Rushing A Sorority

So, to answer the questions of those who have been worried about sororities, I asked a friend of mine to write a short guide and tell her story. Here it is!

“Rush is hard. I’m not going to candy coat it and tell you it’s not going to be emotional. But all that being said, it will be an experience you remember for the rest of your life. I rushed this past fall and did not know what to expect. I came from a rural school and knew absolutely NO ONE in any of the UNC sorority houses.

Coming into rush I was determined to get a bid from this one house and I swear I thought I said and did everything I could for them to like me. Yet in the end I did not get asked back. When I realized I wasn’t invited back I questioned my value as a person and whether or not I should wait and rush as a sophomore next fall.

But after a tear-filled call to my parents I stuck with it and ended up in a house that I love and wouldn’t trade for the world.

Why am I telling you this strange story? So that you realize something I wish I had realized sooner- You will end up where you are supposed to be.

Looking back on the house I thought I wanted I now see personalities that don’t match mine. And I realize that in the beginning I wasn’t having great conversations with the girls there, I was simply acting off the idea that this was where I was supposed to be.

But to address some of your more specific questions:
1) Don’t be worried about being shy. These girls have conversation topics they will bring up if the conversation dies down. And their goal isn’t to intimidate you, it’s to get to know you better so they can assess how well you might fit in with their house.
2) The rush process at UNC is not super intense. I have heard about the rush process at SEC schools and other schools and I promise you we (UNC) is much more relaxed.
3) I unfortunately don’t know how many girls don’t receive a bid, but many girls drop during rush because they realize it’s not something for them. Like I said- you will end up where you are supposed to.
4)Other bits of advice: 
-If you know anyone who is/was in a sorority (family friend, girls who graduated from your high school) have them write you a letter of recommendation- often times if you have a letter of recommendation for a certain house you will automatically make it to the second round which gives you more opportunity to talk to girls (not always the case, but it helps)
-Do not let stereo-types influence you. Do not get stuck into the whole “who is more popular” thing- I got stuck in it, and if I had ignored it I would have saved myself some tears because it really does not matter.
-Constantly remind yourself what you’re looking for. Are you looking for a reputation or are you looking for a group of girls who will always have your back and who will love you unconditionally?
-Forget about the boys. Don’t let the idea of “what frats like what house” get into your head. Trust me, you’ll go to frat parties no matter what house you’re in.

If you, or any friends, have more specific questions please ask them. As a member of the Carolina family I am more than willing to help.”

Q:How are the guys like at UNC? In all honesty, please!

Anonymous

UNC is a very big school, so naturally we have a very diverse student body.  It’s hard to make a generalization about all of them.  I know that sounds like a stock answer, but it is true.  There are plenty of guys that like to party, plenty of jock types, plenty of quiet guys who prefer to stay in, and all levels of attractiveness.  What kind of people you meet depends on where you choose to spend time.

Q:What your best memory this year at unc?

Anonymous

Oh snap. There are a ton of great memories, but if I had to choose one, it’d be meeting my friends here. I came from a small school—really small, like 24 people in my graduating class—so I was nervous about finding my niche. But I’ve made the best friends of my life here, and I’m really glad to be here.

And really, my best memories have been with my friends. Hanging out with them on Friday nights by itself is great. My first basketball game was absolutely amazing. We had a rave in the Pit—the main thoroughfair on campus—during finals week. And even if you get tired of Chapel Hill (which is really hard to do), you can always visit Carrboro, our sister city that’s just a short walk from Franklin Street. There, you can see concerts at Cat’s Cradle, eat at great restaurants, and get some really good coffee. 

I can see that I’m rambling here, but I think that attests to just how great UNC is. There’s always something to do, and I’ve loved every minute of this year.

Thanks for your question! :)