A Live Recruitment Story!

[Gusteau]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

*DEAD*

That's a good thing, right?

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by Gusteau

That's a good thing, right?

LOL

You know me and my jive-talking self.

[twinkle555]

Goneskating, good luck with recruitment! Please try to go into each house with an open mind and remind the other PNMs to do the same, unless they all want to end up crying and dropping out (thus never getting the sorority experience). I know it is tempting to rank the chapters but doing so is only hurting yourself!! Dont believe reps and rumors, go into those houses, talk to the women and form your own opinions..you will be surprised!

@Gusteau--LOL!

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by angels&angles

I think it's pretty hard not to have a ranking in your head for deferred recruitment. Because you've gotten to know girls, it's hard not to think that you want to be an ABC because you're friends with so many of them. Also, you've been listening to tent talk for 4 months.

I know when I went into recruitment I thought I knew where I wanted to be (as did all my friends). Whether or not we ended up there is a different story

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

That's a pretty common issue with deferred recruitment.

I mean, my school had recruitment in mid-Sept and there were plenty of PNMs who "knew where they wanted to be" after a month or so of school and hearing tent talk.

When recruitment is a full semester later, it's pretty much a guarantee that PNMs will have developed their own ideas/rankings/etc. of chapters.

My own public service announcement: just as women planning to go through recruitment need to keep their noses especially clean when there's deferred recruitment, current sisters need to realize that they also are under scrutiny during that crucial first semester.

[thetygerlily]

Originally Posted by honeychile

My own public service announcement: just as women planning to go through recruitment need to keep their noses especially clean when there's deferred recruitment, current sisters need to realize that they also are under scrutiny during that crucial firrst semester.

Agreed on all accounts. First term/semester of freshman year is often the most "experimental" so it's easy to get a reputation- for better or for worse. And especially with the advent of Facebook, anyone can see what you've been up to. If you have a single thing on your page- photo, friend's comment, status update, group you've joined- that you wouldn't want someone to know during recruitment, update your privacy settings or clean up your page. It's good practice for being out in the "real world" and doing job interviews.

It can be tough NOT to pre-judge the groups during deferred. The great thing about it is that it gave you extra time to start getting to know the women, and for them to get to know you. This means you can ask great questions and have deeper conversations during recruitment. But just because a chapter has a reputation doesn't mean they live up to it... you'll have to find that out for yourself Good luck, can't wait to hear how the first day goes!

[goneskating]

First round of recruitment is over! It was extremely overwhelming and I was incredibly nervous.


Vineyard Vines: I had such a good time at this house! Prior to this party, I was shaking like a leaf. The girls were all stunning, it was pretty intimidating. The second I started talking with the girls, though, I felt really comfortable and had some really easy conversations. I also noticed that the sisters all seemed to be really close! The ones who weren't with PNMs were talking and laughing and seemed to be having a great time. The time flew by and I was sad when it was time to go. I left the party with a huge smile on my face.

Rugby: I LOVED the girls here. I had a lot in common with all the girls who I talked to, and I could really see myself fitting in here. The girls seemed both intelligent and fun to hang out with! Again, I left the party feeling great about the sorority.

Lilly Pulitzer: Apparently this house is the "top" house on campus. I didn't know what to expect going in to the party. The girls I talked to were all nice, and seemed to put extreme importance on their grades and their philanthropy. One girl told me that they weren't your "typical ditzy sorority girls". I didn't like that she said that. Most of my conversations were mainly about the sorority, and it didn't feel personal. I left the house a little disappointed.

J Crew: I was disappointed with this house. The girls I talked to were nice, but they seemed distant and not very engaged with the conversations. One conversation was especially awkward. The sisters who were not with PNMs seemed to be mulling around, and I didn't get a strong sense of sisterhood.

Madewell: I adored the girls I met here. Again, I was intimidated at first by how gorgeous everyone was, but they were SO sweet and easy to talk to, and I had some really good personal conversations. I could really see myself fitting in here.

BCBG: I felt so awkward here. I'm not a shy person so I was able to force conversation, but I felt like I was interviewing the girls who were rushing me. They didn't ask me many questions and didn't seem to know what to say. I was disappointed.


Chloe: The girls were friendly, but they talked at me about their sorority almost the whole time. I really didn't feel a connection with anyone here. I didn't sense a strong sisterhood between the girls.


At the end of the first round, we had to choose our top 5 and rank our bottom two. I ended up choosing (in no particular order):

1. Vineyard Vines
1. Rugby
1. Lilly Pulitzer
1. Madewell
1. J Crew

2. Chloe
3. BCBG

I'm sitting here in my room now, waiting nervously for the "knocks" period to be over (or for a text from my rho chis telling my group that we're all clear). I'm nervous that I won't be invited back to my favorite houses and wondering if I left an impression, or if I said something awkward...I hope I make it to round 2!

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by goneskating

First round of recruitment is over! It was extremely overwhelming and I was incredibly nervous.


Vineyard Vines: I had such a good time at this house! Prior to this party, I was shaking like a leaf. The girls were all stunning, it was pretty intimidating. The second I started talking with the girls, though, I felt really comfortable and had some really easy conversations. I also noticed that the sisters all seemed to be really close! The ones who weren't with PNMs were talking and laughing and seemed to be having a great time. The time flew by and I was sad when it was time to go. I left the party with a huge smile on my face.

Rugby: I LOVED the girls here. I had a lot in common with all the girls who I talked to, and I could really see myself fitting in here. The girls seemed both intelligent and fun to hang out with! Again, I left the party feeling great about the sorority.

Lilly Pulitzer: Apparently this house is the "top" house on campus. I didn't know what to expect going in to the party. The girls I talked to were all nice, and seemed to put extreme importance on their grades and their philanthropy. One girl told me that they weren't your "typical ditzy sorority girls". I didn't like that she said that. Most of my conversations were mainly about the sorority, and it didn't feel personal. I left the house a little disappointed.

J Crew: I was disappointed with this house. The girls I talked to were nice, but they seemed distant and not very engaged with the conversations. One conversation was especially awkward. The sisters who were not with PNMs seemed to be mulling around, and I didn't get a strong sense of sisterhood.

Madewell: I adored the girls I met here. Again, I was intimidated at first by how gorgeous everyone was, but they were SO sweet and easy to talk to, and I had some really good personal conversations. I could really see myself fitting in here.

BCBG: I felt so awkward here. I'm not a shy person so I was able to force conversation, but I felt like I was interviewing the girls who were rushing me. They didn't ask me many questions and didn't seem to know what to say. I was disappointed.


Chloe: The girls were friendly, but they talked at me about their sorority almost the whole time. I really didn't feel a connection with anyone here. I didn't sense a strong sisterhood between the girls.


At the end of the first round, we had to choose our top 5 and rank our bottom two. I ended up choosing (in no particular order):

1. Vineyard Vines
1. Rugby
1. Lilly Pulitzer
1. Madewell
1. J Crew

2. Chloe
3. BCBG

I'm sitting here in my room now, waiting nervously for the "knocks" period to be over (or for a text from my rho chis telling my group that we're all clear). I'm nervous that I won't be invited back to my favorite houses and wondering if I left an impression, or if I said something awkward...I hope I make it to round 2!

I'm still feeling EB on this one but QFP is needed regardless.

[goneskating]

I met with my rho chi group this afternoon to receive our schedules. I was incredibly anxious as the rho chis called us up individually. My rho chi handed me my schedule and I looked down and saw...

Vineyard Vines
Rugby
Lilly Pulitzer
Madewell
J Crew


I got all my top choices and had a full schedule! I couldn't believe it, I thought I had messed up at certain houses and wouldn't get invited back, but I guess I was just overanalyzing everything.

I had to try and contain my excitement, though- my close friend in my group had been dropped by all her favorite sororities except for one of them, and some girls had only received one or two invites back.


Rugby: Again, I LOVED the girls here, even though I talked to different ones from the day before. I felt right at home and the conversations just flowed.

J Crew: I didn't feel like I fit in at this house. My conversations felt a little forced and awkward. Everyone was sweet, especially an older girl in the house that I've been friendly with this year. In the end, though, I knew I just didn't belong.

Vineyard Vines: I ADORE THESE GIRLS. They are so easy to talk to and I feel like I have a lot in common with so many of them. The girls I talked to yesterday made a point to come say hi to me and made me feel so welcome. They performed a really cute skit and I could just tell that these girls all loved each other. I would love to be in this house.

Madewell: Again, I felt like I really clicked with the girls I spoke with. One of the girls I had met yesterday came and talked with me again, and I feel like we connected even more so today than yesterday. Their skit was adorable, and at the end they sang a song. A lot of the older girls started crying, and I teared up a little bit. I left with such a good feeling about the girls and the sisterhood here. I hope they ask me back, but for some reason I have this bad feeling.

Lilly Pulitzer: Though I wasn't really a huge fan of this house yesterday, my opinion was COMPLETELY changed today. I loved the girls I spoke to today, they made me feel so at home and I felt like the party ended too soon. I wish I had had a better impression of them the previous day.


After the parties, we had to rank our top 3 and bottom 2. I was dreading this because though I thought I had a clear top 3, My opinion of the Lilly Pulitzers changed so much in one day that I was absolutely torn between them and Madewell. I stared at my rankings for a long time, talked to a rho chi for a long time, and finally submitted my list. It was:



















1.Vineyard Vines
1.Rugby
1.Madewell
_____

2. Lilly Pulitzer
3. J Crew



I do not know if this was the right choice. I am currently second guessing myself...and at the same time I am terrified that I'll be cut from all the sororities that I love. I didn't realize that recruitment could be so emotional or that I'd have such strong feelings for some of these sororities only halfway through the process.

Anyways, I'll update tomorrow after I get my list or after the next round.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by goneskating

I do not know if this was the right choice. I am currently second guessing myself...and at the same time I am terrified that I'll be cut from all the sororities that I love.

You had 3 you really liked both days and one you liked one day. Honestly, it sounds like you made the right decision putting Lily where you did.

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by goneskating

I met with my rho chi group this afternoon to receive our schedules. I was incredibly anxious as the rho chis called us up individually. My rho chi handed me my schedule and I looked down and saw...

Vineyard Vines
Rugby
Lilly Pulitzer
Madewell
J Crew


I got all my top choices and had a full schedule! I couldn't believe it, I thought I had messed up at certain houses and wouldn't get invited back, but I guess I was just overanalyzing everything.

I had to try and contain my excitement, though- my close friend in my group had been dropped by all her favorite sororities except for one of them, and some girls had only received one or two invites back.


Rugby: Again, I LOVED the girls here, even though I talked to different ones from the day before. I felt right at home and the conversations just flowed.

J Crew: I didn't feel like I fit in at this house. My conversations felt a little forced and awkward. Everyone was sweet, especially an older girl in the house that I've been friendly with this year. In the end, though, I knew I just didn't belong.

Vineyard Vines: I ADORE THESE GIRLS. They are so easy to talk to and I feel like I have a lot in common with so many of them. The girls I talked to yesterday made a point to come say hi to me and made me feel so welcome. They performed a really cute skit and I could just tell that these girls all loved each other. I would love to be in this house.

Madewell: Again, I felt like I really clicked with the girls I spoke with. One of the girls I had met yesterday came and talked with me again, and I feel like we connected even more so today than yesterday. Their skit was adorable, and at the end they sang a song. A lot of the older girls started crying, and I teared up a little bit. I left with such a good feeling about the girls and the sisterhood here. I hope they ask me back, but for some reason I have this bad feeling.

Lilly Pulitzer: Though I wasn't really a huge fan of this house yesterday, my opinion was COMPLETELY changed today. I loved the girls I spoke to today, they made me feel so at home and I felt like the party ended too soon. I wish I had had a better impression of them the previous day.


After the parties, we had to rank our top 3 and bottom 2. I was dreading this because though I thought I had a clear top 3, My opinion of the Lilly Pulitzers changed so much in one day that I was absolutely torn between them and Madewell. I stared at my rankings for a long time, talked to a rho chi for a long time, and finally submitted my list. It was:



















1.Vineyard Vines
1.Rugby
1.Madewell
_____

2. Lilly Pulitzer
3. J Crew



I do not know if this was the right choice. I am currently second guessing myself...and at the same time I am terrified that I'll be cut from all the sororities that I love. I didn't realize that recruitment could be so emotional or that I'd have such strong feelings for some of these sororities only halfway through the process.

Anyways, I'll update tomorrow after I get my list or after the next round.

[goneskating]

For the third round, we could get invited back to up to three parties. I got my schedule from my rho chi for the third round and it said...

Rugby
J Crew

My heart dropped. I was so upset to have been cut by some of my favorite sororities, but I knew I was lucky to still have one of my top choices on the list by this point in the process; some of the girls in my rho chi group didn't get any of their top choices, and one got dropped completely. I tried not to think about why I had been cut from Vineyard Vines and Madewell. I was thrilled that Rugby had felt a connection and had invited me back, and I decided to give J Crew another shot.

Rugby: Standing in line for this party, I was SO nervous. I was getting really intimidated by the other PNMs, who were gorgeous, confident, and well-dressed. As we walked into the house, though, my nerves turned into excitement. I saw so many familiar, friendly faces among the sisters! I had a conversation with a sister I had not yet met, but just like all my conversations earlier in the week, this one was such an easy, relaxed conversation that felt like it was between friends. Many of the sisters that I had met earlier in the week came up to chat and say hi, and I not only felt comfortable but I LOVED all the girls! By the time the party was over, I had my heart set on Rugby.



J Crew: I was really unsure why J Crew had invited me back. I had not felt a connection the whole week, although all the girls I talked to were extremely sweet. Today, my conversations still felt a little forced and awkward. I was making an honest effort, but the conversations just didn't click, and I felt out of place during the entire party. I liked the girls, but I didn't see myself fitting in to their house.


At the end of the day, we were to pick two sororities (assuming we had three parties) so I just ranked both as first. I am currently waiting anxiously to find out whether or not I got invited back for a preference round.

[thetygerlily]

Originally Posted by goneskating

For the third round, we could get invited back to up to three parties. I got my schedule from my rho chi for the third round and it said...

Rugby
J Crew

My heart dropped. I was so upset to have been cut by some of my favorite sororities, but I knew I was lucky to still have one of my top choices on the list by this point in the process; some of the girls in my rho chi group didn't get any of their top choices, and one got dropped completely. I tried not to think about why I had been cut from Vineyard Vines and Madewell. I was thrilled that Rugby had felt a connection and had invited me back, and I decided to give J Crew another shot.

Rugby: Standing in line for this party, I was SO nervous. I was getting really intimidated by the other PNMs, who were gorgeous, confident, and well-dressed. As we walked into the house, though, my nerves turned into excitement. I saw so many familiar, friendly faces among the sisters! I had a conversation with a sister I had not yet met, but just like all my conversations earlier in the week, this one was such an easy, relaxed conversation that felt like it was between friends. Many of the sisters that I had met earlier in the week came up to chat and say hi, and I not only felt comfortable but I LOVED all the girls! By the time the party was over, I had my heart set on Rugby.



J Crew: I was really unsure why J Crew had invited me back. I had not felt a connection the whole week, although all the girls I talked to were extremely sweet. Today, my conversations still felt a little forced and awkward. I was making an honest effort, but the conversations just didn't click, and I felt out of place during the entire party. I liked the girls, but I didn't see myself fitting in to their house.


At the end of the day, we were to pick two sororities (assuming we had three parties) so I just ranked both as first. I am currently waiting anxiously to find out whether or not I got invited back for a preference round.

Some chapters don't really shine until Pref- good for you for ranking both. Good luck with your invites & Pref.

[xomanadaxo]

Originally Posted by goneskating

For the third round, we could get invited back to up to three parties. I got my schedule from my rho chi for the third round and it said...

Rugby
J Crew

My heart dropped. I was so upset to have been cut by some of my favorite sororities, but I knew I was lucky to still have one of my top choices on the list by this point in the process; some of the girls in my rho chi group didn't get any of their top choices, and one got dropped completely. I tried not to think about why I had been cut from Vineyard Vines and Madewell. I was thrilled that Rugby had felt a connection and had invited me back, and I decided to give J Crew another shot.

Rugby: Standing in line for this party, I was SO nervous. I was getting really intimidated by the other PNMs, who were gorgeous, confident, and well-dressed. As we walked into the house, though, my nerves turned into excitement. I saw so many familiar, friendly faces among the sisters! I had a conversation with a sister I had not yet met, but just like all my conversations earlier in the week, this one was such an easy, relaxed conversation that felt like it was between friends. Many of the sisters that I had met earlier in the week came up to chat and say hi, and I not only felt comfortable but I LOVED all the girls! By the time the party was over, I had my heart set on Rugby.



J Crew: I was really unsure why J Crew had invited me back. I had not felt a connection the whole week, although all the girls I talked to were extremely sweet. Today, my conversations still felt a little forced and awkward. I was making an honest effort, but the conversations just didn't click, and I felt out of place during the entire party. I liked the girls, but I didn't see myself fitting in to their house.


At the end of the day, we were to pick two sororities (assuming we had three parties) so I just ranked both as first. I am currently waiting anxiously to find out whether or not I got invited back for a preference round.

I'm glad you gave J Crew a chance...it can be hard when you aren't feeling that connection with the sorority, so kudos for giving it a try! Just remember...prefs can (and often do!) change people's minds about a house, so be open minded about whatever happens. Good luck!