What To Look for In A Rushee/Pledge?
 

First of all...I apologize if this thread is somewhere else...

but here's my question. What do you all look for at COB's or recruitment activities? What makes a good vs. a bad pledge/rushee? Any tips on how to make sure you're getting the real person? or How to make sure you're picking the right girls (or guys for fraternities)?

Any ideas? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Jilly, for the most part, the selection process for any GLO is mostly secretive. Look at each organization's stated ideals and goals, and you can get an idea of what each (probably) looks for in a potential new member.

In general, I'd say most groups look for a friendly and sociable person--not someone who may be "the life of the party" but who can carry on a conversation with different people with comfort. Someone with good grades--if your school publishes grade rankings, it's a pretty safe bet that PNMs should have an equal or higher GPA than the most current averages. A PNM doesn't have to be model or superstar gorgeous; clean, neat and well put together is always more important (and to be really technical, clean hair and nails :))

You may not be sure you're getting the "real person". During COR/open recruitment, you may have the benefit of knowing the PNM from classroom and campus activities. Both can be a good indicator of what kind of member they may be. If they are consistently in class, that's a good sign. If they are already active on campus and that's how you 've gotten to know them, that's also usually a good thing!

If you have a recruitment app to refer to, use that tool wisely because that's why you have it. If you don't, use your own info sheet at open recruitment events (if allowed to do.)

Use your organization's references when available (aka Recs). Know what your GLO expects of it's members and look for members who you expect to fulfill those expectations.

Determine what your chapter needs prior to recruitment--do you need to improve your GPA, refocus on philanthropy, be more competitive in intramurals, become more social? Figure that out and look for PNMs who may support those goals. WORK ON YOUR CONVERSATION SKILLS as a chapter, so you know how to effectively communicate what your chapter is all about during recruitment efforts. If you can't tell PNMs what your sorority or fraternity is all about, what kind of members you are looking for, you can't tell PNMs how they would be great members of your chapter (and gauge their response!)

You may not always get it right. By looking at the big picture for both the chapter and PNM, hopefully most of the time you'll be picking the right girls or guys--and they will be picking you! Good luck.

Good post.

wow!
 

Wow...thank you very much!! I think your post will be very helpful and beneficial for our first rush in fall. great insight and ideas :)

Take care!

We like to make sure that whomever is rushing is really interested in making the time commitment too.