Unsure about Rush

[socialite]

Well i'm no sorority member but I rushed my fraternity as a sophomore without being a legacy and I know it really wasn't that big a deal but I also know sorority dynamics are different BUT where they are different, a sophomore is probably not gonna be a big deal... I'll let the other sorors talk that one up but I can help with social affairs...

As for the social aspect of it all; Building relationships [whether friends or intimate], TAKES WORK. You might have to force yourself out of your room to get yourself out there but if you want to make friends you have to MAKE friends for yourself, their not gonna just poof into place. If everytime you get nervous or scared you run back into your hiding place you will get yourself nowhere... It not "How can i be rejected if i dont give myself the opportunity to be?" In the same way you may not fit in but HOW WILL YOU KNOW? And if you don't it will NOT be the end of the world and certainly not the end of your social life because there will be plenty of opportunitys to put yourself out there... As for making yourself look stupid at parties, just think about everything you say before you say it... Lastly, when you rush-- don't sit in a corner and mope, MAKE friends to go through rush with!

Hope I could help.

[basket96]

Being a sophomore should not affect you at most schools. However, some schools are VERY competitive (esp. in the south). At the school where I am an adviser, at least half of potential new members are sophomores, juniors and even seniors.

Try to really get to know the ladies you are meeting. Ask them questions about themselves, their sorority, their philanthropic activities, etc. There are some great books on "great questions for getting to know people"... One of the most important aspects of being a good conversationalist is asking others questions about themselves. Be aware, that good sorority rushers will do the same for you, so plan in advance those topics you may want to discuss. This will help, especially if you get a little nervous. Try to avoid talking about boys and parties. This will be discouraged for the sorority members as well.

What types of activities interest you? Volunteering with school children? Raising money for certain philanthropies? Have you done any of this in the past?

You can be shy and still be a GREAT member. Remember, a good sorority has some chiefs and some indians. If everyone was a chief, then it would be difficult to get things done. Strong committee members (indians) are an integral part of sorority life. Additionally, many offices operate somewhat behind the scenes and are perfect for someone like you who is more on the quiet side.

I would also offer that you want to find the place where you really feel you fit in with the members. This may or may not be the "best" house on campus. I remember being dropped from the "best" house on my campus as a freshman. That house is no longer on campus, as they withered away a few years after I graduated. So, you never know what the future will bring. I ended up at the smallest house (they had just graduated more than 50% of their members), which overnight became the LARGEST house on campus due to their successful recruitment. They are still on campus, and the other one is not. To me the most important thing was being where I truly felt I fit in, not where I thought I "should" fit in.

What types of leadership experiences have you had? Do you want to pursue these types of activities during your college years? What types of leadership opportunities will membership in each particular sorority present? Some have leadership training events for members. What about networking with alumnae? (particularly beneficial for those internships and jobs after graduation).

You can also check out the national web sites for the sororities on your campus. Find out what their philanthropies are and what their mission statements state. Then you can ask specific questions and show an interest in the members you meet.

I hope this information is helpful. I hope you decide to go through recruitment and have a wonderful time! Try to meet as many people (both members and potential new members) as you can.


Finally, remember that the members are nervous too and excited to meet you! Try to open up so that they can get to know you and what makes you special!

Good luck!

[basket96]

one more thing.....I forgot to add that if you don't have a reference, don't worry about it. If your mom happens to know someone, that's fine, but I would not sweat it.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by basket96

one more thing.....I forgot to add that if you don't have a reference, don't worry about it. If your mom happens to know someone, that's fine, but I would not sweat it.

I disagree.

As you said, some schools in the South are super competitive and she would have a major problem if she doesn't have recs even if she was a freshman, let alone a sophomore.

SophieCat is being smart in not posting her school, but it also prevents us from definitely saying she does or doesn't need recs. With the information she gave us, it sounded to me that it would be best to err on the side of caution and obtain recs.

[carnation]

Sophie, if you're in the south, get recs. And if y'all have fall rush--please do it soon! Start talking to your high school teachers and other women who know you.