<p>My daughter is going to go through rush as a Freshman next Jan ~ we have heard it is super competive. Just wondering if any students have any advice? </p>
<p>Visit greekchat, read the threads on IU rush. Even as an IU sorority alumni, I can only say best of luck, be herself, keep an open mind, and may the odds be ever in her favor</p>
<p>What soccergurl7988 is spot on - especially about keeping an open mind about ALL (housed and unhoused) sorities. Not to be negative, rather realistic, if your daughter doesn’t know girls in sororities getting a bid will be much more difficult/competive (but it certainly happens). So many more girls go through rush than can get bids because of the “bed quota” system that the housed sororities use. Good luck!</p>
<p>I am a Dad that has been through this. My younger daughter came very close to quitting rush out of disappointment , I was proud she got over it and is happily a member of a sorority that her older sister also joined.Many attempt to choose same sororites. It’s best to consider ones that have more openings. It would be a good idea to network with current members if possible. Many people are quite happy to be GDI. I did like the fact that the sorority had very clean housing and superior food. Pride can take a bump in this process.One good solution is for seniors to live away from house to add capacity.</p>
<p>Yes, rush is brutal at IU. My daughter did not get a bid freshman year, but she did sophomore year – into the house her IU BF had pledged freshman year. Her BF really pushed her sisters to give my daughter a bid. My daughter also had become friends with several other girls in that house, through her BF. She is in one of the lowest “ranked” sororities at IU – but she loves it.
I agree, networking before rush is key. Doesn’t hurt (and could help a lot with some houses) to send in recommendations this fall from any sorority members you know (moms or students). And once on campus, your daughter should try to make friends with any sorority girls she sees in class (spot them by letters on clothes) – get a seat next to them and try to chat. And definitely at frat parties (staying fairly sober, please). Some clubs or organizations, such as Dance Marathon, also have lots of Greek members.
Having high first-semester grades helps – especially with houses that are trying to pull their average GPA up well above the minimum Panhellenic GPA. And sad to say, some sororities judge girls – at least initially – based on clothes, looks and perceived family money – so if ya got it, flaunt it. Also, shy girls need to become extroverts during rush. PM me for any Qs.
Good luck!</p>