Personally LisAlly, I think COB events are the way to go in general for a low pressure environment in which to get to know a sorority. I just joined AXO through a fall COB party (we have deferred rush) and the events were a blast. A huge part of why I dropped out of formal recruitment is b/c I was so tired and stressed that I felt like I really came across as insincere when rushing the houses. Nobody would ever describe me as fake in everyday life, but I just couldn't deal with the notion that I would get picked up by a sorority and I hadn't been "myself" and end up somewhere that I didn't fit! When I went to the COB events, I was really relaxed and I had an amazing time getting to mix with everyone in a totally casual setting. My face didn't hurt from smiling like it did during formal and everyone was so real and they didn't necessarily have their "game faces" on like most houses did during formal.
I know a lot of girls thrive on the craziness of formal rush so don't get discouraged from going through it in the future, but I personally went nuts!!! I'm so glad the sisters encouraged me to go to COB events in the fall even after I dropped out of spring rush. If you're a laid back kind of girl I think you'll really appreciate the environment of a COB party. Please give it a shot!!!
Oh and just as an aside, hi everyone! I'm Emily and I've been lurking around the boards for awhile (they're so entertaining) and I look forward to getting to know everyone. Okay I'm done hijacking the post.