<p>Hi, I'm wondering if someone can please breakdown the rush experience at Vanderbilt. I've heard it's in the spring from one source, and then another said the fall. Also, how long does it last and how many credit hours would you recommend for the average student to take during the process? In other words, should students take a lighter workload if they plan on rushing? I'm just trying to get a general idea of it and how time consuming it may be. </p>
<p>Thanks for the input</p>
<p>For freshman, rushing is all during the fall. Pledgeship is in the spring (that is, if you are given a bid).</p>
<p>Pledging takes considerably more time than rushing (rush events are optional and usually comprise hanging out at the houses, eating meals at restaurants, playing beer pong, going to bars, sporting events, etc., whereas pledging activities are mandatory if you want to become a brother). Don’t believe that fraternities at Vanderbilt (or anywhere else) don’t haze in some form or fashion, despite the school’s policy (fraternities can easily skirt the rules). Don’t let this scare you though. It’s completely doable as long as you manage your time during study hours.</p>
<p>The confusion stems from the fact that guys rush during the fall semester and are given a formal bid at the beginning of spring. If you don’t rush, you won’t get a bid, but if you miss the boat the first time around, you can rush in the spring and pledge in the fall.</p>
<p>For sororities, they have a week to do the rush process from start to finish, and that’s right at the beginning of spring semester in January. Technically, starting rush any time before that is considered “dirty rush” and isn’t allowed by Panhell.</p>