Sorority Saturday: Rush Guide!

So you finally made the decision that you want to join a sorority this year? You may feel a little scared or anxious about the unknown world of sorority rush week and sorority life in general but don't worry, you made an amazing decision that will impact your whole life. Joining a sorority was the best decision of my life. I would not trade people I have met, the confidence I have gained and the leader I have become for anything. Rush week is a lot to take in but hopefully this post will make things a little easier.

Terminology: 
From the moment you express interest in an organization you are considered a PNM which stands for Potential New Member.

The women who are currently in the sorority are called Actives. An Active is a sorority woman who has been initiated and actively participates in sorority events. 

You also may come across some girls who say they are on E-Board AKA Executive Board. These ladies are in-charge of making sure the sorority runs smoothly.

Some chapters may even have Alumna present during recruitment. These ladies have graduated from college and still play an important roll in sorority life, after all being in a sorority isn't just four years but for life!

You also will defiantly hear the word philanthropy used during rush week. A philanthropy is an organization or cause that the women help by donating time and money to.

Rho-Chi's, Rho Gamma's, Gamma Chi's:
All school's have different names for their recruitment councilors. These ladies disassociate from their organizations to guide you through the formal recruitment process and help you find your home. If you ever have a question about anything during recruitment she will be your lifeline.

Events/Parties:
Depending on your school the weeks festivities maybe called either events or parties. These are not the events or parties that you are used to. These events/parties will help you get to know more about the organization, and the sisters. It will also give the sisters a chance to get to know you and see if you will be a good fit for their chapter.

My Tips for Events/Parties:

1. Keep an open mind, give all the organizations a chance. Rush is all about finding your perfect fit.

2. Be yourself, let your amazing personality shine through.

3. Talk to everyone, you never know who you could make a connection with.

4. Smile, they are contagious and they show that you are excited and happy to be there :)

The Waiting Game:
Waiting to find out if you received a preference night invite or a bid can feel like forever, keep calm and keep yourself occupied. If you do not get an invite back to the sorority you had your heart set on do not get discouraged, it might have not been the right semester or the right fit.

My advice if you did not recieve a bid from the sorority you had your heart set on is :

1. Do not rule out the other sorority's on campus that did invite you back, they saw something special in you and think you will be a perfect fit.

2. Try again next semester, it might have not been the right time.

Always remember this, not recieving a bid does not refelct your worth. You are special in your own way and you have amazing qualities that those women may have overlooked.

Have any additional questions or any rush tips?

Let me know in the comments below!