Rush Q&A
How does rush week work at your school?
The first two days are Open House Round, potential new members visit all 15 sororities and will meet with active members for 25 minutes. PNMs preference 11 houses after this round. Philanthropy Round is two days where Potential New members attend a maximum 11 45 minute socials. PNMs preference 7 houses at the end of this round. Sisterhood Round is a day to get a develop a personal connection with the active members, PNMs visit a maximum of 7 houses during this round but it is not uncommon for a PNM to not visit the max number of houses during this round as well as the others. PNMs will also watch a skit the actives have prepared for them. Preference round PNMs may visit a total of 3 houses. This day is more serious. Saturday, bid day, PNMs gather on Farot Field where they anxiously count down to 1 to open their bid cards. Ladies then run to the senior representatives of their new house, where they run to the house together.
What was the most surprising part of rush to you?
The most surprising part of rush was how competitive it was. It was astonishing how many girls did not receive a bid. With the second largest rush, i assumed it would be competitive, but i didn't realize the magnitude of it until i lived it. Just because a girl was pretty and popular in high school didn't necessarily mean she was successful during recruitment. Sororities looked for girls that would impact their house in a positive way.
What did you do to prepare before rush week?
Preparing for recruitment is a lot more than dieting and tanning the month before recruitment. Preparation begins in high school. I personally feel that one of the biggest factors that set girls apart is their involvement in High School and participation and leadership in service events.
Tell us a little about your sorority rush wardrobe essentials.
During the first two rounds PNMs are given matching t-shirts to wear, so I would dress these up with a chunky necklace and post earrings or layered necklaces and statement earrings. Everyday i carried a bright pink Rebecca Minkoff cross-body which carried things like deodorant, lipgloss, and makeup for touch ups. But this accessory also stood out and gave active members and extra something to remember me by. Everyday i wore my nude Tory Burch sandals because they go with everything (DUH), a rose gold Kerry by Michael Kors watch, and Alex and Ani bracelets on the other wrist. Accessorizing is a must for recruitment! Not only does looking great give you a boost of confidence, each accessory is also a potential conversation starter other than the run of the mill "How are you liking recruitment?" "What's your major?" "Where are you from?"