No bids, should I bother trying anymore?

[EE-BO]

Just checked your other posts and I note you went through rush and are entering college at 22 years of age.

In and of itself, there is nothing awry with this- but the hard fact is that not being the traditional "fresh out of high school going to college at 18" student very often has a significant impact on a young man or woman's chances when rushing. It is a very common question/concern on this forum.

There are practical reasons for this in and of itself- and they do not necessarily reflect on the individual who is rushing. How much of an issue age is depends on the school, but there are key reasons that make this process difficult which can come up at any campus.

At 22 years of age you would be a pledge older than most- if not all- of the most senior active members of the chapter. This reality can have an enormous psychological effect on the guys rushing you. It may not be fair or appropriate to your specific situation, but it exists. Not knowing anything else about you other than what you have posted- this is the clear obstacle you faced. And frankly I think you should take this into account before blaming yourself or the process.

As to the question of what to do next, some suggestions.

1. Rush is over and you will have to wait for the spring or next fall to rush again if you want to do that. So relax, and take your time. 22 or not, you are a freshman in college and you have taken a huge step most people will never take to further your education and life prospects. Focus now on school, meeting people and living this new life. See where it takes you. As you meet guys in fraternities in your classes, see what you think of them. In terms of the numbers game, one loses many chances not rushing and pledging as a freshman. But that game is over- now you get to be someone who gets a closer look at what college and fraternity at your college has to offer before you make a decision to rush. Make the most of that opportunity that is before you.

2. Take a few days to relax and think about rush. What did you do beforehand to prepare? How much did you really want it etc? Just think about this some, and then come back and post here what you are thinking. Being a freshman you have had a lot on your mind- and I really think taking a few days to ponder will help.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.

[XAntoftheSkyX]

Originally Posted by EE-BO

Just checked your other posts and I note you went through rush and are entering college at 22 years of age.

In and of itself, there is nothing awry with this- but the hard fact is that not being the traditional "fresh out of high school going to college at 18" student very often has a significant impact on a young man or woman's chances when rushing. It is a very common question/concern on this forum.

There are practical reasons for this in and of itself- and they do not necessarily reflect on the individual who is rushing. How much of an issue age is depends on the school, but there are key reasons that make this process difficult which can come up at any campus.

At 22 years of age you would be a pledge older than most- if not all- of the most senior active members of the chapter. This reality can have an enormous psychological effect on the guys rushing you. It may not be fair or appropriate to your specific situation, but it exists. Not knowing anything else about you other than what you have posted- this is the clear obstacle you faced. And frankly I think you should take this into account before blaming yourself or the process.

As to the question of what to do next, some suggestions.

1. Rush is over and you will have to wait for the spring or next fall to rush again if you want to do that. So relax, and take your time. 22 or not, you are a freshman in college and you have taken a huge step most people will never take to further your education and life prospects. Focus now on school, meeting people and living this new life. See where it takes you. As you meet guys in fraternities in your classes, see what you think of them. In terms of the numbers game, one loses many chances not rushing and pledging as a freshman. But that game is over- now you get to be someone who gets a closer look at what college and fraternity at your college has to offer before you make a decision to rush. Make the most of that opportunity that is before you.

2. Take a few days to relax and think about rush. What did you do beforehand to prepare? How much did you really want it etc? Just think about this some, and then come back and post here what you are thinking. Being a freshman you have had a lot on your mind- and I really think taking a few days to ponder will help.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.