How much is appearance weighed during rush?

[Jill1228]

No matter what your size--LOOK POLISHED AND PUT TOGETHER!
Looking tore up from the floor up ain't gonna cut it...period!

[LadyLonghorn]

You're going to be rushing as a Junior. At many schools that's going to be a much bigger issue to overcome.

[APhiAnna]

Originally Posted by LadyLonghorn

You're going to be rushing as a Junior. At many schools that's going to be a much bigger issue to overcome.

This. So important.

Also, I think that you have to brace yourself that at many schools, especially the larger universities with more competitive recruitment, there will be a couple chapters who are only interested in taking women that fit within a certain image unless they have other connections (legacy, friends in the chapter, etc.) that can outweigh the image component. I'm not saying that a chapter will only take 5'9" blondes with D-cups and a size 0, but some chapters will have a very strict image they are going for (whether it is intentional or unintentional varies from chapter to chapter). If a woman is plainer looking I think they can reach that image with incredibly well put together designer clothes, but still...

I think it is important to note that chapters do care about grades, letters of rec, extracurriculars, etc. but if a girl comes in who looks like Megan Fox or Scarlett Johansson, and she has an outstanding personality, some chapters will overlook any mediocre aspects of her application. As a recent college graduate you do see some sisters who simply do not care about grades or achievements, but want attractive women with extroverted, confident and fun personalities. This is especially true at schools where the admissions standards are high enough that every freshman had a 4.0 and lots of extracurriculars in high school. So I think it is less "shunning the less attractive girls" and more "putting extra effort to get the attractive girls"...same outcome perhaps but less ill intentioned.

That being said, there is no campus where you won't have a ton of options that are interested in taking women of whatever shape as long as they are dressed appropriately and do the best with what you have. And honestly, personality is more important than looks...we released women who were solid 10s but had boring conversation, were shy, were obnoxious, etc.

But do try to figure out if the chapters at your school are interested in taking juniors at all, because that could be a HUGE detriment.

[violetpretty]

When someone says "currently a sophomore" in June, it could mean rising sophomore or just completed sophomore year. She kinda left that ambiguous. I read it as rising sophomore since she didn't use the word junior at all.

[exquisitedefect]

In my opinion, don't worry about things like that and don't change yourself in any way. The right sorority for you will be the one that likes you the way you are.

But I do agree that showering and regular personal hygiene is important. But it's important for life and health, not just for joining a sorority.

[LAblondeGPhi]

Originally Posted by exquisitedefect

In my opinion, don't worry about things like that and don't change yourself in any way.

Eh, I don't know about this. I'm constantly trying to improve myself, and in a way, that is an attempt at changing myself. I believe that the very foundation of sororities has been to cultivate and elevate the kind of women who are in the chapter, and make them better people for being involved.

There's a difference between pretending to be something that you're not and cultivating habits that make you a better person: how you feel about it. If you act a certain way and find that you have more confidence and are more organized or whatever, then that's a facet of your personality that you should cultivate. Obviously if you feel uncomfortable or phoney, then don't do the activities that make you feel that way.

Diet Coke - kudos to you for losing 23 pounds! I hope that this is a journey that has given you more energy, and has made you more confident and healthy.

[jessabelle]

Should looking polished include wearing designer label clothes or just clothes that truely look the best on you? I don't wanna wear head-to-toe labels and look like I'm trying to hard or some uppity rich girl.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by jessabelle

Should looking polished include wearing designer label clothes or just clothes that truely look the best on you? I don't wanna wear head-to-toe labels and look like I'm trying to hard or some uppity rich girl.

Whatever looks best. If it's designer, great. It doesn't have to be.

[unicorn]

Originally Posted by jessabelle

Should looking polished include wearing designer label clothes or just clothes that truely look the best on you? I don't wanna wear head-to-toe labels and look like I'm trying to hard or some uppity rich girl.

Wear whatever looks best. I'd rather see a $25 dress that fits than a $2500 one that doesn't--and that goes for church, work, recruitment, anything. Think pieces that fit you well, that are clean and pressed, that are in good condition, and that make you feel good. It's the same as what everyone else has said, really.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by jessabelle

Should looking polished include wearing designer label clothes or just clothes that truly look the best on you? I don't wanna wear head-to-toe labels and look like I'm trying too hard or some uppity rich girl.

How is anyone going to know if they are designer unless you wear them inside out?

[BaltoAlphaPsi]

Originally Posted by 33girl

How is anyone going to know if they are designer unless you wear them inside out?

Agreed! I understand there are sororities out there that care, but they really are the minority. Young woman need to understand, these questions are nothing to worry about. If you are worried about designer labels, and not being rich enough, why would you even want to join a sorority who DOES care???

[cbm]

How is anyone going to know if they are designer unless you wear them inside out?

People who wear designer typically recognize it.

Honestly, when I rushed (a long time ago!), there were 12 houses and I remember noticing that one was all clad in head to to designer clothing on the first day of rush. I remember because it scared me! Just wear what you normally wear and be comfortable as your own self. Now, if you typically wear head to to designer, I'd tone it down....don't wear several logos (I'd personally opt for no logos, unless TB shoes). Go for an understated, classy look.

If you don't typically wear designer clothes, that is OK! Some girls in my house did, and some girls never did. I cannot remember it ever making a difference. It's much more important to be yourself and wear clothes that fit and bring out your best!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by cbm

unless TB shoes

Tuberculosis shoes?

Also, I personally think designer clothes are kind of a joke at this point since you can get them 1/2 price on ebay. Wear what you like and what fits you and your style. If that happens to be a Chanel jacket, that's fine, but don't make a big deal out of it.

[joliebelle]

Originally Posted by cbm

I'd tone it down....don't wear several logos (I'd personally opt for no logos, unless TB shoes)

Tori Burch?

I think that overall, chapters are looking for someone that they feel will be a good fit with their chapter, and someone that brings something to the table. I remember cutting many a pretty face because that's all that she was. As others have said, just put your best foot forward in terms of your styling, be confident and let your true self show through.

[bostongreek]

a good tip to looking expensive without spending a ton of cash is to mix pricier items with more affordable ones. also-- if you're going to wear clothing, make sure it's not overpriced, badly made garbage.