My Happy Recruitment Story!
 

Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking for a long time and I’ve decided to share my recruitment story now! This story is from spring recruitment 2011, so obviously I am now an initiated sister, but I still hope you’ll all enjoy!

Sorority recruitment was something I was always planning to do. I didn’t know too many girls in chapters at my school when I rushed, and I was really happy about that. But because our recruitment is deferred I did know a few girls very briefly just from class and such, and of course I knew a little about campus reputations. Luckily, my campus is particularly catty about sororities (or such was my experience), so I didn’t really have any negative impacts. I was just generally really excited for recruitment. Even though I knew it would be cold and I’d be exhausted from flirting with girls all day, I knew that no matter what happened I’d end up where I was meant to and I’d meet a lot of cool people in the process. My Rho Chis were really nice—I was definitely a lot closer with one than the other, but they were both great and easy to talk to. They kept saying to trust in the process and that we’d all end up where we were meant to, and I actually really believed that (and still do!)

I go to a school where recruitment is not super competitive, but not exactly a walk in the park either. It’s definitely exhausting and there are definitely a lot of disappointed girls, but for the most part if you’re open minded and at the very least courteous to everyone, you will most likely get a bid. There are 12 sororities at my school, which for the purposes of this story will be named after my favorite TV shows:

Grey’s Anatomy
Psych
Friends
The O.C.
30 Rock
Parks and Recreation
Bones
Law and Order
Mad Men
Sex and the City
Lost
Say Yes to the Dress

My roommate and pretty much every girl on my hall was also going through recruitment. It was so fun to get ready and be crazy with everyone before the really long days. I really wasn’t too worried about “tent talk” or drama with the girls on our floor because no one really cares enough to go out of their way to trash talk someone. We all agreed that we would talk about our day, but only in positive terms, and if someone had a totally weird experience they could share as long as they didn’t name the chapter. Everyone just seemed to be a good sport and not want to ruin anyone else’s time and I was so happy about it.

The first day we visited all 12 sororities for open house. It was more exhausting than I could have ever imagined, but it was a good experience. Overall, I had a fun time. Here’s what I did:


Say Yes to the Dress- This chapter was first. They were definitely considered to be a popular chapter during recruitment. I didn’t know a lot about them personally, but I was excited for my first party! It was so exciting coming through the door for the first time with everyone clapping and cheering—nothing quite prepares you for it. I talked to 9 different girls. Which was definitely not the norm (for my recruitment anyway…) I’m pretty sure there was a kink in their system or something because I talked to the same girl twice, which Im sure I wasn’t supposed to? But it was still fun. Because I talked to so many girls I barely got past introductions with a lot of them, which I was concerned about. But I had a pretty good time and would love to be invited back!

Lost- this was my second party! I felt really pumped up after the first one. I knew a little better what to expect so I was a little more confident I think. I talked to the president’s little and her little. They were absolutely gorgeous girls. They were also really nice and we laughed a lot. I really liked this chapter and really hoped to be invited back.

Psych- This was my next chapter! They’re house was so gorgeous and new. They were a newer sorority on campus, but they were still the same size as all the others relatively. I liked talking to the girls just fine, but a lot of them seemed a little to eager to have me (not necessarily me PERSONALLY, but just laying it on a little thick if that makes any sense…) I still realized that I didn’t know very much about this chapter so I would still be fine with going back!

Bones- (although I didn’t know it at the time) this chapter was notorious for putting on a tremendous recruitment. They were always the heartbreaker for everyone. I went right in and it was absolutely gorgeous. Everyone looked great, the house looked great. The girl I talked to was not only gorgeous but HILARIOUS. And the next girl was equally gorgeous and hilarious. And the next. I was so excited that this could possibly be my chapter and I was dying to go back!

Grey’s Anatomy- I liked this next chapter as well. They were nice and we definitely deviated from the normal conversation, which I loved. They didn’t necessarily stick out in my mind, but I would like to go back and learn more!

Mad Men- This house was next. I knew one girl from class in this chapter but I didn’t see her at Open House. She was super nice though and I really liked her, but didn’t know her too well. I talked to two or three girls and they were really nice, but we didn’t really laugh or talk about anything too interesting. I’d definitely be satisfied going back here though, because again, I’m sure there was more to get to know!

Law and Order- I’m not sure exactly what it was about this chapter but we just didn’t click. With one of the girls I spoke to we both just constantly exchanged desperate glances like “YOU COME UP WITH SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT.” While she wasn’t exactly the smoothest conversationalist, it really wasn’t her fault. It just wasn’t love. I just felt awkward here. It wasn’t really for me, but if I was asked back, I’d be willing to try again.

The O.C.- I was just really comfortable here instantly. I don’t know what it was exactly but they were just really relaxed. They really seemed to be interested in me and in what I was saying and I just joked around a laughed a lot too. I didn’t necessarily learn a lot about their chapter, but I liked the girls a lot. It could definitely be for me.

30 Rock- was next. I knew one girl in this chapter from class. She was so passive aggressive and opinionated in a loud way, so I didn’t particularly like her. Obviously this didn’t represent her entire chapter but she really doesn’t give them the best PR. Turns out they were all kind of loud and just in general kind of “too big” with the jokes and sass. It just wasn’t really the way that I am. I really wasn’t sure I belonged here.

Friends- This chapter was just really chill. The girls were definitely gorgeous, but not in a preppy or intimidating way. They laughed at a lot of my jokes (which obviously I loved hahaha) and they were really nice and funny individually. All the girls looked really different but were really cool. I really liked this chapter and thought it could be a good fit for me possibly.

Parks and Rec- This chapter had a reputation on campus for not really being super popular during recruitment, mostly because they weren’t very socially present on campus. I went in a in general like all of the girls with whom I spoke. They were all nice but I’m not sure if we were necessarily alike. I’d be ok with going back but they weren’t necessarily my top.

Sex and the City- This was my last chapter and I was literally exhausted. However, this was the only chapter I actually knew someone (and knew her pretty well!) she was the older sister of one of my good friends and she happened to be the president (we’ll call her Carrie) She didn’t come up and talk to me but she did casually wink at me at the door which was cute. I didn’t know a super lot about this chapter but I know people generally thought well of them and Carrie really loved it. I talked to three girls who were really great. I wasn’t sure if they were really like me at all, but I definitely thought the people I talked to were genuine and interesting.

At the end of the day I was pretty sure which were my top and which were my bottom, the middle was a little hazier. This is how I ranked:

1. Bones
2. Lost
3. Friends
4. Say Yes to the Dress
5. Sex and the City
6. The O.C.
7. Psych
8. Grey’s Anatomy
9. Mad Men

Bottom:
10. Parks and Rec
11. Law and Order
12. 30 Rock

Honestly, there wasn’t a chapter I absolutely didn’t want to go back to at all. I thought I made a pretty good impression and that everything would work out. I was soooo hoping for Bones and Lost, but I pretty much liked all my tops A LOT. So I was excited for everything!

Please post if you'd like me to continue! (and where you think i'll end up! i'd love to hear) Also, if you think you know my school, please please please keep it to yourself! thank you!

I LOVE Bones, so I'll root for them. Of course, I'm also a big fan of Friends, Say Yes to the Dress, Parks and Rec (pretty much anything with Amy Poehler) and Law and Order, so basically - good luck wherever you end up!!

I'm rooting for Say Yes to the Dress and Sex and the City - two of my favorite shows :)

Day 2: Philanthropy
 

I went home after my first day really excited but nervous. I knew that recruitment had just start and I still had a lot to learn, but I was already picturing myself in Bones’, Lost’s and Friend’s letters. I talked with the girls on my hall and everyone else had a tiring but really fun day too! Bones was everrrrrryone’s favorite. I knew they were a pretty popular chapter, but I though I’d really been memorable to a lot of the girls there and hoped I’d be back.

Roommate was pretty caught up in wanting to be in a “top tier” chapter. Her favorites were, Bones, Say Yes to the Dress , Friends , and Sex and the City. She was pretty adamant that only those four could possibly be for her.

Hallmate #1 was the younger sister of Carrie in Sex and the City. However, that chapter was only her third choice! I was shocked! She really like Bones, and Lost as well!



I went to pick up my party schedule with a knot in my stomach I was so nervous! I knew it would be another long day and It would be really horrible if I was really unhappy with my schedule. We could go to a max of 9 parties today. There were girls who had gotten there before me and had seen there lists and were already crying or just being silent. Some also looked really happy! But the girl who got hers right before mine took one look at it and walked out (I found out later that she’d only been invited back two places.) I WAS SO SCARED. I just decided that I would try and stay classy and just be glad that anyone asked me back at all. When my Rho Chi handed it to me I had:

Grey’s Anatomy
The O.C.
Mad Men
30 Rock
Psych
Friends
Parks and Recreation
Sex and the City
Say Yes to the Dress

I was so disappointed not to see Bones on my list! I wasn’t all that surprised, though. I knew that had cut a lot of girls early on. I was definitely super sad not to be going back. I was kind of bummed/ in shock for my first few parties, but I eventually was fine. I was pretty surprised not to see Lost on my list either! I really liked them and really thought they liked me. I was the only one in my group to get cut from them, which was weird… but I got over it. I knew I’d have new favorites today!

Grey’s Anatomy was first. The girl I spoke to really only seemed to know like two key facts about their philanthropy and she just kept repeating them over and over. She was a senior, so I’d really wished she knew a little more. Their decorations were very cute, but none of the girls seemed really informed or really knew what to talk about in this round. I felt weird.

The O.C. was next. I had actually been to their philanthropy event in the fall with some friends. It was a really cool event so I was glad to discuss it with them! They were so happy that I’d been and that I knew about it. They kept calling over girls and being like “Sister Sally, you’ve gotta meet theGOODDDlife! She went to our philanthropy!” it was so exciting! They also all seemed to really know a lot about their cause and really believe in it. I really liked it. Again I just felt really comfortable and relaxed here the whole time.

Mad Men was next. I didn’t really relate to their philanthropy at all (but I guess that’s not really their fault). They all seemed really excited about it and everyone was really sweet, but I just didn’t really click today. I wouldn’t be heartbroken if I had to go back, but I just wasn’t feeling it today.

30 Rock was next. I really wasn’t looking forward to going back here. I went in and they all seemed to know a lot about me, which was flattering but also kind of awkward. I just wasn’t clicking with any of the girls. I also kept asking what kind of events they do for their philanthropy and no one knew. It was just really unimpressive.

Psych was next. Again their house and decorations looked great! Their philanthropy was just not something I was passionate about at all and also not really something I could relate to. Its just not really a salient issue and while everyone was informed, no one really seemed to passionate about it either. But still everyone was pretty nice and I’d be ok to go back!

Friends was next and I was so excited to go back! Their decorations were amazing! The three girls I talked to knew soooo much about their philanthropy! Not only was their cause really great and really a passion of mine, but their event seemed like SO MUCH FUN. Just hearing them talk about it really made me want to get involved! All the girls I talked to were really funny and beautiful and I think they really liked me. They were definitely my new favorite!!!

Parks and Recreation was next. I still to this day have no idea what this chapters philanthropy event actually is. They played a brief video about it and then the girls I spoke to completely changed the subject. When I asked they just told me what they raised money for, not what they actually did. I was a little confused. They were pretty nice though.

Sex and the City was next. Pretty much everyone knows their philanthropy and again, its one that’s very close to me. Their cause is definitely amazing, and while their event isn’t as glamorous as others, you could just tell that all of the girls cared so much and were really passionate about their philanthropy. I was so impressed. There wasn’t a lot of chit chat today so I was a little worried I didn’t make an impression, but I definitely wanted to go back!

Say Yes to the Dress was last. I had THE BEST time at this house today. I literally laughed for the entire time we were there. At one point there were 3 sisters and me, standing around cracking up until one of the other girls (I assume VPR or something) came and got two of the girls to introduce them to someone. I had a blast. It was literally the most fun I’d had during recruitment yet. They have a pretty famous philanthropy event, but again their cause isn’t super close to me or anything. We didn’t talk too much about philanthropy but It wasn’t really their fault. We just kind of got to talking and got distracted!

Ranking was really quick because more girls had dropped out since yesterday (which was scary…) But it was pretty easy to rank today! I put down:



1. Friends
2. Say Yes to the Dress
3. Sex and the City
4. The O.C.
5. Psych
6. 30 Rock

7. Grey’s Anatomy
8. Parks and Recreation
9. Mad Men

might just finish up this story today because i'm on a roll! please post if you are reading! i'd love to hear from you

We can't wait, we love these stories!

Loving it! :)

Please finish! Enjoying your story!
Since Lost is out of the picture I will go with my next favorite show. Friends.

Great story.. Love Say yes to the dress and SATC so rooting for those!

I'm torn between Friend & Say Yes to the Dress...

Your story is Great!!

SYTTD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm loving this story! It's making me antsy to rush this August!

Love it! Want more!!!

Day 3- Philanthropy
 

Back at home after philanthropy, my hall was a little more tense, Roommate had been cut from Bones, Friends , and Sex and the City before philanthropy. All of which she had good friends in and was very offended. I kept telling her that everything would work out but she wasn’t having it. She only had one “top tier” left, Say Yes to the Dress. And she was claiming that if that didn’t work out, she was done. She said she was so surprised at the great time she had at 30 Rock and Law and Order
and maybe even The O.C.. But didn’t seem to be willing to give them a chance…

[b]Hallmate had been cut from Bones as well and her top interests she was keeping to herself. I figured she really liked The O.C., Lost, and Sex and the City. But I wasn’t sure. It was still possible that some of us could end up sisters!

I was even more nervous for this day because I knew my decisions were gonna start getting harder and harder. My favorite from Philanthropy was definitely Friends , but I was definitely hoping to go back to my other tops as well. I also figured my opinions would be changing a lot today because parties were getting more intimate and serious. I was definitely excited.

When I got to the house to pick up my party list I saw so many freakouts! I was so scared. Girls everywhere were crying I felt like NO ONE was happy! When I finally got my party list, it read:

1. Grey’s Anatomy
2. Psych
3. Sex and the City
4. The O.C.
5. Say Yes to the Dress
6. Parks and Recreation

I was pretty disappointed to see that my favorite, Friends was not on the list. I felt like everytime I got a new favorite, they would cut me! I was pretty scared. Definitely not heartbroken that I’d lost them like I was with Bones. Now I realized that I would just find a new favorite.

Grey’s Anatomy was my first house. I wasn’t too excited to go back here because it really just wasn’t clicking. The girl I talked to today I actually had a pretty good time with. She was cool and funny but she was really the only one I had gotten along with so far. Once I got a new girl to talk to, I just sort of found myself out of stories to tell.

Psych was next. I had always found this house really visually pleasing. Their decorations were always fantastic! But they were a very new chapter on campus and because of that they really were kind of untraditional which I didn’t really like. (I’d explain more but that might give me away?) Also I just felt like they were a little too much for me. They weren’t intimidating girls or anything, it was just that everything was a song. everything was a cheer. everything had glitter or feathers on it. It just wasn’t me at all. It was just too overwhelming.

Sex and the City felt like a breath of fresh air. They had cool decorations but it wasn’t too much. They were enthusiastic, but not too much. I talked to a few girls that I had earlier during recruitment and they were great. Their sisterhood thing was really moving, but also funny and cool. I was a little intimidated by these girls, and frankly surprised that they kept inviting me back. But I was glad to be there and was really enjoying it.

The O.C. was next. Again I was super comfortable here and being really silly. I felt like I hadn’t really taken this chapter seriously until this night. I really had had a great time here all week. Everyone seemed to be a lot like me and I enjoyed being here. I knew I would really consider this chapter tonight when ranking. They really were a contender.

Say Yes to the Dress was next. I talked to three or four girls. Some I knew from previous events, some I didn’t. I laughed the whole time (again.) they really were funny and chill. I had such a good time. They really seemed interested in me and I was starting to really like them a lot. They’re house was really beautiful and the girls I had spoken to seemed really cool. I really liked this house. My new favorite for sure.

Parks and Recreation was next, and I can honestly say that the upcoming story is to this day the weirdest thing that has every happened to me during recruitment. I was talking to my first girl about the dorm I lived in and how everyone really got along. She had some majorrrrrr drama with roommates her freshman year so she had a lot of stories. Some of them were a little scandalous for recruitment, but I wasn’t offended and they were funny so I wasn’t gonna make an issue out of it. Then when the next girl came to talk to me, it happened, “Hi, Sally sister! This is theGOODDDlife. We were just talking about crazy roommates!” she immediately said “well how perfect! Have I got some f**king stories for you!” ooooof. I was a little shocked but I quickly moved on. But I definitely had a feeling that she was a little rough around the edges. She proceeded to tell me some really inappropriate story about her roommate freshman year and how she would get mad because Sally Sister would come home drunk, when really roommate was just jealous because she had no friends. And then once sally sister walked in on roommate doing certain things with a boyfriend and the two got in a physical fight right then and there. She ended the story with how roommate ended up suing her for God only knows what and then literally called her the c-word. Which I found extremely awkward. Now I’m in college. I’m not stupid and I realize people talk like that. I’m not gonna sit here and act like she’s trash and I’m better than here. But recruitment reeeeeeally wasn’t the place for that. I was offended or anything I was just a little uncomfortable. The whole story I just found super funny, but I was definitely no longer the least bit interested in this chapter (no matter how unfair it is to them really. I couldn’t help it!)

This time, I had a pretty clear vision of exactly what I wanted to rank. The next night was pref, where we could attend a max of 3 parties! I ranked:

1. Say Yes to the Dress
2. Sex and the City
3. The O.C.

4. Grey’s Anatomy
5. Psych
6. Parks and Recreation

oh.my.stars. . . @ Parks and Recreation! [typos intended for tone]

All I could think was "please don't let Parks And Recreation be Kappa?". Such a ridiculously inappropriate topic to be discussing with anyone you don't know well, let alone during recruitment.