Rushing as a sophomore at the University of Michigan!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by jolene

I was a transfer and went through informal. Though my school is large student-body wise, the Greek system wasn't that big so pledging wasn't very hard. However, even at bigger schools like UM, I'm surprised more sororities don't seek out sophomores with excellent grades. Most college kids need time to adjust to a big life change like going to college (especially a big one like Michigan) and a soph with a proven academic record and desire to be involved seems like a big advantage rather than a wide-eyed scared freshman who may not realize what she's getting involved in.

And that is why calling it "recruitment" is a huge misnomer...but that's another thread.

[soph123]

I've been lucky enough to be able to talk to a few girls who rushed at Michigan as sophomores, and they've really calmed my nerves. I've heard from a few girls that are currently freshman in sororities that it is so much harder to rush as a sophomore and my anxiety was through the roof. However, the girls that I've talked to who actually rushed as sophomores didn't think so at all! One girl actually thought she had an advantage because she could list the philanthropic events she went to from that particular sorority the year before, and have more meaningful conversations based on what she participated in last year such as clubs and classes, rather than the usual "what dorm are you in?", "how are you adjusting?" and "what are you thinking of majoring in?". Of course those questions are important too but she did think it set her apart!

I'm definitely going into this with an open mind. Like I said before, I don't believe I know enough about any chapter to know where I'd belong just yet! All I know is I'd be happy as a clam to be in one at all

Thanks for all the advice! I appreciate it, and I'd appreciate any more advice anyone has as well!!!!

[BlueCarnation]

Originally Posted by soph123

I've been lucky enough to be able to talk to a few girls who rushed at Michigan as sophomores, and they've really calmed my nerves. I've heard from a few girls that are currently freshman in sororities that it is so much harder to rush as a sophomore and my anxiety was through the roof. However, the girls that I've talked to who actually rushed as sophomores didn't think so at all! One girl actually thought she had an advantage because she could list the philanthropic events she went to from that particular sorority the year before, and have more meaningful conversations based on what she participated in last year such as clubs and classes, rather than the usual "what dorm are you in?", "how are you adjusting?" and "what are you thinking of majoring in?". Of course those questions are important too but she did think it set her apart!

I'm definitely going into this with an open mind. Like I said before, I don't believe I know enough about any chapter to know where I'd belong just yet! All I know is I'd be happy as a clam to be in one at all

Thanks for all the advice! I appreciate it, and I'd appreciate any more advice anyone has as well!!!!

Girls who joined as freshman really would really not be in too much of a position to know if it's harder to rush as a sophomore. They haven't been on the other side of it yet. They've heard stories that are probably really embellished, but they don't know. And if they know anything about membership selection, they can't tell you anyway.

You can ask for all the advice you want from us, people you know, etc., but it's just going to come down to you being you.

I actually might be concerned if a PNM knew *everything* about all of my chapter's philanthropies/parties/information, etc when I talked to her during the first round. I know that I came off as desperate in my legacy house because I acted like I knew everything about it. "Oh, my grandmother and all her sisters were in this sorority, and she met my grandpa at X fraternity, who I know you guys party with, and there are 2 girls from my high school here in this chapter, and I know your flower is blah..." OMG I still cringe thinking about it. Of course they knew I was a legacy and all that other information! Needless to say, I was cut.

So, yes, you do want to stand out, but just be yourself and be natural and you will be fine!!! Seriously. Have fun and Go Blue!