During formal recruitment, what makes an impression on members?

[txcutie]

What are the traits or factors that members love to see in PNMs?

[KSUViolet06]

Every sorority looks for different things in potential members. There is no absolute answer. In general, I think sororities are looking for girls with good grades who are involved on campus, outgoing, and well put-together.

Now when I say "well put-together" I don't mean you need to be a size 2 and a beauty queen with a brand new expensive outfit every day with a designer purse. You just need to make an effort to look your best during recruitment.

Also, they look for girls who are likely to get involved in the sorority and actually participate in events.

[AOII Angel]

Sororities are not really a big mystery. They are filled with women just like you. Think about what stands out to you when you are at a party with a lot of other women. You usually like the friendly, outgoing girl who can hold a conversation no matter the topic. You usually ignore the girls that hide in the corner and refuse to make small talk or even eye contact. You usually avoid the women that you've heard bad things about or know are mean or petty. The only difference with recruitment is that your grades and activities are also factored in. Usually these will only help you unless you have no activities and a low or borderline GPA.

[Benzgirl]

I think it would be easier to ask what the chapters are not looking for in PNMs.

[Fleur de Lis]

I recommend wearing something interesting, like a colorful scarf or bright-colored jacket. It's easy to get lost in the crowd, and this is a good way to stand out! Plus, it may serve as a conversation piece.

[PhoenixAzul]

Preface: I come from a local sorority system with a strange history and strange recruitment practices. your mileage may vary. greatly.

I'd like to think that we are looking for girls that will support the spirit of our missions. My own sorority takes our motto ("to thy own self be true") really seriously, and I personally like to see a PNM with personality, who demonstrates her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in or blend in. Its not necessarily the flashiest, or the loudest, or the most crazy girl, but the one that just "clicks" and would bring something to the sorority. There's something to be said for intuition.

Basically, do your best to have the required elements (grades, recs if they're needed for your campus), but ultimately chemistry and intuition and that "thing" are what determines the house you pledge.

[KSUViolet06]

Check out the "RUSH: What NOT to do or say" thread. Try not to do or say any of those things.

I think it's important for a girl to be down to earth. Try not to come off self-absorbed, as if all of the sororities should be fighting over you.

I'll repeat: grades. Low grades will most likely lead to an unsatisfactory recruitment. Sorortites have minimum GPAs that each girl must meet to be extended a bid. So they like to see women with grades that are above that. That means they most likely won't need to worry about that girl's grades if they become a sister.

[adpiucf]

Being real. Fake people aren't all that fun to talk to at recruitment, and even less fun to spend time with as sorority sisters. Ultimately we like members who look great on paper (strong grades and well-rounded extracurriculars), but the women who make it into our chapters look great on paper and click well with us in real life. So be yourself. You'll get more out of the experience than trying to fit in with a chapter you think is the best one out there.

A sorority is an investment of yourself, your time and your money. Pick the one that fits you best. It makes no sense to buy a $100 pair of jeans that don't fit you properly, does it? Think of the same when choosing the sorority. The fit that works best for you will make you look like million bucks, so be true to yourself in this process to find the right fit!

[Thetagirl218]

Be yourself!!!! In my opinion this is what makes and breaks most girls during formal. When an active has a conversation with a PNM, it is quite obvious if that girl is trying to be someone else. She is often nervous and seems to not want to be there. Even if you don't think XYZ is the right sorority for you, spend you z amount of time with those girls and treat them with the respect they deserve. Just remember, if you end up joining a sorority, you will be a member for the rest of your life!!!! You want to join one that matches you as an individual and you can't properly determine that if you do not act like yourself.