How to survive sorority recruitment this year
Because we’re all freaking out a little bit
With sorority recruitment quickly approaching, we’re all probably feeling a little nervous and have some questions about what to expect. As I am one of the many people who have no idea what they’re doing going into recruitment, I decided to ask Emma Everett, COM’18, for some tips on surviving this process.
Have an open mind
“It’s 700 girls in one room with no windows for four days- no one’s ideal long weekend. That’s completely unnerving and a little uncomfortable for sure. But as long as you can accept the situation for what it is early on, it will help you relax into it all.”
Keep in mind that everyone is probably just as nervous as you are and that everybody’s in the exact same boat. It’s only four days, and will honestly be over before you know it.
Photo from Sigma Delta Tau’s Pinterest.
Utilize your resources
“Talk to your Pi Chis about anything and everything. It’s a tough time and decisions can be hard, but that’s what they’re there for, to support you and listen without any judgment.”
Your Pi Chis are going to be your life line and your guides throughout this entire process. They’ve obviously been in your place before so they know how difficult these decisions can be. They’re there to help you with whatever you need and to answer whatever questions you may have.
Take advantage of every minute
“Parties range from 15-60 minutes, depending on the days. Sometimes they’ll fly by and other times not so much. But the way I see it is, if you are open minded and willing to open up, you never know what you could learn about a chapter or the sister you’re talking to. By giving a conversation your all and appreciating the time you have, you’ll get the most holistic picture of a chapter and its sisters.”
Yes, the days are long, and the conversations can get repetitive, but you should give each chapter all your energy and attention. You never know when you’re about to stumble upon something incredible.
Photo from Tri Delta’s Pinterest.
Get to know the girls in your group
“Even if you guys don’t end up in the same chapter, sorority life on campus is a phenomenal community, and the more people you can connect to, the better. I met my best friend, now roommate, at recruitment. We sat next to each other every day, and being able to talk to someone about anything besides recruitment was so therapeutic. You never know who you could connect with in your group, so give it a shot!”
There are so many stories of girls finding their best friend during this long weekend. Nobody wants to go through the recruitment process alone, as it can be a little threatening. Having somebody by your side through it all can make everything so much easier.
Go into the process with a clean slate
“Don’t, don’t, don’t believe anything you hear about any chapter. Seriously. Block out any perceptions, because the only way to get an accurate look at a chapter is to go through recruitment. If you go in thinking you know everything, you will cut yourself off to so many great conversations, and your recruitment experience will be nowhere as great as it could be.”
Just don’t look on GreekRank. Don’t do it. Why would you want to decide what sorority you’re going to spend the next few years with by the perceptions of other people? The only opinion that matters is your own because you could have a completely different outlook on a chapter than somebody else.
Photo from Alpha Delta Pi’s Pinterest.
Dress as yourself
“Some of the days are more formal, but you want to pick something that represents who you are. I’d also suggest wedges because heels and the Marriott don’t mix (i.e. escalators).”
Pick out your outfits early. The first day of recruitment is a Friday, which means you may be running to the hotel right from class and you won’t have time to completely change your mind about what you want to wear. Dress in something you’re comfortable in because you don’t want to be worrying about your outfit the entire time, when you should be focusing on what the girls are saying.
Trust your gut
Everyone who has been through recruitment has said this before, but I guess if everybody is saying it, it must be true. These decisions may be tough and you may think you’ll never be able to make up your mind, but if you really trust your gut you won’t make the wrong choice.
Photo from Gamma Phi Beta’s Pinterest.
“To sum it all up, be unflinchingly yourself, dress to fit your personality, don’t be afraid to talk to new people, and go in with no expectations (of chapters, the people you’ll meet, or the conversations you think you’ll have). So much of recruitment you can’t anticipate beforehand, but as long as you can acknowledge that, you’ll have a great experience.”