting to feel more prepared. As always, thanks for your constant support and care, GCers!

Carolina- one of my best friends/pledge sisters went through as a transfer- junior and majored in education. Because she had transferred in, she ended up being active for 3 years! She said she made it known to the orgs. when she went through bc she had heard that they could hold it against you. but she turned out to be a total asset.
So def. think positively and like AlphaXiGril said, tell them that realistically you will be there for a few years.
hope that helps...oh, and where are you rushing? I went to Elon in NC.

Just rushed as a Junior
 

Hey there

I just wanted to share with you my experience. I just transfered to the University of Southern California, and really wanted to join a sorority, but felt like I was too old and was worried about being a Junior.

I decided to try it out and knew that I wans't obligated to join, but when I went to the first meeting, I felt so out of place and alone. All the other girls were Freshman and all seemed to know each other - I guess from the Dorms and stuff, and I was close to giving up then and there.

I went to day one though for the conversationals, and had the best time, and knew from that moment on that I was doing the right thing. I was open an honest with everyone, telling all that I was a Junior, even though the school classified me as a sophmore to receive more financial aid. The girls were great and even went out of their way in each house to introduce me to other girls who has rushed as transfers or juniors.

I think I was in a better position as a transfer though, because it was my first week of school just like everyone else.

I didn't get cut from one house all the way through, and even received a bid from my top choice, and was thrilled. I realized I didn't know anyone in my pledge class, but was amazed to find out that I was one of three Juniors in my pledge class! I'm honored to be a DG pledge now!

They really welcomed me with open arms and I'm so happy I stuck with it and didn't drop out before rush even started. I hope you're having a wonderful time, and I hope that the girls will see you for who you are, and now how old you are!!

Keep us updated!!! and Good luck! :)

Honey

Tonight is the first night of Recruitment for me... I should be excited and spending my time getting ready.

Instead, I spent all night last night breaking up with my boyfriend of one year. I even had to miss the final episode of Sorority Life because he wouldn't stop calling. :( He used my debit card online to make $300 worth of purchases, (not even the bank will cancel them) and has changed my passwords on my email accounts and AIM. I have gotten about 4 and a half hours of sleep... and I have class until 4, recruitment starting at 6.

I swear he did this on purpose to ruin my week :mad:

But don't worry... no matter what the circumstance, I am still gonna be able to put on a smile tonight and do this. I will chat, and I will be cheery, and I will show every person I meet that I am a person with a lot of good qualities. Haha sorry that was just my little public pep talk. I hope I come home on Sunday with a bid though... that sure would brighten my spirits!


(On a side note... GreekChat is an online community like I have never experienced. I have only been here for maybe two weeks, and I have hardly posted at all. Yet I felt totally comfortable just "telling" you guys all that, and I know that in many small ways, you guys will encourage me. It gives me great hope to think that maybe I will find a group of sisters like all of you :) )

Cutie, I am so sorry to hear that your "boyfriend" did that to you. Have your parents talk to the bank - sometimes banks like an "adult" better. I'm sure you will still do a great job during recruitment, and I'm pulling for you!:)

Dumb Boys!!!!

Good luck tonight, CC! Maybe getting involved with the parties will at least help you take your mind off all that crummy stuff for a little while! Hope you have some fun and keep us posted!

Cutie, I'm sorry to hear about all of this. It sounds like you've got a good attitude and are still excited about recruitment so good for you! Hope you get a few moments to rest and recharge today and the best of luck tonight.

Also, you may wish to have your parent(s) try to contact the bank regarding this as well, especially if they are long-time loyal customers of the same bank :) As a retired banker, there are different rules for debit cards than credit cards but there may be a way to recover some of your loss. Most likely not, but it may be worth another try. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to close out and change EVERYTHING he may have had access to account-wise (financial, personal, computer, the whole enchilada.)

Good luck Cutie. We're here for you.
Christin

Give him a reality check!
 

That's fraud! Even you can't get the bank to give you the money, by law your "boyfriend" is responsible. And he had the nerve to call you! Oh my. I'd give him a big reality check by reporting him. He'll at least have to deal with the hassle of being criminally charged with fraud. Don't let him walk all over you like that and get away with it!!!

Good luck with rush as well!
-M

What your ex did is totally illegal and NOT COOL! I hope you get all of that resolved.
On hopefully a better note, how did your first parties go?

Sorry about your bf trouble :(

I hope that your first round of parties went well! You sound like a terrific person with a lot to offer any of the sororities on campus. Let us know how things went!

im sorry! :(
 

hey there
im so sorry about your bf troubles.. you did the right thing.
While going through rush, the really good thing about being around all those women, you will forget about the boy for those many moments when u are surrounded by girls.
enjoy the experience. i hope things are gettingbetter.
lots of love and good wishes!!!
Love
Ashley:)

I'm so sorry to hear about your ex troubles! Like others have mentioned, you can report him to the police if you want. PM me if you have any questions about that.

I can't wait to hear all about your rush! You sound like you have an amazing attitude even while dealing with all this crap, and I'm sure that you will do well in recruitment. Please keep us updated!! :)

AHHHHH I tried to post my thoughts about last night this morning, but my Net connection was down... so I am gonna post what I had written for the first night, and then add in tonight's stuff too!

__________________________________________________ _

Last night was the first night of recruitment... and I really learned a lot more about how the process works at my individual school. First, I was running late in getting ready and on the way there, I was really worried about how I looked... but that was definitely unnecessary! There were tons of girls in shorts and Tshirts... which was weird to me, but hey, I don't mind going a little more casual for this week :)

We were divided into 6 groups of 20 for the week. We made nametags (gahh I love making stuff :)) and did an icebreaker activity. Then all the Rho Chis did a skit showing how Sorority Life on MTV is nothing like real sorority life (but we knew that already, right? ;) ) We had a little question and answer period within our Rho Chi groups, and then we decided where to meet for the next day. Recruitment tomorrow TECHNICALLY starts at 6 but now I have to be there at 5:30... I am going to be pushing it for time like every single day UGH. We also went to the Panhellenic office which is where we will go to fill out our preference cards.

All in all, it was a good night and I am excited! I feel like everyone in my group was a little shy, and I'm hoping that we'll get to know each other better during the week. The Rho Chis also told me that 99% of girls who go all the way through end up getting bids. That really encouraged me... after hearing some of the scary stories on here about girls being cut, I am kinda glad that I can just focus on being myself and not have to stress out about being cut.

Tonight I am going at 5:30 to meet with my group, then at 6 I start with the parties (30 minutes each with 15 minute breaks in between). Because our sororities don't have houses, the parties are in different meeting rooms throughout campus. I wish that we could have a chance to go into the special sorority dorm and see the rooms and the way that they are decorated. I live off campus in an apartment but I want to be SURE that I want to move onto the hall before I break my lease... maybe something to ask my Rho Chi about.
__________________________________________________ _

Tonight was the first night of parties... I guess I should do it like everyone else and keep which group is which a secret!

Group #1: This chapter was completely different from what I expected. The girls seemed nice but just not right to me... almost like they had specific answers to my questions that they were "supposed" to give. Also, when I asked about living off campus instead of on their hall, she told me there were no exceptions, which automatically crosses this group off my list. That's a shame because their colors are so cute and their song tonight was adorable!

Group #2: This house was different from the others in the respect that I spent the entire time with one sister. That was OK because she was nice and very informative. She was really talkative and I feel like I learned the most about their sorority than all the others, but I don't have a broad picture of what their members are like. I am trying to keep an open mind about this, but a lot of the girls in my group didn't like this sorority at all, and their reputation on campus is not exactly sparkling. I don't want to make snap judgements though because what if I end up loving them by the end of the week?

Group #3: I have so many mixed emotions about this chapter. On one hand, every girl I talked to was amazingly sweet AND interesting, they have the highest all-sorority GPA, their songs were awesome and they made me laugh and smile. On the other hand, it makes me think that maybe they just rush well, because everyone else adored them. I will have to wait and see whether I end up clicking with them.

Group #4: These girls didn't impress me very much. They didn't have matching shirts... they just all wore their letters in whatever colors. I know superficial stuff like that shouldn't really matter, but I don't think it was really putting their best foot forward on the first party round of recruitment. The girls I talked to were more nervous than I was, and I felt like I was having to ask them questions that I didn't want to know the answer to just so we'd have something to talk about. One good thing I noticed about this sorority was that they were very diverse, lots of different "types" and looks and interests.

Group #5: AHHHHH I love this group! I am really really afraid about getting my hopes up and then these girls not wanting me. The first sister I talked to was a girl in my Human Sexuality group, and even though we didn't talk about the class for long, it was nice to see a familiar face. Every single girl I met was interesting, confident, and sweet. They did "Summer Nights" from Grease as one of their songs, and it really impressed me.

I feel bad about being so judgemental about each group the first night, because I really want to go where my heart leads me. All of the sororities are really trying to hype living on the hall, and that gave me serious doubts. It is NOT that I don't want to live with my sisters, or that I just don't wanna go back to the dorm. I have
1. A two year lease on my apartment.
2. A queensize bed, a couch, a coffee table, bar stools... where do all those things GO if you move back into a dorm?

Groups 1-3 told me that you HAD to live there, and Group 3 requires THREE semesters of it. Groups 4 and 5 told me that they preferred it, but of course they do make exceptions. I am hoping maybe 1, 2, and 3 were just trying to reinforce the hall idea, and they might work with me more.

Anyway, that was my first party round... I think it went well, I had a lot of fun, and I am really excited to go back tomorrow :)
__________________________________________________ __

Sorry for the REALLY REALLY long update haha.

Good to hear your thoughts about each party. I can definately see how the living on the hall thing is important to you b/c its so hard to go from an apartment to a dorm in terms of space and privacy. Its an awesome experience from what I understand but I do completely see your point. I am glad to know that you are trying to keep an open mind b/c I know that was hard for me during RUSH but it helps so much! Good luck with second round and let us know your thoughts about them!

CarolinaCutie,
Thank you for such a thorough post...it feels like I'm going through rush with you! Great writing.
I think you're doing a great job of keeping your mind and heart open to women who may one day be your sisters.
Good luck with your next round...and keep posting.
violets

Hrm... I am overall confused. I went to sign a piece of paper today in the Panhellenic office, which I had THOUGHT was just verifying drops for grades. But when I got there, I had already been cut from two. It just caught me off guard because I thought that didn't happen until tomorrow.

I got cut from Groups 4 and 5. 5 was my favorite so I am disappointed. I like Group 3 and Group 1, so I am gonna go back tonight, but I'm having serious doubts about this whole thing (which don't really stem from me getting cut). I just want to live in my OWN house and be in a sorority... there is no other option. Tonight is Philanthropy and Financial Night, so they will be much more specific about requiring to live on the hall. I'm not 100% dead set on being in a sorority... so I'm not gonna be in a group I don't feel right with just to be Greek.

Either way, I AM still excited about going tonight and seeing if maybe I find a deeper connection with one of the chapters. I'll try to post tonight when I get back :)

I'm sorry about you getting cut from houses 4 & 5, especially because you really seemed to have a connection with 5. :(

However, you have a great attitude about rush & I wish you all the best during the next round!!!

Sorry to hear you got cut from those two but Im glad to hear you still have a positive attitude. Good luck with round two and let us know how everything goes!

CarolinaCutie:
I believe that things happen for a reason, please continue with recruitment and give groups 1 & 3 an opportunity to show you their sisterhoods.
I'm sure this will all work out well,
violets

CarolinaCutie,

during formal recruitments and open recruitments we have had girls on campus be concerned with the same thing you are. i know that you are unsure on whether or not a sorority will accept you with you being higher in status at school. but i think you should go for it. sororities shouldn't be looking for somebody who is an underclassman they should be looking for someone who is an upstanding individual, somebody that has great qualities who seems like they would be a great person to get involved in their sorority. i think it is great that you are wanting to get involved and try to get into a sorority. i can tell you our chapter has accepted many women who were juniors and some even seniors. so the best advice i can give you is to go for it!!! i'm sure the outcome will be a good one...keep us posted and g'luck!!! :)

kayla