Sorority Rush Process?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Hi guys I was just wondering if anyone could explain the entire rush process? From what I've read it goes:</p>

<p>Mixers
Second Sets
Third Sets
Preference Parties
Bid Days</p>

<p>Now are we invited to each of these rounds or do we just go? By when have the sororities actually made their decision?
Is it possible for more than one sorority to want you, and if so then do you declare your decision by going to the bid day of the sorority you want? </p>

<p>I'd love to get in touch with any girl who has been through the process. Also, looking at the websites of the top tier sororities I see a surprising lack of diversity ( I saw literally only one black woman in the three sororities I'm interested in) does this mean I'm at a disadvantage because I'm black, or do minorities in general choose not to rush? </p>

<p>How many girls on average get chosen for each sorority? How many on average rush?
Is the process like an interview, or do the girls just choose who they want? What do they base their decisions on? Do you have any tips for the whole process? </p>

<p>I heard that looks play a lot into whether or not you're chosen. Now I'm not God's gift to this planet, but I'd say I'm pretty (haha hopefully anyway). Do you need be a super model/beauty pageant winner to get chosen?</p>

<p>Also when reading through these threads the top sororities seem to have a bad reputation. Can anyone tell me why that is- I mean, is it just rumors or have you personally witnessed catty behavior. Honestly the whole idea of being in a sorority, a family, sounds so much fun. I doubt they actually hate each other. Lol they look like nice people in their pictures online.</p>

<p>Finally, can anyone tell me how being in a sorority impacts your academics? If I choose to attend Michigan (got my acceptance about 2 weeks ago) I'll be going into Neuroscience on a premed track. I take my education seriously (everyone on here does I'm sure) so could anyone with experience being in a sorority/ have an idea what it's like tell me how you balance your academics and sorority life? Is it hard? I'm applying to the LSA Honors Program and hopefully I'll get in. Can you be in the honors program and a sorority? </p>

<p>I know I'm assuming a lot in this- for all I know I won't get accepted into any sorority (the .0000001% diversity thing is making me worried), but I'd like to know just in case. </p>

<p>Thanks so much guys for reading what is practically an essay. I honestly appreciate any answers you have, even if you don't have an answer to every question I asked. </p>

<p>Oh the sororities I'm looking at, not in any particular order, are:
1. Alpha Phi
2. Kappa Kappa Gamma
3. Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
4. Kappa Alpha Theta
5.Alpha Chi Omega</p>

<p>Also how many sororities are you allowed to rush? How many do you recommend? </p>

<p>Thanks!!</p>

2

<p>Well, I went through this 20+ years ago, but it hasn’t changed that much and no one else has answered, so I’ll weigh in.</p>

<p>The rush process is very structured for Panhell sororities. Every prospective member goes to every house for mixers. After mixers, the houses make “cuts,” and you receive a list of houses that invite you back. Then you make cuts based on how many houses invited you back, which ones you liked, etc. Second sets and third sets work the same, with the list getting smaller through each round. For final desserts, you can go to a maximum of two houses. After final desserts, you preference (rank) the two houses based on which one you liked best. The houses do the same thing, and there is a whole matching process that takes place behind the scenes. On bid day you will receive one bid (although it is possible to get no bids, but your rush counselor is supposed to let you know ahead of time). It is also possible that throughout the process you will get cut by all the houses you like, but there are so many sororities at Michigan, each with their own vibe, that usually there is something for everyone,and it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get in somewhere. You can always rush as a sophomore too. </p>

<p>I loved being in a sorority and did not find the girls mean or catty the way sororities are portrayed in movies. Like you, I was attracted by the idea of being part of a family, and I found that it really was like that. I have also moved a few times as an adult and each time I hooked up with the local alumnae chapter, which was a nice way to meet new people in a new city. </p>

<p>It is definitely possible to be in a sorority and be a serious student. One of my sorority sisters is a pediatric cardiologist, others are lawyers, nurses, accountants, etc., and I was in what would be considered one of the more “popular” houses (although I never liked that kind of ranking; each house provides a fun experience and ideally you find the one you fit in best anyway). Sure, there were a few girls who never seemed to go to class, but they were definitely in the minority. And I think that applies to all the sororities, not just the house I was in.</p>

<p>Regarding looks, appearance is only one part of the equation. Looks count for something, but personality is probably as important if not more so (well, some houses definitely have a “look,” but again, there are so many sororities that there is a wide variety of “looks.”) It helps if you can make a good impression quickly because all of the sorority events are very fast-paced; you meet someone and move on. The parties are very organized and you will meet a certain number of women at each house, but it goes quickly. If you are very shy or reserved, you will have a harder time making an impression on the women you meet.</p>

<p>As far as diversity goes, I’m afraid I can’t really speak to the situation on campus today, but from your description it sounds a lot like when I was at the U of M (sadly). There were a few minorities in some of the houses, and there was certainly never any “white only” policy. I really think we were open to anyone who seemed like they would be a good fit. That being said, there is a different sorority “system” for historically black sororities, and the two different systems really did not interact at all. Most of the African-American students who wanted to be in the greek system gravitated towards those houses.</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

3

<p>The above is pretty accurate but these days there are 3 houses for the final preference round. Michigan Panhellenic sets the quota for each house by dividing the total number of rushees by the number of sororities so theoretically there is a place for everyone who rushes. This means pledge classes have been very large - around 60 new members. This has caused space problems in most of the houses. Panhellenic will be adding 3 more sororities in the next 5 years to help alleviate this.<br>
I would reserve judgement on the individual houses until you go through rush - you may be surprised at where you feel most at home - that’s why they make you go to all of them the first round. </p>