<p>Spring rush is really similar to fall rush, but usually just a little smaller because more rushees tend to come out in the fall. </p>
<p>As far as finding out the rush schedules for different houses, keep in mind that rush is not just a one way street. Every frat has its semester (and future years) riding on a strong pledge class, just as rushees have their future riding on finding the best house for them. </p>
<p>Every fraternity “should” make their schedule easily accesible to potential pledges and this usually is through a massive public facebook event, while rush schedules are also oftentimes posted on a chapter’s website. Almost every house I can think of will also have a big board posted outside the house with their rush schedule as well, so if you can’t find the schedule online just swing by the house and there will probably be a board posted outside. If even that fails, and it’s a fraternity you’re extremely interested in joining, there’s no harm in showing up to the house and asking (although if it got to that point it would seem like the fraternity in question has little desire in having a strong pledge class for the semester).</p>
<p>As far as chilling with brothers/checking out houses before rush officially starts, there probably won’t even be time for that as most frats are starting events right when people get back to Berkeley. (many are starting this coming Sunday or Monday)</p>
<p>Just a tip for rushing, the single most important thing you need to consider during rush is where you fit in best. I’m not going to be one of the people who says “tiers” don’t matter, because if one of your main reasons for joining is partying/girls then yes they do matter to an extent. </p>
<p>With 40+ fraternities and 12 or so sororities (a few of which may not be the most desirable to party with), there are inevitably many frats who simply cannot get exchanges with good (or even any) sororities and aren’t prevalent on the scene. In my opinion, though, the extent to which a frat’s individual ranking matters is exaggerated. The commonly agreed upon “top/upper middle” houses: Zete, SAE, Fiji, DKE, Sigma Chi, Pike (and some would say KA/DX/ATO too) don’t have trouble getting exchanges with good sororities, but too often guys will try and convince everyone that their frat is the singular TOP house. </p>
<p>In all reality, joining any of these aforementioned houses will fulfill one’s partying desires just as well as any of the others listed. That being said, reputations/tiers can change quickly so a solid pledge class or two for a lesser-known house could soon make it a top house that is popular with sororities. My main piece of advice is that it’s natural to want to join a house with a good reputation, but the most important thing to consider is where you fit in and feel most comfortable. The parties/girls are great, but the thing you’re going to cherish down the road are the lifelong friendships with your brothers. Be yourself during rush, if you find yourself having to be fake to fit in with the group it’s not the right place for you.</p>