Sorority recruitment is coming up, and you're looking around, realizing how many other Potential New Members (PNMs) there are, thinking, "Oh gosh, how am I going to stand out?" I get it! Trust me, I was asking all of these same questions, so today I'm going to give you my best rush tips & advice on how to stand out during rush (in a good way!).
Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you!! Today, I'll give you all of my best tips & advice as a current sorority member and member of my sorority's recruitment team on How To Stand Out During Sorority Recruitment!
What makes you stand out during rush?
1. Being yourself
Cliche, yes, I know, but as a current sorority member, I'm telling you it's the truth. These current members are looking for authentic young women who fit their chapter, and the only way they can know that is if you are unapologetically yourself.
And trust me, these girls are pretty good at spotting someone pretending to be someone they're not; you will actually most likely hurt your chances if you're not authentically yourself.
2. genuine engagement
Are you genuinely engaged in the conversation, or are you merely nodding along and giving the bare minimum? This shows!
It truly is so transparent when you are uninterested in the conversation and aren't asking thoughtful questions or responding with thoughtful answers. So, when responding to their questions, provide detailed answers to their prompts.
For example, if they ask, "What did you do this summer?", don't just say, "I just worked most of the time and then went to the lake a couple of times with my friends." Instead, respond more in depth, such as, "Oh, I had a great summer! Most of the time I spent working at a local coffee shop in my hometown, which was so cool to see the behind-the-scenes process of how my favorite coffee shop makes its coffee, and learn everything! It was also extremely tiring, though, because I had to do the same thing over and over again from 6 am to 3 pm every day. But getting to go to the lake and relax on the weekends made it worth it!"
Now you've given the active member numerous different ways to respond by talking about coffee, jobs, weekend trips, the lake, early wakeup calls, and more. This will keep the conversation flowing and show your engagement & intentionality.
Check out: 20+ Common Questions Sororities WILL Ask During Rush
3. Confidence
Think about who you are, what your values are, and what you want out of a chapter. Then, be confident in who you are when talking to the active members during these parties. Walk into each chapter confident in who you are and confident that any chapter would be lucky to have you. Confident, not cocky, they will absolutely not like the latter.
They want to get to know YOU, what makes you unique, and if you're someone who will make their chapter better. Be confident and tastefully brag on yourself.
Lastly, be confident in the way that you carry yourself. Body language speaks for you before you even open your mouth, so put your shoulders back, walk confidently, keep your head up, put a smile on your face, and try your best not to fidget (it's ok, though everyone gets nervous sometimes!).
Walk into each chapter confident in who you are and confident that any chapter would be lucky to have you!
4. good attitude & manners
Be polite, positive, grateful, kind, and poised. First impressions are everything, and this goes along with body language. If you treat one member poorly or rudely, it will get around to the rest of the chapter that you are rude and unkind, and they are not looking for girls like that.
If the sorority member hands you a glass of water, be appreciative and kind! If you bump into another sorority member, apologize for running into them! These are little, seemingly insignificant details that will make you stand out as an excellent candidate.
5. Personal style
This goes along with confidence and body language; your style is one of the first things people notice about you. So let it be true to you!
I put this section last because it's less important than you think. Of course, wear a cute outfit that is tasteful and true to your style, but it doesn't have to be the world's trendiest and most expensive outfit.
Show your personality and flair through your outfit or accessories. Check out my best advice & tips on What To Wear For Sorority Recruitment here.
I hope this post helps calm your nerves about preparing for recruitment, as these are all things you can easily be intentional about implementing in each conversation during these events. For more sorority recruitment advice, check out Exactly How To Prepare For Sorority Recruitment 2025 or 14 Must-Know Sorority Recruitment Tips & Advice.
Overall, remember to be confident in who God made you to be! You are uniquely beautiful, talented, loved, and made.
With Love,
Isabella XO
