Beachgirl's Recruitment!
 

Hi Everyone! I am a sophomore and I'm going to be going through formal recruitment this spring at a smaller college in the Northeast. There are 3 sororities on my campus and I know a few members from each one. I didn't go through recruitment before this because I didn't really know what it was all about, but many of my friends joined one of the sororities this past fall (they took a HUGE pledge class) and now that I know more, I think I'd like to check it out. My only concern is hurt feelings for the friends I have in each sorority if I were to receive a bid to one that is not theirs... I know that everyone says that you can keep your friends outside of the groups, but I've definitely seen less of all of the girls that pledged this fall... :( But I'm going in with an open mind that I'm going find myself a home and not choose a group based on where my friends found their home.

The three sororities had a pizza party the week before finals, but I was swamped with school work (procrastination doesn't pay!) so I couldn't attend. After talking to one of the Gamma Rho Chis, she filled me in on the details:

January 30th: Info Night and Registration
January 31st: Round I
Feb. 1st: Round 2
Feb. 2nd: Preference Night
Feb. 3rd Bid Night

I've decided to give the sororities nicknames based on my country favorite groups/singers:

Tim McGraw
Kenny Chesney
Sugarland

Wish me luck! Here we go!

Who knows... being in different sororities may be a new "common thread" that you share in terms of types of experiences you go through. If you are NPC sororitities, many campuses now have NPC spirit days - "we are all sisters together" - where you celebrate being a woman, a Greek, your extended family. It might bring you closer.

I agree, when I pledged, I found it much easier to keep in touch with friends in other chapters than friends who did not go greek at all.

Do you have friends in each chapter or are all of your friends in the same chapter?

Good luck with recruitment!

NPC day
 

I am VP of Programs for our Panhellenic council at my school and we just started a new event called greek fest where we had all the Greeks set up a carnival booth with a game. There was no compition, eventything was free it was just to be around fellow greeks as well as promote positive PR for the Greek community. As VP Programs for our Panhellenic council I strongly incourage all Greek events like that to build bonds with other houses.

ps I am a second year at my school and in sorority, we have 6 sosority chapters and i can say i have more than one friend in each house, its a great way to make more friends in a community where it is all about compition between houses to avoid enemies

You are on the list

good luck to you dream!! i cant wait for your story!

Good luck with recruitment!

Hey Beachgirl... I think we're at the same school... :D I PM'ed you!!!

Even though I am now agnostic, I grew up Catholic...it is all about the guilt! :D

Update!
 

Hi again! The countdown is on... 19 days! After reading the other recruitment threads, I'm getting even more excited!!! I've hung out with some of the girls who I lived with freshmen year who pledged this fall and I talked to them a little about how it's changed them - hanging out more with their sisters, etc. and it's really made me more excited and much more comfortable knowing that they understand that I'll end up where I fit best (although I know that at least a few of them are hoping that I end up in a certain place...)

AND, I've met my first real, live Greekchat member in person!!! She's actually from the same town as I am AND goes to the same college which is exciting... and since I didn't know many girls from that sorority it's nice to have another familiar face going into recruitment. We were introduced previously by another non-greek friend and she PM'ed me and surprise! I'm learning how small a world is it - and that discretion will be important during recruitment!

We move back into the dorms this weekend and then we meet our Gamma Rho Chi's on Monday 1/29 and parties will start on Tuesday! Wooooo!!! I hope that I end up as happy as the other PNM's I've read about!!! I can't wait!!!

Good luck, beachgirl! I hope you're very happy by the end of the week, too! :)

Wow! What a night!!! I had no idea what tonight was going to be like, but it was fun. Tonight we visited all three chapters for a 30 minutes each.

First, I went to Sugarland. Out of all of the sororities, I knew the fewest girls in this group. I had heard that they were the smallest group and that they tend to keep to themselves, but after seeing them tonite - I really, really liked this group. They were friendly, the room was beautiful and all of the members I spoke with were attentive and very nice. Their theme was a Hollywood kind of feel. We started by doing an ice breaker and then I was shown around the room by two sisters who I had never met. There were 5 tables set up with tri-fold boards and lots of stuffed animals, scrapbook pages, letters, etc. Each table had a different theme. One had financial information on it (dues and fundraising stuff), another had scholarship and philanthopy information, another with information about the pledge sister process, one about the history, and one more about sisterhood/social events. Even though it's early, I already feel like this is a place I could see myself. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

*One more note: this was also the only group that actually had nametags on! We (the PNM's) had to wear these hideous plastic around-the-neck nametags, but only this group had any kind of name tags on. Theirs were very simple, but they served the purpose.

Next, I went to Kenny. This is the group that 4 of my friends joined last fall. I thought I would really enjoy this group, but I didn't. I don't know if it was because I was comparing them to the group before them or that I really just didn't click with them, but something just wasn't right. I felt like the group was very divided and cliquey. Also, (and I know it's silly) but their t-shirts and decorations seemed very thrown together. We watched a fashion show and then several girls talked to us about their positions and the sorority. I wish I had time to talk with the girls outside of the few minutes of introduction time we had at the beginning. I never had a chance to ask many of the questions that were already answered for me at Sugarland on their tables. I hope that tomorrow night we can do more socializing and that I have the chance to meet some sisters from this group.

Finally, I went to Tim McGraw. This is the group I knew the most about. They are very involved on campus and were the group that most of the other PNM's in my group were excited to see. In this room, similar to Sugarland, we played an ice breaker and then were shown around to different tables where a member of the sorority was standing. At each table, one of the two sisters that we were with, disappeared and a new one appeared. So, each time you moved to a different table, you met two new girls. I really liked this, but it was very intimidating too. This group is the largest of the three. They were very prepared, but I almost felt like they were just reading from a script while talking to me. The girl who was with me for the whole time seemed very fake and never stopped smiling. (Not that I have a problem with people who smile - it's just that it was kind of awkward...) Overall, I really enjoyed this group too.

Tomorrow night we visit all three sororities again, except in a different order. We are going to be making something for each group's philanthopy. It sounds like lots of fun. Dress is going to be a little bit more dressy, but my Gamma Rho Chis said that nice jeans and a cute sweater would be perfect. I can't wait! :D


PS: My Gamma Rho Chis are awesome! There are 9 other girls in my Gamma Rho Chi group. All of them are freshmen, many of them know lots of girls at Tim McGraw and are really set on that one group. I'm open to them all, although I really feel like I need lots more information before I can say for sure...

it sounds like a great night. i hope tonight goes just as well. good luck!!

I've really enjoyed reading your story so far! Good luck and have fun!

So far so good! Hope you enjoy it! Good luck!

Can't wait to hear what will happen next!

Well, Round 2 is over and it was a great night. Once again I visited all three chapters. Here's my thoughts on tonight:

Tim McGraw: The first group I went to tonight. I felt very rushed in this room. In addition to making cards for soldiers over seas, they had several of their members who hold positions stationed around the room for us to talk to and ask questions. They kept asking if I had any questions... and I'd say no, but then they'd ask me something about it and I'd have no idea what they were talking about... <sigh> I wish I didn't feel so confused about all the terms and things that happen. Overall, I really liked this group, but I don't know if it's the perfect place for me...

Sugarland: They are amazing. We colored iron on transfers to put on canvas bags which are going to be filled with necessities for homeless children. I sat with two different girls from last night and once again LOVED them. They also have the cutest shirts - but I won't mention the design because I want to remain anonymous. ;) Overall, I really think that this is where I want to be and I REALLY, REALLY hope that the girls here feel the same way. Both of the girls that I was with tonight told me that they hoped they saw me tomorrow as I was leaving - but I don't know if they told everyone that...

Kenny: I knew after tonight that this is just not the place for me. Tonight we made cards for the elderly for Valentine's Day which will be delivered to a local nursing home. It was a cute craft and all of the sisters were really into it. I just felt like they were so in to making their cards that I didn't really get to chat with them. The sisters that I met were nice, but I just didn't feel that connection like at Sugarland and Tim McGraw.

Tomorrow between 11am and 2pm we have to visit the Greek Office to pick up our invites to Preference, which is tomorrow night. We can visit up to 2 chapters. Apparently cuts are usually pretty steep since it's the only cuts that chapters make and any girl who attends a party tomorrow must appear somewhere on that groups bid list. I don't know if this is normal, but it scares me! :eek:

So, if given the choice, this is how I would rank the groups:

Sugarland
Tim McGraw
Kenny Chesney

Parties tomorrow night start at 7pm...

Yay! Good luck Beachgirl!

Congratulations on how things are going so far, and I hope you get invited back to Sugarland and Tim McGraw. You're right, Sugarland probably told everyone the "I hope we see you tomorrow" line (since if they just told it to select people it could be taken as bid promising and they would get in huge trouble!) but if you felt like you made a connection then it's all good. I hope it works out for you!

Good luck! You seem really aware of what you want in a group. That's great. I hope that you find a place to call your own:)

I just picked up my invite list and...







I was invited back to all three!!!!! :D So, tonight, I will be attending Tim McGraw and Sugarland's Pref Parties!!!!! <crosses fingers>

I'm off to find a cute dress and get ready!

What great news! Enjoy the events and remember that it is just as important to take a look around at the PNMs at these parties, too, as well as to get a final sense of the sisters. The PNMs you pref with represent your future potential pledge class, and you will be spending a lot of time with them. Strike up a conversation outside of the parties to get a sense of these ladies.

Remember, too, that when you do your final bid ranking, list only those chapters you would consider membership to. Statistically speaking, the more chapters you list, the greater your chances of receiving a bid to a sorority.

If you can only see yourself at one sorority and would rather not be Greek at all if you don't get a bid to that one, go for it. You may not be allowed to rush the rest of the semester if you list only one choice, though, and don't receive a bid from them, depending on your campus's rules. Know the facts and make an informed decision.

You can pledge a chapter and drop out before initiation, and can rush again next year, if you choose. I don't recommend this unless you're just desperately unhappy and know that you're not right for that group, though! It takes more than a week to determine this, so take time to meet people and get involved before you commit-- both to dropping or initiating! You're making a very important decision tonight and you do have a trial period during the new member process to make sure it is the best choice for you.

Join the chapter where you feel most at home and don't feel pressured by anyone else's feelings or expectations. Overall, have a great time and again, congrats on your invites! Continue to be yourself and ask good questions. Remember that sorority membership involves financial obligations as well as obligations of time, and make sure you are prepared to be committed to both-- there may be a new member fee that must be paid within a few days of being bidded, so be prepared! The first semester costs the most with one-time new member fees, buying a badge and such.

Good luck today! We are rooting for you!

Congratulations! We'll be waiting to hear:p

Congratulations and good luck - enjoy pref!

Congratulations on your invite list! Have a wonderful time at pref!

Oooh...I know where you go to school and what sorority you don't like. Don't worry, I won't tell :)
Have fun at your pref parties tonight! I hope you find your home!

hooray for you!! good luck and please keep us updated.

Congrats on the 3 invites!!! That is awesome.

Hope you have a wonderful time at Pref.

I am extremely impressed with how you're looking at all the groups. A lot of your friends were in Kenny - and yet you knew it was not the right fit for you. You've honed in on the smallest group when a lot of times PNMs won't give a smaller group a second glance. Congrats to you for following your heart...and best of luck - here's hoping you get your first choice!

Good luck Beachgirl!!! Tomorrow will definitely be an exciting day!

So tonight was... interesting.

I went back to Sugarland and Tim McGraw... and absolutely LOVED them both. Sugarland has an amazing sisterhood with lots of opportunities to get involved because they are so small. Tim McGraw on the hand, is great because there are so many sisters and I know that there are girls that I'll fit in great with. I still wonder if some of them are being kind of fake, but I guess that's part of recruitment.

Sugarland had another slideshow, but this one went through and showed big/lil's, the different pledge classes, and seniors in detail... most of the members cried, and so did I! It really made me see why the sisters love their group so much! It really made me want to be a part of it.

Then I went to Tim McGraw and their ceremony was so personal and meaningful to me... it totally changed my thinking after leaving Sugarland. At this point I was really confused. I loved Sugarland for the exact reason that they were so small and close... but not as big on a national level. After seeing Tim McGraw, I totally changed my mind. My group in both rooms was pretty much the same 8 girls with me... I think one or two might have been different in the second room, so either way most of the girls who will be my pledge sisters are going to be the same... and I really like them all.

When we went back and sat with our Rho Chi's to rank, I couldn't help but notice that many of the girls who attended Sugarland and Tim McGraw ranked Sugarland 2nd. Many of them mentioned size as a big factor. For some reason I felt really bad for those girls though... they worked so hard and they really seemed like nice girls... after thinking about and talking with my amazing PX, I decided that I really want to be part of that close-knit sisterhood that they have. Although they are the smallest group by far, I like that they really know each other and I'm okay with the idea that my pledge class might not be the 15 or 16 that the other groups have... so with that in mind, I ranked them:

Sugarland
Tim McGraw

I know that being in a smaller group has advantages and disadvantages, but I feel that those are the girls I really clicked with the best. Although, if I were to end up at Tim McGraw, I think I'll be okay there too... so I'm just going with that saying that everything happens for a reason and everyone ends up where they belong...

Tomorrow between noon and 3pm we can go and pick up our bids... I'm so nervous!!!

It's awesome to hear that you had a good experience at pref. I'm glad you followed your heart with Sugarland and I hope that you receive good news tomorrow.

I always feel like the tough decisions manage to work themselves out when you have to make them! Congrats on such a positive pref experience!

I'm keeping my finger's crossed to you.

OMG! Good luck! I'm so glad you enjoyed both parties.

i can't wait to hear where you found your home, and the name of the school you attend!! best wishes for a happy outcome today!!!

I have to say, that you're recruitment story has been my favorite in a long time! You have certainly made the most of recruitment and finding the home that's best for you! Best wishes to you today!