Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Formal RecruitmentFrom: Sorority Women To You!

Alyssa P.

I wish I had known that if a house wants you they already know that! Just as we're super excited to be rushing, they're super excited to finally welcome you to their houses and meet you. It's almost just as much pressure for them because they want to get good girls.

Hannah E. It's overwhelming for both sides.

Ashley J.They are just as nervous as you are, don't worry. They want you to like them just as much as you want them to like you.

Kelsey B.

How fast it goes by. Recruitment went by in a blink of an eye. Also bid day as a new member is really awkward if you don't know anyone, so introduce yourself to your new sisters and don't be awkward like I was.

Madison M.

Tiers don't matter. If I would have avoided sites like Greek Rank before I went through recruitment, I would have been more open minded. I ended up in a house that I had previously decided "wasn't for me" before I even met anyone in it, and I've had an incredible sorority experience I wouldn't ever trade. Keep an open mind!

Courtney B.Don't be afraid to talk! We are trying to get to know you! Tell us your passions, goals, etc. Even if you think its stupid.

Megan M.

Don't try to be something you're not. The whole point of being in a sorority is to be a better version of YOURSELF. There is no such thing as a "sorority girl"-we come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, ethnicity and cultures. Don't try to make yourself out to be a cookie cutter "sorority girl".

Don't listen to what anyone else has to say. If you love a house and other people are talking bad about it, let them talk. At the end of the day this is for YOU and not them. If they are petty enough to talk about another house, then maybe they shouldn't be joining the Panhellenic Community.

Taylor H.How exhausting it was going to be. And that both the sorority girls and yourself will be nervous as all get out, shake it off and be yourself!

Kathleen M.I wish I would have known not to wear heels during the first two days because I was in so much pain!

Kelsey J.

Don't take it so seriously. The process is supposed to be fun and a learning experience and there were so many people in my group that were super serious about everything and you could totally tell. Because of them being uptight, they didn't get to enjoy the process. You're never going to go through recruitment again on the outside, remember that!

Lindsey M. It's ok to be silly!

Emily J.

My university hosts events prior to recruitment called "Sorority 101" and this was a time for all of us girls going through recruitment to ask already initiated members about our fears, what to wear, which sorority stands for what. It was so helpful!

Hailey S.

I wish I knew that the system works and it is WORTH IT! Recruitment can be a grueling process but it is ALL WORTH IT when you get to go running home to your new sisters on bid day!

Alex B.

There is a plan for everyone and you go where you belong. Naturally I didn't get my first choice on bid night, but right when I opened my card I put a huge smile on my face because I knew that I fit in that sorority the best. GO TO BID DAY EVEN IF ITS A SORORITY YOU DIDNT LIKE DURING RUSH! Typically during rush you only meet around 7 girls out of a 150 group! During bid night it's so amazing to meet all the other women you had no clue about.

Sarah O. I wish I was told where I can buy comfortable but cute shoes. Ouch.

Emily M.

I went through recruitment absolutely knowing what sorority I was going to join and I was dropped by all the other sororities after the first night parties because I (cough, my boyfriend) was very vocal about it. Freshman year, I thought that saying what you wanted was a good thing, and everything turned out perfectly because I love my sisterhood. However, if I could do it all over, I would keep an open mind and try to go as many parties as possible. (I'd definitely still end up in the same sorority though!)

Brittany H.

I wish that I had known more about sororities in general before going through recruitment. I never thought that I would join a sorority, so I was a blank slate going in. Of course, this also meant that I wasn't biased towards any one sorority either. I was myself throughout the entire process and ended up in a sorority full of girls who were just like me. It was a great experience!

Christina D.

Don't make any assumptions about any of the sororities. People will try to scrutinize this image of sororities saying everyone is a [floozy], it's a money scam, or it's very demeaning to be in a sorority. Do it for yourself. If you are on the fence about joining a sorority because of rumors, go through recruitment. You have a better understanding on what it takes to be a sorority woman holding her letters proud. I know certain girls held some presumptions towards certain sororities because of what other people say, but that's one opinion versus the woman in the sorority versus you.

Haley L. Be yourself! You will end up where you truly belong if you are yourself!

Annaliese L-K.

It isn't as stressful as everyone makes it out to be- at least it wasn't for me! I went it with an open mind and tried to keep everything in perspective and just to have FUN. And remember that it will go by quickly so enjoy it!

Briana W.

I wish I knew how excited the members were to meet the PNMs. I was so nervous that no one would like me, but I didn't even consider that the members would be nervous about making a first impression on me as well. Formal recruitment is nerve-wracking and slightly stressful for both sides. Just know that the girl you're talking to is trying to get you to like her just as much as you are.

Amber D.

How much walking I was going to do! Just kidding! I wish I knew just how emotional it was going to be. You don't think you will be emotional until you find your home!