GreekChat.com Forums

GreekChat.com Forums (https://greekchat.com/gcforums/index.php)
-   Recruitment Stories (https://greekchat.com/gcforums/forumdisplay.php?f=209)
-   -   HereICome's FRATERNITY Rush Thread!!! (https://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=82623)

HereICome 11-21-2006 04:09 AM

HereICome's FRATERNITY Rush Thread!!!
 
Hi everybody. As much as I see we don't have many fraternity rush threads in this forum so I decided to add one. I'm gonna be rushing at a california state university in a couple of months. I'll be rushing as soon as the spring semester starts and I'm almost ready for it. I won't say the name of the school yet for privacy reasons. I also want to mention that I'm totally new to this city and I don't know anybody from any of the fraternities so all fraternities are totally unknown to me, as I am unknown to them as well. I don't have any legacies as well. I really wonder if it will work here. This is my first semester at this school but I'm actually a junior transfer at the age of 21. I know that all these decrease my chances but again this is not a competitive southern school, instead this is a commuter cal-state school so my chances shouldn't be that bad. I'll keep you posted. I just want to be a part of greek life so any fraternity will work for me. As long as I can get a bid from anywhere I'll be fine. Since I'm not too picky my chances of getting a bid might be slightly higher. All advices are welcome!

DreamfulSpirit 11-21-2006 08:53 AM

good luck! it'll be interesting to read a fraternity rush story!

HereICome 11-21-2006 10:53 PM

Thanks! Any advices? Should I try to find a way to visit the houses or see people from fraternities before the spring semester stars, or should i wait until the semester stars?

Senusret I 11-21-2006 11:15 PM

Good luck! I don't have any advice because I didn't go through that type of rush. But good luck anyway.

(Well....don't stalk the members. But you don't seem like the type anyway.)

DreamfulSpirit 11-21-2006 11:51 PM

yeah I didn't go through panhellenic rush because my sorority became an associate member after I was activated. I'm in a service sorority, but rushing them was still awesome! Wish I could offer some advice, but all I can do is wish you luck and hope you have a great time!

HereICome 11-22-2006 12:00 AM

I don't think it will be a formal rush though.

twinkle555 11-22-2006 01:48 AM

good luck!! keep us posted

adpiucf 11-22-2006 01:22 PM

Good luck! Fraternity recruitment is completely unlike sorority recruitment. It is very down-to-earth and conversation-based. Just be yourself. Unlike sororities who many times have a stronger focus on recruiting underclassmen, most fraternity rushes are not this way at all, so age and class rank is not as great of an issue as with sororities. Same goes for grades. While fraternities do want members who are good students, the difference between a 3.0 and a 2.8 is not necessarily as big of a deal to the men as it is to the women's groups. There are always exceptions, however, but in talking to Greeks from campuses all across North America, it seems there's a much more laid back approach to membership recruitment among the men's fraternities.

Go into this process to make friends. Most fraternity rushes have a loose structure where you may visit as many chapters as you would like. Maximize your options-- try to spend some time at all or most of the chapters on the first day to get some impressions. Go back to the ones that interest you. You might be offered a bid on the spot during that first day. Typically, you have 24 hours to accept. You might find yourself considering more than one bid.

Be yourself, have fun and give several chapters an opportunity to meet you so you can see what they are all about. Best of luck!

TSteven 11-22-2006 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adpiucf (Post 1361426)
Good luck! Fraternity recruitment is completely unlike sorority recruitment. It is very down-to-earth and conversation-based. Just be yourself. Unlike sororities who many times have a stronger focus on recruiting underclassmen, most fraternity rushes are not this way at all, so age and class rank is not as great of an issue as with sororities. Same goes for grades. While fraternities do want members who are good students, the difference between a 3.0 and a 2.8 is not necessarily as big of a deal to the men as it is to the women's groups. There are always exceptions, however, but in talking to Greeks from campuses all across North America, it seems there's a much more laid back approach to membership recruitment among the men's fraternities.

Go into this process to make friends. Most fraternity rushes have a loose structure where you may visit as many chapters as you would like. Maximize your options-- try to spend some time at all or most of the chapters on the first day to get some impressions. Go back to the ones that interest you. You might be offered a bid on the spot during that first day. Typically, you have 24 hours to accept. You might find yourself considering more than one bid.

Be yourself, have fun and give several chapters an opportunity to meet you so you can see what they are all about. Best of luck!

Good advice. Here are a couple more things to remember.

If you receive a bid or bids, and still want to check out other chapters, be discrete about it. Don't go to ABC's party saying you have a bid to XYZ. And don't tell XYZ that you are still going to check out ABC and DEF after they extend you a bid. Keep it simple and just thank them and let them know you will get back with them by the indicated time. Depending on the campus, and how the IFC rush is structured, a chapter may be able to resend their bid to you. And might do so if they feel you are not interested in them. The chapter that extended you a bid can get this impression (that you aren't interested) if they find out you are hanging out at other chapters and not coming around to their parties.

And if you happen to really, really like a chapter, and they extend you a bid, don't feel you "have to" go to other chapters. If you *know* this is the chapter for you, then accept it. I've known plenty of men who knew right away that a chapter was the right one for them. And never regretted their decision.

Best of luck.

HereICome 11-23-2006 04:34 AM

Thanks for the advices! My only worry is that no one knows me in any of the fraternities, and I don't know anybody either because I'm totally new to the city.

Drunkie679 11-26-2006 10:57 PM

HereICome...what school do u go 2

HereICome 11-27-2006 03:23 AM

A california state university. I won't tell which one yet though.

EGAOPi 11-27-2006 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HereICome (Post 1360662)
Hi everybody. As much as I see we don't have many fraternity rush threads in this forum so I decided to add one. I'm gonna be rushing at a california state university in a couple of months. I'll be rushing as soon as the spring semester starts and I'm almost ready for it. I won't say the name of the school yet for privacy reasons. I also want to mention that I'm totally new to this city and I don't know anybody from any of the fraternities so all fraternities are totally unknown to me, as I am unknown to them as well. I don't have any legacies as well. I really wonder if it will work here. This is my first semester at this school but I'm actually a junior transfer at the age of 21. I know that all these decrease my chances but again this is not a competitive southern school, instead this is a commuter cal-state school so my chances shouldn't be that bad. I'll keep you posted. I just want to be a part of greek life so any fraternity will work for me. As long as I can get a bid from anywhere I'll be fine. Since I'm not too picky my chances of getting a bid might be slightly higher. All advices are welcome!

At schools that are significantly less competetive, junior status isn't a big deal for some sororities, so it shouldn't be a problem for fraternities.
I have heard of many people in your situation and their recruitment was a success. I'm also glad to hear that you're "not picky" and that you don't have your "tops" picked out...I have known many guys that went through saying "I'm ONLY going to look at this fraternity" and their results were sometimes not so good. This way, you can check out most of them and get to see where you really click.
Good luck! Can't wait to hear your story.

adpiucf 11-27-2006 03:52 PM

Don't worry so much about being new in town and not knowing anyone. This could work in your favor-- you aren't coming in with a wild reputation for being a troublemaker or having beef with one of the guys. You're the new guy-- clean slate and you have the opportunity to make a positive name for yourself. Keep your options open and be yourself. Above all, have fun!

EGAOPi 11-27-2006 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HereICome (Post 1361685)
Thanks for the advices! My only worry is that no one knows me in any of the fraternities, and I don't know anybody either because I'm totally new to the city.

I wanted to add...this should not be a problem. The majority of the fraternity men I know did not know anyone in any fraternities when going thru fraternity recruitment. Being a legacy is also usually not a big deal. As some other people mentioned, it's very different from sorority recruitment and way more laid back. It's great that you're asking and planning ahead--it shows your dedication and enthusiasm, which is an awesome thing. However, you don't have to worry too much--just be yourself, show that you're comfortable, and be very outgoing and LAID BACK--that's the most important thing.

As far as checking out the houses ahead of time, don't worry about that...if you see anyone in your classes in letters or anything, maybe just say hey, I'm going through recruitment this spring...or something like that, if you'd feel more comfortable knowing someone going through. I wouldn't worry about it at all, though...
One good thing to consider...(this could be different at your school, but I'm assuming it's fairly similar)...some fraternities will offer you a "snap bid" halfway thru the week or at some point before you get your bid(s). You can choose whether or not to accept it at that moment, but if you're still thinking about it, you can still check out other fratnerities afterwards. Sometimes, you will be offered multiple bids when you go to get them. You have time to decide and the opportunity to choose, which is a really great thing that most sorority PNMs don't get to do on Bid Day.

HereICome 12-09-2006 07:30 PM

The semester starts on january 24th but I don't know when the rush stars yet.

sigtau305 12-09-2006 08:05 PM

Good luck to you.

Starofsorrow 12-09-2006 09:00 PM

Good luck! I hope you find your brothers. =) It's a ton of fun rushing, but my experince might be a bit different than yours...

AGDem 12-09-2006 11:39 PM

You sound an awful lot like a poster named akkus, similar situation from what you've described. If you're not akkus, I would recomed checking out his thread for any sort of question you may have, he covered it all. Good luck to you and your journey, keep us posted.

BadSquirrelBeta 12-14-2006 11:09 PM

Good luck! I really enjoyed the thread a while back (it's been quite a while...like a couple years I think) that we had a good thread from a guy. He pledged Sigma Chi and we were all rooting for him! Keep us updated and good luck on finals if you are currently in that mode!!

Stef the Pef 12-23-2006 02:36 AM

Good luck! I hope you keep us updated--I can't wait to read a fraternity rush thread for a change.

DeltaBetaBaby 12-28-2006 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joescott (Post 1375796)
Here I Come:

I rushed this past fall at a large school where I knew nobody in the Fraternity system. It was a really fun experience.
I go to an SEC school, and from what I understand it's quite a different situation.
Here's my advice to you based on my own experiences...

1-Rush is mostly informal, but don't be fooled. Look out for the unwritten rules. EX: When I went through, dress codes were prevalent, foul language was not used at some houses, and I remember one where no one would talk to you unless you initiated the conversation. Try to notice these subtleties so you can avoid awkward situations.

2-Talk to as many guys as you can from each house. There were a couple I went through where I had really great conversations with one or two guys. When I went back, I discovered I didn't really like about 10 or 15 others.

3-Frats and Fraternities are VERY different. Decide which one you want to be a part of and eliminate choices from the begining. Where I go to school, fraternities wear a shirt and tie to football games. Frat guys get drunk and play Xbox.

4-Don't waste time at houses you don't care for. My school has over 20 fraternities; If one of them made a bad first impression or made me feel uncomfortable, I didn't return. Bad first impressions usually mean that they don't care much about recruitment, or they just don't like you.

5-Stalk the members on facebook. I know it's creepy, but you can tell a lot about a person through these online things. A friend gave me this idea so that I could pass on fraternities where too many members were "Very Liberal". Haha, facebook is very useful.

6-Check out websites for the fraternities you're thinking about. Most will post accomplishments or impressive social schedules.

7-Many times, fraternities will have a couple sororities that are always on their social calendar. Try to meet some of these girls. It will give you an idea about what kind of guys you're talking to.

8-Find out what you want out of a fraternity and try to figure out what the members want out of their own experiences. This is a big one. You should look for guys that you'd like to be your BROTHERS.

9-Any offers for some type of "dirty rush", take it. The extra effort usually means they want you. I got two free lunches by the end of the week.

10- Mind your manners. After a few minutes, you should be able to understand what kind of behavior is acceptable in each situation. If you cross the line, you'll probably be crossed off their list.

I'm sorry this was so long, but there are so many things I wish I had known going into rush week. I can give you more specifics on what I went through (if you really want them), just let me know. I'll post anything else I remember later. GOOD LUCK!

-Joe

I can't help it: GO GATORS!

Great post, Joe. There is a lot of good stuff in here that should apply to every fraternity recruitment.

TSteven 12-28-2006 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joescott (Post 1375796)
9-Any offers for some type of "dirty rush", take it. The extra effort usually means they want you. I got two free lunches by the end of the week.

The NIC allows (advocates) fraternities to rush year round. However, some campus IFCs may have campus imposed "restrictions" on how that may be done. Usually the restrictions happen during formal rush. So what may be viewed as "dirty rush" on some campuses, may not be on other campuses.

HereICome 12-30-2006 04:28 AM

Thanks to everybody. I'm getting excited. Not much time left!

The_Grip 12-30-2006 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joescott (Post 1375796)
9-Any offers for some type of "dirty rush", take it. The extra effort usually means they want you. I got two free lunches by the end of the week.

Best advice on the list! If you become a brother, you will be paying for these things for three years. Might as well get a little value during rush.

TSteven 01-03-2007 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joescott (Post 1377790)
Sorry about the "dirty rush" confusion...

Our rush works this way:

1 week long
-houses are open for one hour lunches M-Th
-houses are open from 8-10 pm M-Th
-Friday nights are usually "invite only"
-no official contact can be made outside these hours (during rush week)
-not that our IFC can actually control that

I guess I was just suggesting to spend time with the guys outside of the parties if they ask you to.

Thanks for the clarification. I know that some campuses are moving toward a more structured formal rush week. But on those campuses that don't have rigid guidelines or rules, going to lunch (or any "unofficial" contact) would not be considered "dirty rush" by the IFC.

Quote:

The Grip: couldn't have said it better...
So true.

HereICome 01-03-2007 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joescott (Post 1377790)
Sorry about the "dirty rush" confusion...

Our rush works this way:

1 week long
-houses are open for one hour lunches M-Th
-houses are open from 8-10pm M-Th
-Friday nights are usually "invite only"
-no official contact can be made outside these hours (during rush week)
-not that our IFC can actually control that

I guess I was just suggesting to spend time with the guys outside of the parties if they ask you to.

The Grip: couldn't have said it better...


How many houses can anyone see in such a limited time?

TSteven 01-03-2007 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HereICome (Post 1377910)
How many houses can anyone see in such a limited time?

To paraphrase numbers 3, 4 and 6 of what joescott posted above: decide which one(s) you want to be a part of and eliminate choices from the beginning; don't waste time at houses you don't care for; and check out websites for the fraternities you're thinking about.

HereICome 01-19-2007 12:40 AM

I decided to Rush for 3 fraternities and I think it starts next week. It won't be a formal rush, and it sounds like it will be pretty laid back. I read that fraternities offer in average about 7-8 bids during spring rush but the demand isn't huge either.

sigtau305 01-19-2007 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HereICome (Post 1386047)
I decided to Rush for 3 fraternities and I think it starts next week. It won't be a formal rush, and it sounds like it will be pretty laid back. I read that fraternities offer in average about 7-8 bids during spring rush but the demand isn't huge either.


Cool. be sure to keep us posted on what's happening.

HereICome 01-20-2007 05:29 PM

I don't understand what's happening. In the past semesters there would be GLO members everywhere trying to recruit people and handing out fliers and stuff, but right now school campus is totally dead. There isn't anyone in the campus. I wonder if anyone will be recruting this semester. The semester starts in 4 days and there is absolutely no sign of "greek life" anywhere in the campus, except for empty chapter houses outside of the campus. It's hard to tell what's going on. :confused:

Stef the Pef 01-20-2007 10:08 PM

:( There's probably more restrictions on rusher/rushee contact at your new school--contact regarding recruitment probably happens at a specific time and place. That would be my guess.

If all else fails and you're not finding anything out, contact the Greek Life/IFC advisor at your school and ask them how to find out about spring rush.

HereICome 01-20-2007 11:38 PM

Thanks for advices. I think rush starts on wednesday so there will be people wearing colors on that day.

HereICome 01-21-2007 05:57 AM

If a chapter runs 7 events in 7 nights in an informal rush, do I have to be present in all 7 events in order to receive a bid? One of the events of a house that I'm interested in clashes with one of my classes. I can still make it for the rest 6 events though.

FSUZeta 01-21-2007 11:01 AM

at some point the fraternity may have an invitation only event-usually toward the end of the recruitment period. if the 7 events are all open events, and you are still feeling it for this fraternity, as event #6 nears, tell the president and the rush chairman that you will not be able to attend #6, due to a class conflict.

don't go in on the first night and tell this group about your class conflict-it might come off as you are assuming that you will still be around at that point in time. and honestly, you might end up not gelling with this fraternity and might not want to attend any more parties there. just give yourself a little time.

DeltaBetaBaby 01-21-2007 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HereICome (Post 1386871)
If a chapter runs 7 events in 7 nights in an informal rush, do I have to be present in all 7 events in order to receive a bid? One of the events of a house that I'm interested in clashes with one of my classes. I can still make it for the rest 6 events though.

No, you do not need to attend all seven. If I were you, I would attend the first two or three nights at each house and then see what happens. If the guys want you, they will make a point to invite you back each night. At that point, you can tell them that you would love to, but you have class. On the other hand, if you don't get that sort of vibe, you may consider exploring your other options.

TSteven 01-22-2007 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joescott (Post 1386798)
My thoughts on snap bids:

If you know you want it, take it. I got myself into a tight spot because I didn't accept immediately when I knew I wanted to. (that's a good story for another thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSUZeta (Post 1386884)
at some point the fraternity may have an invitation only event-usually toward the end of the recruitment period. if the 7 events are all open events, and you are still feeling it for this fraternity, as event #6 nears, tell the president and the rush chairman that you will not be able to attend #6, due to a class conflict.

don't go in on the first night and tell this group about your class conflict-it might come off as you are assuming that you will still be around at that point in time. and honestly, you might end up not gelling with this fraternity and might not want to attend any more parties there. just give yourself a little time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby (Post 1387209)
No, you do not need to attend all seven. If I were you, I would attend the first two or three nights at each house and then see what happens. If the guys want you, they will make a point to invite you back each night. At that point, you can tell them that you would love to, but you have class. On the other hand, if you don't get that sort of vibe, you may consider exploring your other options.

Co-sign with all of these. Since there are seven nights of events, as a reminder I'm reposting something I wrote earlier regarding bids.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSteven (Post 1361506)
If you receive a bid or bids, and still want to check out other chapters, be discrete about it. Don't go to ABC's party saying you have a bid to XYZ. And don't tell XYZ that you are still going to check out ABC and DEF after they extend you a bid. Keep it simple and just thank them and let them know you will get back with them by the indicated time. Depending on the campus, and how the IFC rush is structured, a chapter may be able to resend their bid to you. And might do so if they feel you are not interested in them. The chapter that extended you a bid can get this impression (that you aren't interested) if they find out you are hanging out at other chapters and not coming around to their parties.


HereICome 01-24-2007 12:24 AM

Rush starts tomorrow and my final decision is to rush for 5 fraternities. I'll name them after 5 continents.

America
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe

PeppyGPhiB 01-24-2007 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HereICome (Post 1388412)
Rush starts tomorrow and my final decision is to rush for 5 fraternities. I'll name them after 5 continents.

America
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe

Hehe just wanted to point out that "America" is not a continent :)

Stef the Pef 01-24-2007 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB (Post 1388482)
Hehe just wanted to point out that "America" is not a continent :)

It's the combination of two continents, so it oughta count...sort of...kind of...eh, it works. Good luck, HereICome!


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:14 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.