How does a young lady go about finding and hiring a Rush Consultant?

[CutiePie2000]

I remember from the LSU Rush thread that the concept of a Rush Consultant was introduced. I had no idea such a professional existed!

Is it similar to when a pageant contestant hires a pageant coach/consultant?
How does a Rushee find and hire a Rush Consultant?
How do you know if this Rush Consultant knows what they're talking about (i.e. worth their "salt")?
In schools where rush is a MEGA BIG DEAL (LSU, U of Texas-Austin, etc.), how many Rushees actually meet with a Rush Consultant prior to Rush?
What if a girl does what the Rush Consultant instructs and she is not bid by one of the so-called "top houses"....is there a money-back guarantee?

I'm always interested in expanding my knowledge of Greek Life, so I look forward to the responses. (P.S. Although I am already an initiated member of an NPC group, I always like to enhance my knowledge, in case I need to pass that knowledge on to someone else. Thanks! )

[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited April 15, 2001).]

Oh my little Cutie - do not hire a consultant. Sisterhood is not a beauty contest - it is choosing a sisterhood that you feel at ease with- comfortable with - people that you can be 100% yourself with!

If you are ever scared about rush - I know at least 10 alums here that will help you at no cost - free - $ 0.00!!!! I will be your main consultant - I don't care what sorority you choose - I will help you with clothes (I am an hour from NYC- I see the most fashion aneroxia sick but well dressed women ever!). I'm a couple hours from the Hamptons - so I know how that uppity and snobby crowd act! I'll give you tips on how to ignore the waiter at a cocktail party... and I am an hour from New Haven.. YALE girlfriend!!! How smart and full of yourself can you get!! So- I'll help you!!!

uh... unless it is a Southern School... damn - they hate us Yankees!!!

xxoo! Sue

[AEPhi-QTPie]

Could LSU be referring to a Rho Chi? Maybe that's what they call them there. No one outside of the active chapter is allowed to negotiate on behalf of a student going through rush/recruitment. So, if its just a person who gives advice on what to wear, ask, and talk about, then I agree with Sue-let the ladies on the GC board advise you on such matters, free of charge! Plus, I think Southern Theta's posts on rush advice are right on the mark-she should publish a pamphlet!

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Phi Love,
AEPhiSteph

[33girl]

It sounded to me like hiring a college admissions consultant. Usually you find out about those through word of mouth, or if the parents communicate to the h/s that they're really concerned about Suzy or Jonny getting into the right college, the high school might recommmend one.

I'm sure for admissions consultants and rush consultants, their resume probably says % of "customers" who received their first choice.

[SusanL5000]

No, it is not the same as a Rho Chi. These women are usually involved with our mother in the Jr. League, Garden Club, etc., and have given speeches to groups of HS girls around the city/county. They have usually graduated from a large southern school, and are involved in many various alumnae groups there. They assist in clothing, poise, etc. The fees can range with the person and the assistance offered.I know this is kind of complex sounding, but where I'm from, it's pretty commonplace. By the way, a rush consultant is not "insurance" as to getting asked back to a top house, usually the girls that have them would be asked back on their OWN merits anyway.

[This message has been edited by SusanL5000 (edited April 15, 2001).]

[twinstars]

when i read the LSU rush post, i thought it sounded like "rush consultants" were usually the rushee's mother or a friend of the family who was really familiar with the inside workings of rush and membership selection... NOT a hired professional, just someone with sorority experience who can give advice on conversation, what outfits are most appropriate to wear each night, etc. maybe "rush consultants" can help to ease the girls' minds by explaining exactly what sororities are looking for and why they choose the girls they do. it sounds like at these huge southern colleges, rushing well is a sort of art form.

[This message has been edited by twinstars (edited April 15, 2001).]

[Jamesmom]

I'm really thrown by the concept of a Rush Consultant. I am a proud alum of a sorority that puts tremendous emphasis on recruiting young woman of diversity...and I'm not just talking about race. I'm talking about individual style, talents and beliefs. Why hire someone to tell you how to dress, act, etc. It seems entirely too superficial. Rush is not just about being accepted by a sorority but it is also about the sorority being accepted by you. Don't put so much time and effort into thinking about what it is a sorority is looking for...and especially don't waste your money on hiring someone to do that for you (believe me, sorority life is expensive enough as it is). These sororities are not above you so you should put them to the test as well. Maybe they should hire a Rush Consultant to coach them on how to fit your profile.....

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[crazyleggedsigma]

Ick! Boo! Hiss! You do not, I repeat, DO NOT belong anywhere that you need that much coaching, etc to get into. Maybe (Well, let me rephrase-BECAUSE) since my campus is so laid back, this is a foreign concept to me, but it just seems totally contradictory.

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Beta Xi 1144
Southeast Missouri State

[AlphaChiGirl]

I'd like to become a Rush Consultant. How would I go about this?

No, seriously. I feel very uneducated about Rush, especially Rush in the South. What could I do to increase my expertise?

[Sue_XO]

Hey AXO girl! I am so happy you want to become more involved in the Greek System!!

But...

I work in the "personal" environment of a family and do you want the stress of Mindy Lou NOT getting into her 1st choice of a sorority? If she does not get into Zeta Zeta Zeta @ CBU - her parents will look to you- oh...not maybe the fact that their daughter fell asleep at the formals or got drunk at the Lamda Lamda Lamda party last week. They will blame you.

A big job to take on - you can have a lot of pleasure getting a young woman to the right sorority but a lot of pain if you don't.

Don't mean to be mean- just don't want you to get hurt! I see it as a really big and stressful job

[AlphaChiGirl]

Sue_XO, thanks for the advice. I think I have a fairly good idea of what I'm getting into. I'm from North Florida, and most of my friends went to LSU, Alabama, and Florida State, so I know (from an outsider's view, of course) what to expect.

I saw you're from Westport. I go to school in RI, but I know a lot of kids who graduated from Staples in Westport.