And... I "third" that motion!
I also went through rush when there was no internet. I lived in the northeast where nobody that I knew had ever been in a sorority or a fraternity.
When I arrived at the University of Florida, I didn't know any of the names of the GLOs, what rush was... who the "popular" houses were... zero! I wasn't even intending on going through rush because I was busy with sports. But, a girl in one of my classes asked if I would go through it with her to keep her company.
So here was this yankee from the north, with no clue about anything Greek, going through rush. I had never heard of recs, had never gotten advice on what to wear, etc. I was so ignorant about rush, that... trying to make conversation, I asked one of the sisters at one house what one of the symbols on her GLO's shield meant! She turned white, didn't know what to say, and excused herself. I had no idea that I had commited a big fau pax! Needless to say, I didn't get invited back to THAT house!
But, I was invited back to the houses that I liked, and chatted with everyone and had a wonderful time at the rush parties. I was very at ease, because I hadn't even intended to pledge anywhere at the beginning. Of course all that changed the minute I walked into the ZTA house (but that's another story!)
So here is my advice... try to take the pressure off yourself. Be as at ease as you can. Put rush into perspective. Remind yourself that you WILL LIVE if you don't get invited back to that particular house.
I kind of look at it as a job interview-- you need to show that you are genuinely interested in the house, and you need to show why you would make a good addition. In a job interview, you don't want to look "desperate" (even if you DESPERATELY want the job!) you need to be cool, calm, yet warm and friendly. You need to make the employer WANT to hire you.. just as you need to let the sisters know why they would want you in their sorority.
I do think it really helps to find something to make yourself memorable. Do you have an unusual hobby or interest? I really think that's what made me stand out. I don't know if there were many black belts in judo who went through rush, so I think it was easy for people to remember me!
And... as I keep suggesting to everyone going through rush... get thyself to the library NOW and read the Dale Carnegie book, "How to Make Friends and Influence People." It's a classic and should be required reading for anyone rushing.
Good luck, and have a blast! Rush is really fun!
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