<p>Are there things you wished you knew before going to IU or college in general? College is a big step and I think future college students should have an idea of what it is. This thread welcomes advice, tips, etc.</p>
<p>Be aware that the competition for a sorority bid is stiff. Also, it seems you are more likely to get a bid if you are from the Midwest. Many girls who were out of state business majors in my dorm were rejected and were quite disappointed, including myself. Check out the article in today’s IDS. I still love IU , however, a few girls who had their hearts set on Greek life are discussing transferring. I understand there are only so many beds available but many sororities at other universities allow some pledges to live out for a year or two. I believe that over 40 % of the girls rushing did not get a bid and are now left to scramble for housing. Just something you should know if you are positive that you want to go Greek.</p>
<p>Lizzy: can you post a link to that article please?</p>
<p>Here’s the link:
[idsnews.com</a> | Indiana Daily Student |](<a href=“http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=73603]idsnews.com”>http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=73603)</p>
<p>I second LizzyB’s words of caution on the sorority bidding process. We were told during the tour that rush is extremely competitive for girls at IU, but being from the West Coast we had no idea how competitive it really is since just about anyone who wants to get into a house on this coast has it work out. At IU it skews heavily to midwest girls because they have a strong network in the sororities. Evidently being a business major is another disadvantage. Of course plenty of girls had it work out just fine, but if your heart is set on Greek life it’s a fair warning that many, many girls do not get into houses.</p>
<p>Yup, IU officially has the statistically most competitive sorority rush in the nation - 52% end up in a house. It worked out great for me (ended up in my top choice house) and I’m out of state, but LOTS of my friends were very disappointed. I know a few planning on transferring because rush didn’t work out for them. You don’t really need to have tons of recommendations or anything, I personally had zero recs and literally didn’t know a single girl in any house, but it gets to be a numbers game in the end. The bed quota system really makes it difficult. That being said, because certain chapters were able to make quota this year, there’s probably a better chance that another NPC chapter will colonize or re-colonize at IU in the next few years.</p>
<p>Wow. I had no idea that sorority rush was so competitive at IU. Are the rushees made aware of the odds before rush starts?</p>
<p>They are made aware in an abstract sort of way. You tend to think “well, most drop for grades, or decide they don’t like it, or drop because it’s so brutal to visit the houses in the snow, or…” But in reality some really great girls just don’t get invited back to the houses. It’s very strange, and unique to IU. As Eliza says, it does work out just fine for many girls, but for a significant portion it doesn’t and that’s just something of which it is good to be aware.</p>
<p>A couple things…I have been told. Get to know some of the girls before you pledge. As with anything its about networking. IF you know someone that belonged to a house even with another school, get a recommendation this helps ALOT.</p>
<p>Bottom line: IU has a lot to offer besides greek life…enjoy and get involved.</p>
<p>Here’s a tip: A good way to meet some people AND be able to see some amazing shows at the IU Auditorium is to become an usher. It’s a volunteer position but the opportunity to attend some great shows or talks for free is really great. Son was an usher for one of the Dalai Lama talks during his freshman year. He was stationed right up front and was blown away by the experience.</p>
<p>Wow, I completely read that wrong. I thought you were saying that your son was an usher for the Dalai Lama during the Dalai Lama’s senior year! Whoa!</p>
<p>hahaha (10 char)</p>
<p>How is the rush for frats? Do guys generally get into their top 3 choices?</p>
<p>Another tip: Don’t get your textbooks from the IU Bookstore unless you have no other choice. Usually, they are the most expensive option. You can use their website though to find out which edition of books each class is using, so you can go look for it either online, or to confirm with what’s listed at the TIS Bookstore website. Son gets most of his books through TIS. Order ahead of time and they will be all boxed up and ready for you to pick up at the beginning of each semester.</p>
<p>Actually, the cheapest way to get your books is if you can find a friend who just finished the class and buy it off of them. Also, you can check the classifieds on IU’s Onestart page. Students are always looking to sell their books there in hopes of getting more than the bookstore will pay them back.</p>
<p>My son did rush and it is very different than girls. He just needs to find a house that he likes and fits in. He should go to the rush functions and then start to get to know the guys by networking. </p>
<p>It is competitive but in a different way. Also, in most houses there is a required GPA before joining.</p>
<p>LizzyB2013: ahh I’m an intended business major and out of state! But, I’m not sure if I am going to go Greek…but thanks for the info</p>
<p>2 Tips (from my D, a current student)
- Before you register at orientation familiarize yourself with the various professors that teach the courses that you are considering. You can use the IU webiste, Ratemyprofessor.com or simply google the teacher, course, or IU Grade distribution.
- If you are thinking about sorority rush - you need to approach it like a job interview: PREPARE. In our area the local National Panhellenic Alumni Assocation does a great job of helping girls understand the process and get recommendations, etc. We got connected with them in the spring of senior year through the parent organizaiton of the local public high school.</p>