What is the actual process fraternities do to decide to give out a bid?
 

I'm fairly new to this whole scene. How does getting a bid actually work? I know that you get one if you get to know some guys from the house and they think you'll fit in etc etc but is there an actual voting process at the houses? Do they like pull up your picture and see if they remember you/if you're worth giving a bid to? Do houses you haven't even been to have to go through your information also?

Membership selection is private for the majority of Greek organizations.

I'm a woman, but I can tell you that no one is going to give you this information.

The "secret" of rush? Making friends. Give them a reason to extend a bid to you. Show them whatever makes you, you.

Yes, there's a voting process. Beyond that, it's secret and 90% of the time, far more boring than you could ever imagine. But yes, being memorable (in a good way) is key to getting a positive vote. Wearing a plaid suit so that you get remembered? Not the way to go. Being obnoxious, talking excessively crudely, drinking a lot, also not ways to get it done. Going out of your way to meet at least 3 or 4 members, having a pleasant, succinct conversation where they learn something about you and you about them, and then a subtle and successful break from the conversation to go join another? That's a winner. And a life skill that will pay dividends in ways you can't currently imagine.

I am not sure where you are in the recruitment process but have you narrowed down your house selections? If so, then may I advise you to go to each National web site. Learn about their history, colors/insignia, philantropy, famous alumni, etc. This way when the fraternity is talking to you RE: their organizatio, you can have a 2-way conversation with the brothers. This will show you know about their organization and are interested. Most of all, BE YOURSELF and enjoy yourself. I hope you get your first choice.

Make sure that the conversation is natural, though.

I've had a few aspirants respond to "How are you doing?" with things like "Great! I really like all of the red! Your colors are awesome! The knight is a cool mascot! Your founders seem cool! Your official flower fits everything so well! Etc!"

Show you've done your research without being a creep.

What DubaiSis said. I would also add that, in general, a small handful (or in some cases 1) of actives can prevent a bid from being extended. So that's why it's important, in addition to making good impressions, not to make any remarkably bad ones.
That being said, remember that hundreds of thousands of guys have gone through rush over the years and in the vast majority of the cases find a great spot to experience fraternity life without much stress. Just relax, "be your best self", and you'll do fine. (And be very, very glad you're not rushing a sorority, with their quotas, RFM, etc...VERY different story, as the GC forums can attest!)

lol...this would be a good siggy.

and unfortunately, this may have nothing to do with you, but rather their attitude about who it is that does want you to get a bid. Brothers (and sisters) do not always play well together. So if you do not get a bid from your "First" choice consider yourself lucky and that your attention can be directed elsewhere.

I'm not sure why some people are saying its secretive...?

Basically these are the factors:
-Grades
-Memorable (if they don't remember you, how would you get a bid?)
-Made an effort to come to events
-Made an effort/seems to want to be in your fraternity or shows interest

These points are the most general and apply to basically any organization that selects members, and is pretty obvious to figure out other things that could help/hurt

Also, the bigger your school and the more guys that rush, the more the little details make a difference. Also, the pledge period is for them to get to know you, so they could possibly pledge someone they aren't sure about.

Yes they vote, and yes (as some have mentioned), one person saying "no" could bar you from being able to get in. Also, I would assume that all fraternities vote again before initiating (hence the point of getting to know you during pledging), but I know some fraternities have different "pledging" and some you are initiated the day of bid turn in.

It would be interesting to hear how it turned out for you...

No, there is no "general" -- you have no idea what any other organization does to select members.

I think this Kappa Sig guy is trying to respond to every post he comes across, regardless of how accurate the information.

Because for many if not most GLOs, it is secretive.

Sure, chapters may give some general idea as to the type of guy they're looking for. And no, it may not be a secret that there are a series of votes. But for every chapter of every GLO I've ever known of where the chapter does vote on bids, everything about that vote -- results, reasons, etc. -- stays in the chapter and is not shared outside the chapter. Hence, secretive.

I meant "general" as in these are typical things that can be used to select members, not that it is what is "generally" used. I meant more in the sense that these are some go to things that can be sited at being either a yes or a no in weeding out a big group of guys.

Of course once it comes down to a smaller list, more things are used in determining if someone will or will not get a bid.

And of course I am not responding to every post I come across, I offer information that I think could help and in areas that I have some knowledge.

I am not going to a sorority thread and trying to state info on how to bring a new NPC to a campus, because clearly I have nothing to offer to that discussion.

But, yes I am posting a lot, but only because I just created an account and therefore can now post. But I guess that didn't matter to you, you just wanted to throw a jab my way. I mean, it is the internet and you can anonymously say things (although not so anonymous as you do represent Alpha Sigma Tau) without repercussions.

I see what you mean. Yes, any reasons of why a specific person didn't receive a bid does stay secret.