How do you let the houses know you're interested in them?

LauGh A Lot · #1 02-13-2006, 10:54 PM

During rush week i was wondering how you let your favorite houses know you absolutely love them, without being too obvious? what did you guys do when you rushed?

*i remember seeing a thread already made for this, but i couldn't find it when i searched for it*

KSUViolet06 · #2 02-13-2006, 11:15 PM

Try THIS thread

It's got some really good tips in it, and some of them deal with that exact question.

AChiOhSnap · #3 02-13-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LauGh A Lot
During rush week i was wondering how you let your favorite houses know you absolutely love them, without being too obvious? what did you guys do when you rushed?

*i remember seeing a thread already made for this, but i couldn't find it when i searched for it*

I know there is one but I couldn't find it either.

Basically, there are appropriate direct and indirect ways to let your favorite houses know where you stand.

Indirect: Ask a lot of well-thought out questions, be interested and enthused about what you and the active are talking about, pay attention to the presentations during the various nights (we notice when girls chat during the skits, for example, and we know that they're not interested), relate relevant personal stories and thoughts when talking about the house -- basically show how you would fit in with the vision/members/philanthropy, give sincere compliments about the house when you feel they are warranted, and be very polite and nice.

Even if you happen to be nervous, try VERY hard to be active in the conversation.... sometimes shyness can rub off as indifference or disinterest to a sister who doesn't know better. You don't have to dominate the conversation, but make sure to have some questions lined up.

Direct: This gets a bit trickier... but I got the message when a PNM would say "I'm very interested in joining a sorority, I can't wait for these next few nights." I think it would also be appropriate to say something like "Thank you so much for having me in your home, it was a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed getting to talk with you and to learn about your chapter!" It *may* be appropriate to even say something like "I hope to get to learn more about your chapter" as you leave, but tread VERY carefully....some women may like the fact that you're expressing direct interest, others may think you're being presumptuous/fishing for an invite. You have to decide that one for yourself based on who you're talking to. If in doubt, err on the side of safe. Most sisters will pick up on your indirect cues.

Hope this helps!

ETA an ending to a sentence I forgot to finish.

kddani · #4 02-13-2006, 11:32 PM

Give them the gift of sheep. Baaaa!!!!

(sorry, couldn't help myself)

I_Love_Penguins · #5 02-14-2006, 01:37 PM

My top choice sorority had a very well decorated house. The paddle rooms, the bedrooms, and the screened in porch among other things, were very visually appealing. When my rusher was giving me a tour of the house, I made sure to compliment the effort the sisters had put into decorating and said they did a really good job. The rusher was very flattered...I think part of that was what got me asked back for formals.

I didn't get into the sorority, but that's how I showed them I loved their house. I wish I had more ways to tell them I was really into them, but I didn't want to make myself sound like I was guaranteed a bid...plus I was feeling very nervous.

So that's one way you can let them know you're interested in them is to express (indirectly or directly) that you feel right at home when you enter the house.

adpiucf · #6 02-14-2006, 01:46 PM

Convey positive body language and smile, offer compliments and be polite, look for things you have in common with the person you are with and tell them that you're having a great time, that you really are enjoying talking with her and the people you have met. Also, show off that you've done your homework by asking them more questions about their sorority programs. Be excited. Be genuine.

Also pre-recruitment-- get recs-- this shows you are serious about sorority membership because you've taken the time to get those extras to help you stand out.

With this in mind, coming into recruitment with a competitive GPA and resume of accomplishments like community service and special attributes or things that make you unique are also going to capture their interest.