What type of sorority are you looking to join? There are different sorts of protocol that you'd follow to join a social, academic, or service sorority. Also, there are different ways that you'd want to go about rushing a GLO (Greek Lettered Org.) vs. a BGLO (Black Greek Lettered Org., which usually does not participate in Panhellenic Rush).
I'll write about joining a national GLO social sorority, since that is where my experience is. At your college, there will be a Panhellenic group which is comprised of representatives from each of the national NPC houses on your campus. This is the group that organizes formal rush for your campus. Usually, over the summer, Panhel mails rush registration info to the homes of incoming freshmen women. If you have not received any info, and rush is within a month or less, I would suggest that you contact your school's Pahnel group (NOT the individual sororities, though), and ask how to register for women's formal rush. You would be able to get their phone number from the Dean of Student Affairs or some similar official. Usually registration consists of filling out a short form with your background information. Mine asked me to list my 3 favorite activities in high school, and my high school GPA. You may have to submit headshot photos at this time, if your school uses them. Most girls use senior pictures or yearbook-type photos for this purpose. In the fall, all registered rushees will be assigned a rush counselor, called a Rho Chi, who will explain how each round of rush parties works, what to wear & expect, etc. You will probably meet in a rush group with your Rho Chi prior to the first round of parties. Rushing a GLO sorority, you basically survive each round of parties, accepting or declining invitations back to the houses, and in the end you are matched by mutual selection with a bid from one sorority.
When rushing a GLO sorority, it helps to be able to say that you have been involved in service and campus activities, but since you'll be rushing as a fall freshman, no one will expect you to already be running the school. Probably having done some interesting things in high school will be enough. By all means though, get involved early on campus, it can only help. The sororities are trying to select pledges who will make active, dynamic, committed members, and involvement and dedication towards other activities shows your potential for this.
[This message has been edited by twinstars (edited July 29, 2000).]
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