Sororities have long been a cherished part of college life, offering students a chance to form lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and participate in various philanthropic endeavors. Being in a sorority provides numerous benefits, from a supportive network to opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, joining a sorority can be a detailed and lengthy process. To help potential new members (PNMs) understand what to expect, we're dedicating this post to explaining how sorority recruitment works.

How Does Sorority Recruitment Work

Sorority recruitment is a structured process that allows sororities and PNMs to get to know each other and determine the best fit. Here's a step-by-step guide to sorority recruitment, highlighting what you can expect at each stage and the advantages of participating.

Step 1: Register for Sorority Recruitment

Before the recruitment process begins, you need to register with your college's Panhellenic Council. Registration typically involves filling out an application, paying a fee, and sometimes submitting a photo and a brief personal statement.

What to Expect:

Application: Provide basic information about yourself, including your academic background and extracurricular activities. Don’t forget your resume, and an official transcript is preferred.
Fee: A registration fee covers the costs of running the recruitment process, usually somewhere between $100 and $350.
Photo: Helps sororities remember you and understand your interests.
Short-form Answers: There may be a list of questions necessary to answer pertaining to recruitment.
Video Submission: You may be asked to submit a 1-2 minute video introducing yourself and asking a few questions.

Advantages:

Preparation: Registration helps you get organized and ready for the upcoming events.
Introduction: It gives sororities a first glimpse of potential new members.

Step 2: Attend Orientation

Orientation is the kickoff event where PNMs meet their recruitment counselors and learn about the process.

What to Expect:

Introduction to Greek Life: An overview of sorority life and the benefits of joining.
Meet Your Recruitment Counselor: These are experienced sorority members who guide you through the process, answer questions, and provide support.
Overview of the Process: Detailed explanations of each round and what to expect.
Specific information: You’ll learn where to go, when to arrive, and what to wear (if you don’t have this information already)

Advantages:

Guidance: Recruitment counselors offer valuable insights and tips.
Support Network: You’ll meet other PNMs and start building connections.

Step 3: Open House Round

This is the first official round of recruitment, where you visit all participating sororities. This may be done in-person or virtually.

What to Expect:

Short Introductions: Each visit includes a brief introduction to the sorority and its members or, if meeting virtually, will include a brief video introduction that explores sisterhood and the values specific to each house.
Casual Conversations: Get-to-know-you chats to help sororities learn about you.

Advantages:

Broad Exposure: You’ll meet members from all sororities and get a sense of their cultures.
Initial Impressions: Make a positive first impression and learn about your top choices.

Step 4: Philanthropy Round

In this round, you’ll learn about each sorority’s philanthropic efforts and community service projects.

What to Expect:

Presentations: Sororities present their philanthropic activities and achievements, often in video form.
Engaging Conversations: Discuss the importance of community service and how you can contribute.

Advantages:

Alignment: Identify sororities whose values and causes resonate with you.
Involvement Opportunities: Learn about ways to get involved in meaningful projects.

Step 5: Sisterhood Round

This round focuses on the sorority’s sisterhood and internal culture.

What to Expect:

Deeper Conversations: More in-depth discussions about the sorority’s values, traditions, and sisterhood.
Activities: Participate in activities that reflect the sorority’s sisterhood.

Advantages:

Connection: Develop a deeper understanding of the sorority’s dynamics and how you fit in.
Insight: Gain insight into what everyday life in the sorority is like.

Step 6: Preference Round

The final round, known as “Pref,” is the most formal and emotional. It’s a time for both PNMs and sororities to reflect on their choices.

What to Expect:

Ceremonies: Attend ceremonies or events that highlight the sorority’s values and sisterhood.
Heartfelt Conversations: Engage in meaningful conversations with members.

Advantages:

Final Decision: This round helps you make your final decision about which sorority to join.
Mutual Selection: Both you and the sorority identify your preferences, leading to a mutual selection process.

Step 7: Bid Day

Bid Day is the culmination of the recruitment process, where you find out which sorority has extended you a bid to join.

What to Expect:

Receive a Bid: You’ll receive a bid card from the sorority that has chosen you.
Celebration: Join your new sisters in a day of celebration and welcome activities.

Advantages:

Belonging: Officially become part of a sorority and start your journey in Greek life.
Excitement: Enjoy the festivities and begin forming strong bonds with your new sisters.

Final Thoughts

Sorority recruitment is a multifaceted process designed to help you find the best fit for your college experience. Each step offers unique opportunities to learn about the sororities, showcase your personality, and build connections that will enhance your school year and beyond. Participating in recruitment can be a time to learn about yourself and others, and the mutual selection process ensures that both you and the sororities find the best match.

By understanding how sorority recruitment works, you can approach the process with confidence and excitement, ready to embark on a journey that offers lifelong friendships, personal growth, and countless opportunities. Remember, whether you’re interested in Alpha Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Chi Omega, or any of the other wonderful sororities in the process, the experience of going through recruitment will be a memorable and rewarding part of your college life.

For more insights into sorority life and what sororities do, check out our post on "what do sororities do". Additionally, keep an eye out for the signs that a sorority wants you, which can guide your decision-making process.

Good luck with your sorority recruitment journey, and may you find the perfect place to call home!

How Does Sorority Recruitment Work?