Sorority Recruitment Prep: Everything You Should Know

Recruitment is exciting, but let’s be honest: it can also feel like a lot. From figuring out what to wear to navigating conversations and making big decisions, there’s plenty to think about as you start your sorority journey.

The good news? You don’t have to go into recruitment wondering what to expect. Consider this your crash course to preparing for recruitment, making the most of the experience and finding resources to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Pre-Recruitment Resources 

Download The Official Sorority Recruitment Guide! The Official Sorority Recruitment Guide is free to download and covers everything you need to know: what to wear, must-know terms, how recruitment ranking actually works and so much more. No gatekeeping, just the info you need to walk into sorority recruitment with confidence!

Do your research! Getting to know the sororities on your campus before recruitment can help you feel more comfortable when the process begins. Check out chapter social media accounts and national organization accounts to get a feel for what each sorority shares. You can also visit your Panhellenic Council’s website and social media accounts to learn more about the recruitment process and the chapters on your campus. Not sure where to start? Check out the Panhellenic Locator Map to learn more about your campus.

Understand your values! Recruitment is all about finding a place where you belong. Every sorority has its own values, so taking time to think about your own can help you have more meaningful conversations, make decisions and figure out what matters most to you throughout the process. Check out our Values Reflection Activity to learn more.

During Recruitment Advice

Be yourself! No matter where you are in this process, you should always be yourself and stay true to your values. All decisions throughout this process come back to yourself and what you want. You will find the best place for you when you embrace yourself instead of acting like what you think somebody wants.

Your clothes do NOT define you!  It is normal to get caught up in social media and your own thoughts when you are building your perfect recruitment wardrobe. Think of your outfits as a way to communicate who you are and help you feel confident throughout the process.

Ask questions!  During recruitment, you will be asked questions by women in the chapter, but that doesn’t mean that they are the only ones who should be asking questions. Recruitment is just as much about you getting to know the chapters as it is them getting to know you. Depending on the round, you can ask about their favorite philanthropy event, their sisterhood, one thing they love about the chapter, leadership opportunities and any other topics you want to learn more about.

Talk to your Recruitment Counselor! These women have gone through the process themselves and understand what you’re going through. It is completely normal for one to go through many emotions during this process. Talk to your Recruitment Counselor about how you’re feeling.  They can give you advice, lend you an ear, offer you support while making decisions and help you understand what is going to happen each step of the sorority recruitment process. They are an amazing resource and are ready to help you!

Don’t let others influence you! It is easy to compare your experience with others. You may love one chapter and your friend may have loved another; that is what makes sorority recruitment so special! You shouldn’t let how their experience changes how you feel about yours. There is no “perfect schedule.” Everyone is different, and so is everyone’s recruitment.

Trust your gut! After visiting every chapter during your round, write down your thoughts, opinions and your gut feeling. There is so much information, and your notes will help you remember things you might otherwise forget. This will make it easier when you complete your priority rankings. Most importantly, don’t ignore how you feel. If you’re unsure, overwhelmed or just need someone to talk it through with, reach out to your Recruitment Counselor or Panhellenic leaders. You don’t have to navigate the process alone.