USC recruitment

SCnongreek · #1 08-27-2011, 01:55 AM

I am currently participating in the USC fall sorority recruitment. I have a question for anybody that is in a sorority and knows how the cuts work (which will be at the bottom of the this post).

I'm a junior transfer to USC and decided to rush to meet new people and check out greek life (something I have always wanted to be part of). I am a year older than most juniors at the age of 20. I knew that going in this was going to be a huge disadvantage while rushing.

Day 1- Went smooth. Met my recruitment counselors and got run-down of all the rules for recruitment. Also, I was surprised that there was only a handful of freshman in my recruitment group and many sophomores transfers and sophomores. I was one of only two juniors in my recruitment group.

Day 2- Convo day 1. Visited 3 houses. Only connected with one of the houses. We were talking about hobbies that we share, sharing stories about living in LA and laughing a lot. The next day one of the girls from this sorority that was in my class went out of her way to wave and smile at me. That reassured me that the connection I had with this house was not my imagination.

Day 3-Convo day 2. Visted another 3 houses and had a connection with 2 of the houses. In one of the houses which is well known for being fun and laid back I was having really great conversations with the girls. So much that they did not ask me my major or any of the conversation starters that the sisters use. The second house I connected with the most was surprising. They have a reputation for being the "wealthy" house and the house is GORGEOUS. I immediately got complemented on my attire and began talking to one of the sisters we were sharing stories about our hometowns things we do for fun, we even talked about going to football games together and then another sister came and I was talking to both of them together for quite some time. One of the sisters even told me to get a bike so I can ride back from the row because it gets overwhelming after awhile. I was really surprised at how much I bonded with this house. I felt a real connection and really hoped to be asked back.

Day 4-Convo day 3. Finally the last day. In my mind I had already decided which house I had bonded the most with and which ones I had a connection with. So, I went into this day halfheartedly not thinking I could connect with these last 3 houses. I was wrong as I had amazing time at my first house. I was really surprised at how much I got along with the girls. We were talking about the best places to eat and just having flowing conversation one after another. I did get many of the formal questions in this house though. The last house was surprising in a way I could not believe I went in feeling right at home with these girls. We were so comfortable that we began talking about going out to eat, invites and formals and homecoming and how much fun I was going to have. They also told me that they've been in my situation (brand new to LA and not knowing anybody) and that sisterhood is the best way to go. Also, I was having conversation with 2 of them at once twice. They were giving me advice about rush and how the house tours would go and when I left the sister gave me a hug.

Later that night I had to pick 6 out of the 9 houses that I would like to go back to. I had 2 in mind that I knew I had definitely bonded with and felt at ease and at home. The other 3 I had had a connection with and the last one I felt comfortable in. I cut the last 3 knowing that I had a nice time at 2 of the houses and absolutely no connection at the other house. (I even had an awkward silence or I would just keep on talking with no response)

Day 5- House tours. I woke up excited and pump to see which houses had picked me to go back, hoping that at least one of the houses I had loved wanted me back (it certainly seemed like they did). I went to my RC and had the biggest shock when I found out that not 1 of the 6 houses I had picked invited me back. Instead, I got invited back by the last 4 houses I ranked. One where the girls did not make much conversation with me and the other where the girls were nice but felt forced to talk to me. My RC seemed equally as surprised as me when she gave me my houses. I just do not understand what happened. Either way I went to the house tours and tried to start a flowing conversation but both of my tours were awkward and I felt unwanted.

I do not understand what happened I felt like I really bonded with those other girls. So much so that they were talking about us going out and they never asked me the formal questions instead when we were talking I'd tell them.

I go back tomorrow to see what happens but I wanted to know that if the fact that I am a 20 year old Junior transfer truly affected me during recruitment. Does anyone have any insight into this?

DubaiSis · #2 08-27-2011, 02:29 AM

Likely your junior status alone was enough to get cut from some chapters.

But do keep this in mind. 1-you can have a quality sorority experience in any of the sororities on campus. If you really want to go Greek, you're going to have to accept that one of these bottom two is your only choice, and that's IF they continue to invite you through the process. Even if they're small doesn't mean they invite everyone back every round.
2-the houses that you loved because you connected well with them and they seemed to like you are REALLY GOOD AT RUSH. Every girl there walks out feeling like they had a great connection with that chapter. It's because they are so good at the game. Their goal is to have every girl like them so they get to choose who they keep and not give the power to the rushees. Give your last 2 a chance. You will still get the awesome Greek experience and a lifetime of sisterhood. Since you are a bit older, I'll suggest something to you that I wouldn't to freshmen: go to their national website and check out what they say about alumna. It might give you a fresh perspective.

SCnongreek · #3 08-27-2011, 02:44 AM

Thanks for the advice!

I figured that my status as a junior and my age would be enough to get me cut from some of the houses. I guess my surprise comes with being cut from the houses that I felt comfortable in but looking at it from that perspective that their just excellent at rush makes me see things differently.

I am going to keep on going with my houses and hope that I fit into one of them. If not then Greek life just was not meant to be for my college experience.

SCnongreek · #4 08-27-2011, 02:49 AM

I also just checked the forum for where you need letters of rec. and USC is definitely one of them. Wish I would have found this forum before now!

DubaiSis · #5 08-27-2011, 02:55 AM

Remember that you have to pull your weight through this process. This isn't just about them winning you over. You have to be as charming, open, cheerful as you can be and if you do that, you might find that magically THEY seem better. Your attitude can have an amazing affect on how others behave with you.

Trust me when I tell you, there is nothing wrong with the girls in these chapters. The process sucks when you're a smaller chapter and it is so hard to come out of that spiral because of perceptions. All it takes is a few girls to take a leap of faith! If some other girls in your rush group who you like also had rough cuts, you could team up and hopefully be the beginning of a growth and success spurt. Like you, the girls who end up in these smaller chapters probably have nothing WRONG with them. They're either not as good at the game or have an age issue, or something else that in real life wouldn't be the slightest issue.

SCnongreek · #6 08-27-2011, 03:07 AM

Thanks! I think a change of attitude is what I need. I just have to realize that however much I felt I "connected" with these houses they obviously did not feel the same. I am actually grateful that I was asked back! So, I am going to give it my best and just sees what happens.

A lot of people in recruitment have dropped because they did not get the houses they wanted. I am glad I did not do that and that I am still going through the process. Hopefully I am invited back tomorrow.

Thanks for the advice.

Leslie Anne · #7 08-27-2011, 03:41 AM

I'm glad you're willing to stick it out and give the other chapters a chance. Keep in mind that not everyone is going to be a great rusher. The sisters are often just as nervous as the PNMs. Just because you have an awkward pause or two doesn't mean you won't be able to connect with anyone in that house.

I also disagree a bit with what DubaiSis said about "the game". Sure, the sisters all want you to like them and their chapter but that doesn't mean that they're being completely fake. They may very well have enjoyed their conversation with you. It's just that it takes more than a nice conversation to get an invitation back or to get a bid.

DubaiSis · #8 08-27-2011, 04:08 AM

Oh, I completely agree, Leslie Anne! I don't mean by "the game" that it's not genuine. But cocktail party chatter is a skill that is more easily learned by some than by others. Some are even excellent at it but are deadly when it comes time for a serious conversation (me). But there are a lot of girls out there who, like SCnongreek, think that because they had an easier time at one chapter, that means it's a better house for them, or in fact the only house for them.

sdtennisgal · #9 08-27-2011, 04:09 AM

SC: I, too, am glad to hear you are sticking with it. The USC Greek system is incredibly strong (as you have no doubt deduced). With the two chapters you have left, remember that you were probably comparing them with the other chapters you really liked (who, along the lines of what DubaiSis indicated, are perhaps a bit more "polished"). You sound like a very intelligent young lady, so think about what you have to offer these two sororities. It is said over and over, but there are no "bad" sororities at USC. No matter where you land, you will no doubt find the Greek experience will really add to your college experience. And keep in mind, that this will only be 2-3 years of your "Greek Life." As an alum you will have yet another aspect of sorority life (including networking) to look forward to. I live in Southern CA, and I can attest that the USC network is VERY strong. Hang in there, and keep us posted.

DTD Alum · #10 08-27-2011, 04:32 AM

Juniors have it incredibly tough compared to sophomores at USC. Because of USC's spring admit program, sophomores are essentially counted as freshman...even the most competitive sororities will have a pledge class about 1/3 full of sophomores. Juniors are a different story. Each sorority is allowed to take two juniors that won't count against quota. Very few, if any, sororities will take more than their two juniors, even though many more juniors may be rushing.

Explore the two you have left very closely. All sororities at SC are huge in terms of membership numbers, have beautiful houses, full social calendars and rich traditions (some dating back to the 1910s). Very few juniors will get invited to more than a handful, so you aren't alone in your situation. Good luck, SC Greek life is an incredible experience.

Fight on!

Pearly · #11 08-27-2011, 04:33 AM

Keep that positive attitude and stick with recruitment!
I am curious that you said alot of girls had quit...anybody have any numbers?
And SCnongreek:the girls in that house that dropped you probably did like you and wanted you but sometimes it is a numbers situation and the girls that have a huge number of friends from high school or hometown in a house have more people lobbying for them.

Leslie Anne · #12 08-27-2011, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

Oh, I completely agree, Leslie Anne! I don't mean by "the game" that it's not genuine. But cocktail party chatter is a skill that is more easily learned by some than by others. Some are even excellent at it but are deadly when it comes time for a serious conversation (me). But there are a lot of girls out there who, like SCnongreek, think that because they had an easier time at one chapter, that means it's a better house for them, or in fact the only house for them.

Gotcha. We're in agreement then.

Football Fan · #13 08-27-2011, 10:33 AM

Wonderful advice was given here recently. Think of this as your first day of recruitment and the two chapters are the only ones on the row. Look for the positives in each group and be an enthusiastic and charming possible new member.

The longest part of a woman's NPC sorority experience is as an alumna.

ellebud · #14 08-27-2011, 01:48 PM

You have been given wonderful advice and information. I want to assure you that the girls were NOT being fake. There are so many things that factor into recruitment. Enjoy the day. Remember, (oh the cliche!) it really only takes ONE and the connection comes with time and effort.

DTD Alum · #15 08-27-2011, 02:10 PM

I should also mention that because sororities take only two juniors, it is also not out of the ordinary that the two have more or less been pegged far before recruitment starts, or at least that they come from a small short list. For example, my junior year a very competitive sorority pledged their two juniors...one was the childhood friend of a very popular member, and the other was her roommate (they both transferred from the same community college). Doesn't take a genius to figure out this was probably their plan from the beginning. So the girls you talked to probably were not being fake. They probably did really enjoy your company, but the marching orders may have easily been "OK, we're taking these two juniors and have to cut the rest."

Hang in there, and I hope you find something you really like about the chapters you have left.