Penn state Rushing

[psugirl12]

Hey! Next week I'm going to be rushing at Penn State, University Park and I was wondering what I should expect. Also I was wondering how selective the sororities are and what the girls are looking for in new members.

[VandalSquirrel]

Where's als463, this thread is perfect for her!

[Kappamd]

We have a few regular GCers who should be able to weigh in.

[honeychile]

Okay, I'll bite. First of all, start a recruitment thread - but on word or whatever - NOT here! We all know that PSU is one of what, two?, with 19 sororities on campus, and you will give away your id immediately. Yes, sorority members read these threads, and if they see PSU recruitment, they will know your inner thoughts too soon. KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!

On the other hand, since there ARE nineteen sororities on campus, there's something for everyone. Go in with open eyes and an open mind, and the chances are excellent that you will succeed.

Good luck!

[violetpretty]

Generally speaking, sororities everywhere want members who:
have a good GPA
have leadership and/or service experience
are of good character
have a neat, polished appearance
are good conversationalists
"fit" with the chapter--obviously the most subjective

[LionTamer]

The big plus at Penn State is the sheer number of sororities, which give you lots and lots of options if you don't set your heart on one or two specific groups. I went in thinking I wanted one sorority, but ended up feeling most at home with a group I had never heard of going into recruitment.

But having 19 parties to choose attend makes recruitment brutal on both sides. Read the threads here with advice about recruitment: there is a lot of good stuff on attitude, what to say/ask and what not to say/ask, what to bring, and what to carry.

Then keep in mind that you'll be attending about twice as many parties as the people writing the advice had to attend. So be absolutely sure your shoes are bearable (or carry comfy ones). Make sure your clothes are bearable, too (you don't want to spend a whole night tugging down your skirt). Get lots of sleep, eat well, and otherwise take good care of yourself. Keep up on your classwork - your evenings are going to be crowded for many nights, so use daytime carefully and strategically to stay on top of your assignments.

Take a lot of notes right after each party, because it gets confusing.

When I was there (and I don't think this has changed) we didn't use pictures or resumes, and it was very easy for girls to fall through the cracks. So it's important to be memorable (in a good way, not in a full-sleeve-of-biker-tattoos way). If you're not 5'11" (like me) or in some other way physically memorable, wear something like a signature piece of jewelry that will help start conversations and help people remember you.

And enjoy the experience. Remember - either way, it's all good. If you end up Greek, great. If you realize it's not for you, there are a TON of other great organizations to join to make Penn State feel like home. Let us know how it goes when it's all over....

[ladybug84]

19 sororities? Holy cow!

[nittanygirl]

lol 19 NPC, 3 associate chapters (service, ag, engineering), 1 service sorority, a Christian sorority, multiple NPHC & multicultural orgs. It's a big place