Greek Rushing at USC
 

Apart from the whole obvious aspects (such as going through rush week), what do I need to do at and/or before attending USC in order to prepare myself fully in order to receive a bid. I already *think* I know which fraternity I want to join, but am fully aware of the fact that I might change my mind after being physically present. Anyway, do I need letters of recommendations? This might be shallow... but I do not know too much about Greek Life, but do I need "preppy" clothes? Do I need to hit the gym all summer?

I guess what I am asking is, what actually goes on at Rush? Do people usually end up getting bids at the fraternity they want? And also, is there anyway to give me an advantage?

Thanks

Which USC?

This is really generic advice, but I think it's really a universal truth. Be the best version of YOU that you can. It's different for everyone.

For some people, that means going to a gym. There is no negative to being healthy and fit. Exercising is a good habit to get into, especially for college when you might not be making the healthiest choices.

For others, it means sorting out your wardrobe to best suit your body/style/lifestyle. It's not always the trends that make an outfit; classics are a great investment and stand the test of time). The most expensive or trendy clothes won't matter if they don't fit you (too big, too small), don't suit your personality, and don't work with your lifestyle. It's ridiculous for you to completely change your wardrobe to look like someone or something you are not.

Still others might network with fraternity alumni to learn about the organization on campus and nationally, hone their interview and conversation skills, beef up their resume, or formulate a financial plan to help pay for dues and extras (t-shirts, parties, formals, paraphernalia) - whether it's saving an allowance or getting a summer job.

As for specifics to help you get a bid, every campus, national organization, and particular chapters are different, so I won't speak to that. Just remember that if you have to pretend to be someone else during rush, you're in for a lot of work (and disappointment).

Preppy clothing? Southern Cal.-Yes, look at Hollister, A & F, Lacoste, among others. South Carolina-Yes, look at Polo Ralph Lauren, Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, B & B, and others.

And no. Not all fraternities at either school want the guy wearing preppy clothing. I'd say S. Carolina wants the preppy clothes more than Southern Cal.

Hit the Gym? Southern Cal.-Yes. South Carolina-No.

What goes on at Rush? Plenty of partying, and seeing what the "culture" of the fraternity is. You'll get to know the brothers during pledgeship.

Getting bids from fraternities they want...This really is not up to you. If the fraternity loves you, but they don't want more than so-and-so amount of pledges, you may not get a bid. If they hate you, but need so-and-so amount, you may get a bid. Usually that doesn't happen, but it could. As long as you are friendly, and portray the image the fraternity wants to portray, then you should be fine. Keep in mind, the "good" fraternities at your school may already have their pledge classes locked up before rush even starts. Many fraternities do indeed do "dirty" rushing, meaning they pinpoint their pledges during summer parties. Of course, this may not be the case for your semester or even your school.

An advantage? Recommendations are always helpful although not essential in fraternity rushing. Friends in the fraternity are always helpful although not essential. So really, yes and no.

Since you "know" what fraternity you want to be in, rush the absolute crap out of them. Only if you "know" you want to be in that one. I'd say give all the chapters a chance, as you never know who you might just click with.

re: clothes at Southern California, I'd nix Hollister and A&F. I can't think of too many guys I know in frats that wear those brands. Opt for like RVCA or whatever. I don't even know if that's a brand, but I see it on a lot of clothes. Generally, the surfer/skater/beach-y look seems to be in for guys, but it's still clean-cut. Ugh, it's hard to describe...

That made me LOL as well. For ANY college. Hollister and A & F should be forgotten along with your high school locker combination.

Did you go to the freshman preview weekend?
Do you know people in a frat already?

What i'd suggest if you have a buddy, to go to USC for a night/weekend this summer to scope out the scene. Say you're coming in the Fall, but wanted to come and chill for a night and party or whatever.

I want to note that “pinpointing their pledges during summer parties” is not considered "dirty" rushing by the NIC and the majority of campus IFCs.