How can I up my chances

[anonymouse42]

I agree with all of the warnings about the potential pitfalls of partying with the sorority you want to be in. I don’t think you necessarily need to avoid it entirely, but be rather conservative when you do — only have one or two (not very strong) drinks, if you drink at all, and don’t hook up with anyone. It’s easy to have fun and be fun without risking starting drama by getting to drunk or kissing the wrong boy.

Also keep in mind that even if you have friends who think you will be great in one sorority, not every sister feels that way, especially if you’ve been spending a fair amount of time with the group.

For example, my society does very informal rush, including letting people party with us. There was one girl who some of my closest friends and I really loved; she seemed to fit right in. I was convinced we would ask her to join…until I started talking to some of my other sibs. She had come to some of our parties and made out with a number of guys. It didn’t bother me because I liked her so much, but a lot of other members were bothered by it. Plus it turns out they thought she was kind of annoying, anyway. She didn’t get a bid.

Fortunately, I hadn’t said anything to her about how I felt about her, but if I had, she would have thought she was a shoe in, because that’s what I thought (which is why we strongly discourage members from saying anything other than “the selection process is complicated, I don’t know what will happen” if anyone asks…). I’m sure everyone here has stories about their rush crush who didn’t get asked for one reason or another, even when they thought that girl was awesome and a perfect fit. So, there's really no garentee until you have a bid in your hand. I really agree that you shouldn't get your heart set on only one or two groups yet.

Also, I really can't stress the not getting wildley drunk part enough. My chapter is fairly laid back and will normally forgive someone one or two embarrassing drunken incidents, but even with us, if it is a repeated problem, or if what they do when they get drunk crosses a line (becoming belligerent), than that is definitely a reason someone won’t be getting a bid.