Informal Rush (not everyone participates) Problem

dani13 · #1 02-10-2010, 04:44 PM

So last night my school had a basic meeting of the sororities on campus so that non-members could meet some of the girls from each chapter and see if they wanted to participate in informal spring rush. (I did not rush last semester so I've never really met anyone) However, most of the meetings from different chapters overlap each night. So it's nearly impossible to go to all of them.

One of the groups I stood and talked with for the longest time is not even doing spring rush. I really loved their philanthropy and the girls I met were so sweet. However, I've heard that they are a bit stuck up during formal rush.

There was only one other sorority that I really clicked with (that was having a spring rush) so I'm planning on attending their events. But it just really bugs me that I can't find out more about the 1st sorority this semester. Because if I put off rushing this semester to wait on one chapter, then end up going with one of the ones I could have rushed in the spring I wasted time. Not to mention formal rush at my school is super stressful (or so friends have told me).

Advice?

KSUViolet06 · #2 02-10-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dani13

So last night my school had a basic meeting of the sororities on campus so that non-members could meet some of the girls from each chapter and see if they wanted to participate in informal spring rush. (I did not rush last semester so I've never really met anyone) However, most of the meetings from different chapters overlap each night. So it's nearly impossible to go to all of them.

One of the groups I stood and talked with for the longest time is not even doing spring rush. I really loved their philanthropy and the girls I met were so sweet. However, I've heard that they are a bit stuck up during formal rush.

There was only one other sorority that I really clicked with (that was having a spring rush) so I'm planning on attending their events. But it just really bugs me that I can't find out more about the 1st sorority this semester. Because if I put off rushing this semester to wait on one chapter, then end up going with one of the ones I could have rushed in the spring I wasted time. Not to mention formal rush at my school is super stressful (or so friends have told me).

Advice?

I'm not sure what the question is here.

Are you asking if you should wait until formal recruitment so you can have a shot at one chapter or just rush now (with the sororities that are participating?)

My opinion: if you are open to checking out ALL chapters, then wait and do formal. However, going into formal only wanting one chapter doesn't always work out.

Even with informal, it's best to keep your options open.

dani13 · #3 02-10-2010, 04:57 PM

Sorry, yes I'm asking should I just go ahead and do Spring rush, or wait?

And as for openess, there are 4 that I really like, 2 of which aren't participating right now. So I'm not really sure if it's worth waiting or not.

ASAlamb · #4 02-10-2010, 05:05 PM

How competitive is your formal recruitment process? Do you think the two chapters you really liked would feel the same about you?

KSUViolet06 · #5 02-10-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dani13

Sorry, yes I'm asking should I just go ahead and do Spring rush, or wait?

And as for openess, there are 4 that I really like, 2 of which aren't participating right now. So I'm not really sure if it's worth waiting or not.[/

Unfortunately, this is something that YOU will have to decide. We can't really tell you if somethiing is worth it.

southbymidwest · #6 02-10-2010, 06:02 PM

You might also want to find out how competitive it is for sophomores, if you are thinking about waiting for formal recruitment next year. At some schools, you are at a bit of a disadvantage if you are not a freshman.

FSUZeta · #7 02-10-2010, 06:54 PM

there is no harm in your attending some informal events this semester-you don't have to accept a bid. i would encourage you to attend as many different events with as many of the groups as you can. just as in formal recruitment, your opinion may change and a group that you did not "click" with, becomes your favorite. worse case scenario is that you don't accept a bid this semester and go thru formal in the fall. even if you end up pledging one of the sororities that participated in informal in the fall, you won't be asking,"what if?"

RedHotSigDelt · #8 02-11-2010, 03:59 AM

I would go through informal and see what happens. If you really don't click with any of the chapters, then drop out and go through formal. But definitely give it a chance. I went through informal with only 2/7 sororities participating, and some of the ones I liked were not participating. I ended up where I was meant to anyway and I don't regret it. If I had waited, I would have missed out on an entire semester with my wonderful sisters.

And to be perfectly blunt, the sororities taking girls in the spring are the ones that are more likely to bid upperclassmen in the fall anyway. So there's a good chance you'd end up there anyway. Of course, this also depends on how competitive your school is.

ASUADPi · #9 02-11-2010, 10:01 AM

I too would encourage you to do informal.

I'm not sure how your school works it, but when I went through informal (back in the day), we were told (by panhel) that we could leave one house and go to another one, as all the houses were doing informal on the same nights. I would suggest contacting Panhel and see if that is something you can do, then contact the chapters and find out where and when their events are.

Informal is a less structured process.

Only you can make the decision to go through informal or wait for formal.

With formal you need to be aware that 1) your sophomore status might (emphasis on might) hurt your chances of getting a bid and 2) if you go in to formal with only 2 sororities in mind that you want to be in and aren't open to other chapters, you will be disappointed.

dani13 · #10 02-11-2010, 02:12 PM

Thanks so much for all the responses. I went last night, and had a good time. It turns out I had missed an event, but I talked to the chapter president and she said there were still several more events and that it was fine.

The new problem seems to be that everyone already knows everyone. I did my best to be outgoing and make a good impression. The girls were a lot of fun.

If I don't recieve a bid then I guess I'm not meant to be there.

But as far as my school is concerned it's not really that competitive and the one that i like that isnt doing Spring took in multiple sophomores last year.

ree-Xi · #11 02-11-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dani13

Thanks so much for all the responses. I went last night, and had a good time. It turns out I had missed an event, but I talked to the chapter president and she said there were still several more events and that it was fine.

The new problem seems to be that everyone already knows everyone. I did my best to be outgoing and make a good impression. The girls were a lot of fun.

If I don't recieve a bid then I guess I'm not meant to be there.

But as far as my school is concerned it's not really that competitive and the one that i like that isnt doing Spring took in multiple sophomores last year.

Why is it a problem that people know each other? In NPC sororities, it's not forbidden (it's actually encouraged) to get to know as many people as possible.

If you don't get a bid in informal, it may likely be because there are only a few spots open. They may absolutely love you, but if you and five other girls have similar grades, good personalities, activities, etc., and they only have 3 spots, only 3 can make it in. Only members know what criteria they use to select new members, and you might be the very next one on the list (for whatever reason). There have been many girls who go through informal, don't get a bid, but the sorority is psyched to see you in the following formal recruitment.

WE DON'T KNOW, and you can only do your best and be yourself.

Good luck.

dani13 · #12 02-12-2010, 04:02 PM

[QUOTE=ree-Xi;1895923]Why is it a problem that people know each other? In NPC sororities, it's not forbidden (it's actually encouraged) to get to know as many people as possible.

What I meant by everyone knowing each other, is that all of the PNMs seem to know current members and seem to be fairly close friends with them. And it's not a problem, I'm just the only one that does not already have friends in the sorority. Example: one girl walks in and says "What's your name? Do you know anyone here?" And when I say that I do not, she says, "D*mn. That's balls-y."

FSUZeta · #13 02-12-2010, 04:15 PM

how rude! however, she may have meant it as a compliment because it does take someone who is self-assured to go to an event by herself-you know how fond we women are of traveling in pairs or larger groups.

don't worry about what she said or that most everyone knew each other. that can happen at informal events. just keep going(if you want to) if invited, and get to know as many members as you can. if it doesn't work out, or you are offered a bid and don't want to take it, consider this a warm up for fall recruitment.

dani13 · #14 02-15-2010, 01:06 PM

I just laughed and took it as a compliment. I was just shocked when she said it. But she sat and talked with me for the rest of the night after that, so I think me not knowing anyone worked in my favor.

mittens · #15 02-17-2010, 01:01 AM

That actually seems like a good sign, but it's really up to you if you want to go through formal recruitment or can you see yourself in any of the sororities you went to tonight?