What Sorority Recruitment is Really Like at Texas Christian University | PART 1

Written with love by Alina O'Donnell

Sorority recruitment is unique to each and every school! Although certain aspects of the process are similar across the board, there are always certain things that make recruitment special at a particular school. At Texas Christian University, this is no exception. Going through sorority recruitment at TCU was a personal experience that changed my life for the better. In order to give you a better idea of what rush at TCU looks like, I am going to share what really goes down each day of recruitment!

Submitted photos | Featured: Alpha Delta Pi at Texas Christian University

Round 1 | Day 1

Welcome to TCU sorority recruitment! You’ve settled into your dorm room, said goodbye to your family, and are jumping into a great community at TCU. On the first day of rush, you’ll be divided up into small groups with a Rho Gamma leader who will be able to help you out along the way. You’ll meet a bunch of panicked girls with perfect hair and makeup (AKA, other Potential New Members) and will head on your way to house number one together! The first day at TCU sorority recruitment is definitely the craziest because you think you know what to expect, but you really have no clue. Be prepared to be bombarded with girls screaming and clapping the second you walk into your first house. It can be overwhelming, but it is also SO much fun!

Everyone will be given a t-shirt for Round 1 that you can pair with cute shorts or a skirt and your favorite pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes. It can be difficult to showcase your personality through what you wear during this round, so try to let your personality stand out by being your most authentic self! And don’t worry, later on during the week you can break out your trendiest outfits.

Day 1 consists of visiting six to seven houses along with small breaks and lunch. It’s going to be hot (because it’s Texas in August), so be prepared with essentials like water, makeup for touch ups, and snacks. You’ll be given fruity drinks at each house in order to stay hydrated and don’t be afraid to chug those down too! Round 1 is all about getting a feel for every sorority and it can be difficult to remember each house you visit due to adrenaline—so be sure to take notes along the way.

Bonus Tip: Jot down your notes in your PNM book so you can keep the sororities organized! A Recruitment Notebook is also included as a free download with the purchase of our eBook, Everything You Need to Know About Sorority Recruitment!

Round 1 | Day 2

Day 2 is a continuation of Round 1, and you will get to visit the rest of the sorority houses on campus. You’ll still be wearing the same t-shirt and more screaming in your face will inevitably happen. I know, it sounds emotionally draining (and it is). At the end of Day 2, you will meet back up with your recruitment group and rank your favorite houses according to your current top 10 and bottom 3. This is why it’s so important to take notes so you don’t forget the houses you visited on Day 1!

Round 2 | Philanthropy: Day 3

Day 3 is the day you finally get to showcase your style! Think casual cute with shorts and a flowy top. You’ll be separating from your group on this day and will get your own personalized schedule. Disclaimer: You WILL be cut from houses on this day…but try not to get discouraged. Even if you are cut from some of your favorite houses, trust the process! It can be really upsetting, but stick with it because it does work out in the end.

This round is all about philanthropy and you will be asked a ton of questions about service and what you are passionate about. The sorority you are visiting will also take the time to talk about their philanthropy with you, and you’ll be able to learn even more about them! At the end of this day you will rank your remaining top 6 houses. Get a good night's sleep after this day if you can.

Round 3 | Leadership: Day 4

The second to last day is here! It’s time to break out your favorite sundress and wedges. By this point, there are probably a couple houses that you have your heart set on. When you receive your schedule for the day, get excited! This is the day you will get to talk about any leadership positions you’ve had and discuss the ways you want to get involved at TCU. You should focus on what houses you feel the most comfortable in at this point and make it a goal to have genuine conversations! At the end of this day, you will rank your remaining top 3 houses. Things are getting REAL!

Round 4 | Preference: Day 5

The last day of recruitment was my favorite when going through the process and is still my favorite on the other side of it all. Throw on your best pair of heels and a cocktail dress and get ready to be emotional. During preference round, you go to each of your remaining houses for about an hour and will get the chance to talk in-depth with one or two chapter members. Things can get real as you’re tired, potentially sick, and emotionally a little unstable. At this point, be sure to tell the house that you feel the most comfortable in that you LOVE them. They want you in their house, and you need to express interest back! At the end of the day, you will write down ALL of the houses you would accept a bid from. DO NOT suicide bid! (“Suicide bidding” is defined as indicating that you would only be willing to accept a bid from one house.) This can hurt you in the process and is super risky.

And now you made it through recruitment at TCU!

BID DAY!!

The day that you never thought would come is here! Throw on some jean shorts and a t-shirt and get ready to RUN! There’s nothing like that moment of opening your bid card and seeing those letters you’ve been dreaming about all week beside your name. You’ll get your very first sorority shirt and will run down the commons to meet your new sisters! The day will feature a super fun activity with your new sorority and you’ll be able to really get to know everyone. It’s your time to relax and enjoy all the hard work you put in this week! YOU DID IT! Welcome to the best years of your life.

Catch PART 2 of What Sorority Recruitment is Really Like at TCU right here—we're busting rumors and sharing interviews with girls who went Greek (and are so glad they did)!