The Ultimate Guide to Sorority Rush: What to Expect, Wear, and Say

Sorority rush is your chance to find the sisterhood that fits you best. Over a week, you'll meet members, attend events, and explore each sorority's values. Here's what you need to know:

• What to Expect: Rush week includes rounds like Open House, Philanthropy, Sisterhood, and Preference, leading to Bid Day. Each round gets more personal and formal.

• What to Wear: Dress codes vary by round, from casual rompers to cocktail dresses. Comfort is key - break in your shoes and plan outfits ahead.

• What to Say: Focus on genuine conversations. Ask thoughtful questions about values, events, and members' experiences. Avoid one-word answers.

• Tips to Stand Out: Be yourself, stay open-minded, and build real connections. Even if you don't get your first choice, trust the process.

Stay organized, take care of yourself, and lean on your recruitment counselor for support. Ready to find your sorority home? Let’s dive in.

What to Expect During Sorority Rush

Rush Week Structure

Sorority rush typically spans four to five days, with each day becoming more formal and focused as the process unfolds. The schedule is designed to help both potential new members and sororities narrow down their choices step by step.

The first day, often called Letters Day or Open House, is all about introductions. You'll visit every participating house for short group conversations where each chapter shares an overview of what they're about. Next comes Service Day or Philanthropy Day, where the emphasis shifts to each sorority’s charitable work. You might engage in craft activities or hear presentations about their community service and fundraising efforts.

House Tours or Sisterhood Day offers a closer look at each sorority’s living spaces and daily life. Conversations during this round become more personal as you explore their values and what being part of their sisterhood truly means.

The most formal and emotional part of the week is Pref Night, short for Preference Round. Here, you’ll revisit your top choices for deeper discussions about their traditions and members' personal experiences. Finally, the week wraps up with Bid Day, when you receive your invitation to join a sorority and celebrate with your new sisters.

Now, let’s dive into how to handle the emotional highs and lows of this whirlwind week.

Managing Your Emotions During Recruitment

Rush week can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. The mix of uncertainty, excitement, and pressure can be overwhelming. As Ashly Horton, assistant director of sorority and fraternity life at Ohio State University, puts it:

"Uncertainty can be stressful. When you're going through primary recruitment, there are a lot of options that dwindle down throughout the process. That surprise ending can be a lot for folks."

To stay grounded, focus on maintaining your basic routines - get enough sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated. It’s also wise to set realistic expectations. Many students find they don’t end up in the sorority they initially had their hearts set on, but with time, they often grow to love the chapter they join.

Break the week into smaller, manageable chunks. Celebrate small victories, like having a meaningful conversation or feeling great in your outfit. Taking regular breaks can also help keep the experience from becoming too overwhelming. And don’t hesitate to lean on your support system - whether that’s friends, family, or campus counseling services - to help you navigate this intense process.

In addition to self-care, your Rho Chi can be an invaluable resource during this time.

Role of Rho Chis (Recruitment Counselors)

Your Rho Chi, also known as a Rho Gamma or Recruitment Guide, is your go-to person during rush week. These recruitment counselors temporarily step away from their own sororities to provide neutral, unbiased guidance tailored to your needs.

Rho Chis handle the logistics, like sharing daily schedules and helping you find your way between houses. They’re also there to answer your questions about Greek life and offer advice, even down to what to wear for each round. Trained in empathy and active listening, they’re equipped to help you navigate the emotional ups and downs of the week.

They check in with you daily, offering support and encouragement. Whether you need practical advice or just someone to talk to, your Rho Chi is both a mentor and a friend. Their guidance can make a stressful week feel more manageable and even turn it into a positive, empowering experience that sets the tone for your sorority journey ahead.

SORORITY RECRUITMENT/RUSH ADVICE: what to expect, what u can’t say, & getting ur 1st choice 2023

What to Wear for Sorority Rush

Your outfit during rush week plays a big role in how you feel and present yourself. It's all about finding that sweet spot between looking polished and staying true to your personal style. Since each round has its own vibe, your wardrobe should reflect that while keeping you comfortable and confident. Here's a breakdown of what to wear for each round to help you make a great impression.

Outfit Guidelines for Each Round

Open House (Ice Water Tea) is about making a comfortable yet stylish first impression. Think rompers, matching athleisure sets, or athletic dresses that look put-together but feel easy to wear. Free People rompers are a popular pick, and for shoes, go with supportive sneakers like Hokas or New Balance - perfect for all the walking you'll be doing between houses.

Philanthropy Round calls for a mix of casual and polished. Pair your Panhellenic-provided t-shirt with a skirt, skort, or tailored shorts (skip the gym shorts). Add personality with statement earrings or layered necklaces, and finish the look with sneakers or stylish sandals.

Sisterhood Round is your chance to embrace feminine, elevated styles. Dresses with puff sleeves, delicate florals, bows, or subtle lace accents are ideal for this round - they feel romantic without being overly formal. Wedges or sandals are great footwear options, and understated jewelry is the way to go to keep the focus on your outfit.

Preference Round is the most formal, so aim for an elegant, classy look. Think along the lines of a wedding guest outfit: a flattering cocktail dress in soft colors works perfectly. While black dresses are common, they’re not mandatory. Pair your dress with heels or wedges, and accessorize with timeless jewelry for an effortlessly sophisticated touch.

Bid Day is all about comfort and celebration. Go for athletic shorts, a tank top, and sneakers - something you can move around in easily while enjoying the festivities with your new sisters.

Current Styles for 2025

This year's fashion trends align beautifully with sorority rush, emphasizing individuality, soft elegance, and a touch of romance. Here are some standout trends to consider:

• Coastal Cool: Nautical meets East Coast prep. Breton stripes, boat shoes, and shell jewelry create a relaxed yet stylish vibe.

• Classic French Chic: Channel effortless French-girl style with striped button-downs, tailored denim, and slim sneakers for a polished but casual look.

• Sporty Prep: A blend of athleisure and prep. Polo shirts, pleated skirts, and capri leggings are perfect for the more casual rounds.

• Tropical Shades: Bright colors like pool-blue, bubblegum pink, and lime green are trending, and they photograph beautifully.

• Summer Does Autumn: Rich browns, vintage ivories, and deep blacks offer timeless sophistication.

• Retro Polka Dots: Add a playful touch with polka dots - a nod to both 50s sweetness and 80s fun.

• Sculptural Minimalism: Sleek blazers and architectural dresses make a bold statement through simplicity.

Common Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid

While it's important to follow the dress codes, staying true to your personal style is key. As TCU sophomore Milana Henderson advises:

"Everyone dresses differently and uniquely to them during recruitment, of course, there are dress codes, but it is more important to dress true to yourself."

Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Over-accessorizing: Stick to a few well-chosen jewelry pieces instead of piling on too much.

• Uncomfortable shoes: You'll be on your feet for hours, so make sure your footwear is both stylish and practical. Break in any new shoes ahead of time.

• Unplanned outfits: Try everything on beforehand to ensure a good fit and avoid last-minute stress. Have backup options ready just in case.

When you feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it shows in every interaction. Dressing in a way that reflects your personality and feels right for you will make all the difference during recruitment.

What to Say: Conversation Tips and Etiquette

Rush week is your chance to let your personality shine while learning more about the women in each chapter. The key? Be yourself and focus on forming genuine connections. Think of it as meeting new friends, not a formal interview.

How to Start and Keep Conversations Going

Approach every conversation with curiosity and openness. Start with easy questions about campus life, their major, hometown, or activities they enjoy. If they’re from out of state, ask what brought them to your school. You can also chat about clubs, sports, or their interest in leadership opportunities.

Try using "conversation threading" to keep things flowing. For instance, if someone asks about your major, you could mention your favorite class, a professor you admire, or a project you're working on. This gives them multiple ways to continue the conversation.

"The trick is to remember you are making a friend. Ask questions that you want to know about a friend." - Alyssa, Alpha Sigma Alpha Member

When answering questions, avoid one-word responses. Instead, give a little more detail and follow up with a question of your own. This back-and-forth creates a natural rhythm, making the conversation more comfortable for both of you. This approach also sets you up to ask thoughtful questions, which we’ll dive into next.

Good Questions to Ask Actives

Asking meaningful questions shows that you’re genuinely interested and prepared. Go beyond surface-level topics and explore what really matters about sorority life.

Ask about the chapter’s values, culture, time commitments, events, and community service. For example, you might ask which value they hold closest or what they’re most proud of about their chapter. You can also ask what they wish more people knew about their sorority or the university.

Getting to know the women in the chapter is just as important. Ask why they joined, whether other members are active in campus organizations, or what majors are common in the chapter. These questions help you see if you’d connect with them on a personal level, beyond the sorority structure.

Community involvement is another great topic. Ask about their philanthropy, the events they host to support it, or the types of service they participate in. You could even ask them to share a favorite experience from a service activity. With these thoughtful questions, you’ll create meaningful conversations that leave a positive impression.

Conversation Etiquette

Good etiquette during rush boils down to being respectful and engaged. Active listening is key - maintain eye contact, respond thoughtfully, and show genuine interest.

Avoid distractions like checking your phone or fidgeting. Staying focused shows you value the conversation.

When someone shares something, ask follow-up questions. For example, if they mention a club they’re part of, ask what they enjoy most about it or how they got involved. These kinds of questions deepen the dialogue and show you’re paying attention.

Ask your questions confidently. Every question matters, and the women you’re speaking with are eager to share their experiences. They’ve been in your shoes and understand how you’re feeling, so don’t hesitate to engage with them fully.

How to Stand Out and Get a Bid

Standing out during rush isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or wearing the most eye-catching outfit. It’s about being yourself and showing a real interest in each chapter. Sororities are looking for members who will add something special to their sisterhood. Sharing your values, personality, and ability to form meaningful connections is what truly makes an impression. Here’s how to approach rush with authenticity and confidence.

Keeping an Open Mind

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during recruitment is walking in with a fixed idea of which sororities are "better" or where you think you belong. Maybe you’ve heard rumors or have friends influencing your opinions - set all of that aside. Approach each chapter with curiosity and an open heart.

When you meet members, focus on how the conversations feel. Do you feel at ease? Do you find shared interests? Do their values align with yours? Often, the chapter you least expect might end up being the place where you feel most at home.

It’s important to remember that every sorority on campus has something special to offer. Each has its own traditions, strengths, and sisterhood experiences. Instead of worrying about reputations, focus on discovering where you’ll thrive and feel most comfortable.

Building Real Connections

Once you’ve let go of preconceptions, the next step is to focus on building genuine connections. As mentioned in earlier tips, authenticity is key. It’s not about how many conversations you have but the quality of those interactions. When you’re genuinely interested in getting to know someone, that sincerity shines through.

Every conversation is an opportunity to connect. Instead of worrying about whether you already know members, focus on getting to know new people during rush week. Share your interests, values, and goals - it’s these deeper conversations that create lasting impressions.

One small but impactful tip: remember names and details. If someone mentions they’re planning to study abroad or training for a marathon, bring it up later. This shows you were truly listening and care about them as individuals, which helps strengthen those new bonds.

Staying Positive and Resilient

Rush week can be an emotional rollercoaster. You might not get invited back to a chapter you loved, or a conversation might not go as well as you hoped. Staying positive and trusting the process is essential.

If you don’t immediately feel a connection with a chapter, give it time. Sometimes, the best relationships take a little while to develop. Feeling disappointed about not getting your top choice doesn’t mean you won’t find your place in another chapter.

If you receive a bid from a chapter that wasn’t your first choice, shift your mindset and focus on its unique qualities. There’s a reason they saw potential in you, and you might be surprised by how much you grow to love it.

For those who are committed to joining Greek life, sticking with the process can be worthwhile. Re-rushing can be challenging, so it’s often better to give your current opportunity a chance. Attend events, meet new people, and stay open to forming connections. Many women find that their initial doubts fade as they get to know their chapter better and build friendships.

The recruitment process is designed to help both chapters and potential new members find the best fit. Trust that everything will fall into place, even if it doesn’t look exactly how you imagined. Staying positive and flexible will help you make the most of the experience and find the sisterhood that’s just right for you.

Using DoorList for Pre-Rush Meetups and Bid Day

DoorList takes the hassle out of event management, giving you more time to focus on building connections during rush week. With so many events packed into a short period, chapters need tools that keep everything running smoothly. DoorList steps in to simplify the logistics, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved. Here’s how this platform makes managing rush week events a breeze.

Making Event Management Easier

Rush week is packed with activities, from informal coffee chats to formal preference rounds and the excitement of bid day. For sorority chapters, juggling guest lists, schedules, and attendance can quickly become overwhelming. DoorList offers a centralized solution for organizing events, managing invites, and sending reminders - all in one place.

Imagine hosting a pre-rush brunch for 30 PNMs (Potential New Members). With DoorList, the chapter can send out digital invitations, track RSVPs in real time, and know exactly how many attendees to expect. The platform even keeps tabs on who has accepted or declined, eliminating the guesswork.

This streamlined process minimizes last-minute confusion and allows chapters to focus on what really matters: connecting with PNMs. When logistics are under control, everyone can relax and enjoy the conversations that make rush week memorable.

Tracking Attendees with DoorList

Keeping track of attendees during rush week can be a headache. Paper sign-in sheets get misplaced, names are hard to read, and check-ins take forever. DoorList solves these issues with a digital check-in system that updates attendance in real time.

When you arrive at an event managed through DoorList, check-in is quick and easy. Chapter members can use their smartphones to instantly log your attendance, cutting down on long lines. In fact, the mobile-friendly platform speeds up the check-in process by 50%.

This real-time tracking is incredibly useful for chapters. If an outdoor event suddenly needs to move indoors due to weather, they can instantly notify everyone who RSVP’d. If the venue is nearing capacity, they can adjust plans on the spot. This level of organization ensures every event runs smoothly, creating a better experience for everyone.

DoorList also helps chapters adhere to campus or Panhellenic regulations. Many universities have specific rules around event sizes, guest lists, and reporting. With accurate attendance data, chapters can easily stay compliant while still creating meaningful experiences for PNMs.

Better Campus Integration

DoorList isn’t just for individual chapter events - it’s designed to work across the entire campus. The platform includes a shared social calendar, allowing sororities to coordinate with other organizations, avoid scheduling conflicts, and promote events more effectively.

This is especially helpful during rush week when multiple chapters are hosting events at the same time. Instead of accidentally overlapping schedules, chapters can see what’s happening across campus and plan accordingly. For PNMs, this means you’ll have a clearer view of your schedule and won’t miss out on key events.

The platform also integrates with university student databases to verify student status automatically. This added layer of security ensures that only eligible students attend recruitment events, which is particularly important for exclusive gatherings like bid day.

As of 2024, more than 200 Greek organizations across U.S. campuses have adopted DoorList, reflecting a growing shift toward digitized event management in Greek life. This isn’t just about convenience - it’s about creating a more organized, secure, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

For PNMs, DoorList means clear invitations, easy access to event details, and less stress over logistics. You can focus on what truly matters: finding your sorority home and forming lasting connections.

The best part? DoorList offers basic features for free, making it accessible to chapters of all sizes. If you’re curious about how your campus is using the platform, reach out to growth@doorlist.app to learn more about its features and campus-wide integration.

Key Takeaways for a Successful Sorority Rush

Let’s bring everything together with these essential tips to help you approach sorority rush week confidently and stay true to yourself. These strategies will keep you grounded, prepared, and ready to make meaningful connections.

Physical Preparation

Take care of yourself! Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and eat nutritious meals to keep your energy up throughout the week. Pack a small kit with must-haves like flip-flops, touch-up makeup, blotting sheets, snacks, and water to stay comfortable and refreshed. As recruitment expert Leighton Newberry wisely says:

"Confidence is contagious!"

When you feel good physically, it shows - and that positive energy can make a great impression.

Conversation Skills

Go beyond the surface! Think of a few meaningful topics to share, like your hobbies, family, or passions, and prepare some thoughtful questions (for example, asking about travel experiences or favorite traditions). A social resume that highlights your activities, awards, GPA, and community involvement can help guide your conversations. This not only keeps the dialogue flowing but also helps you stand out in a natural way.

Authenticity

Be yourself - plain and simple. Choose outfits that reflect your personality and make you feel confident. As Newberry puts it:

"Be yourself and the right community will be made evident to you."

If a chapter doesn’t invite you back, don’t take it to heart. It’s just part of the process. Newberry reminds us:

"Not getting asked back to a house is just one step closer to the 'yes' in the house they are meant to find their community in."

Trust that you’ll find the place where you truly belong.

Practical Day-of Tips

When in doubt, dress slightly more formally than you think you need to. Check with your Rush Counselor (Rho Chi) for advice, and take the time to research each chapter’s dress code. During conversations, highlight one or two personal details that reinforce who you are.

FAQs

How can I stay calm and manage stress during sorority rush week?

Rush week can feel like a whirlwind, but a little preparation can go a long way in keeping you calm and collected. Start with the basics: take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, stick to balanced meals, and try to get enough sleep. Even small moments of relaxation - like a soothing bath, a quick face mask, or jotting down your thoughts in a journal - can make a big difference in managing stress.

Don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or a mentor, talking things through can help you process your feelings. When engaging in conversations, focus on being genuine and keep the tone positive. Resist the urge to overthink or compare yourself to others; being yourself is the best way to shine. And if things start to feel overwhelming, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that this is just one chapter of your college experience - you’ve got this!

What are some good conversation starters to help me stand out during sorority rush?

Starting conversations during sorority rush might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but having a few reliable questions in mind can make things flow smoothly. Focus on showing real interest in the person you're chatting with. You could ask about their major, hobbies, or even their favorite part of being in the sorority. Questions like "What inspired you to join this sorority?" or "What's been your most memorable experience here so far?" are great ways to dive into meaningful conversations.

The most important thing is to stay curious, approachable, and genuine. People often remember how you made them feel, so take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy getting to know them!

How can DoorList make sorority recruitment smoother for both potential new members and chapters?

DoorList takes the hassle out of sorority recruitment by streamlining communication and event coordination for everyone. For chapters, it offers tools to send invites, monitor attendance, and manage casual mixers - all in a secure and efficient way. This means less time spent on logistics and more time focusing on the events themselves.

For potential new members, DoorList provides easy access to event details and RSVP options, helping them stay organized and informed throughout the week. The result? A smoother, more enjoyable experience that lets them concentrate on building meaningful connections.

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