Rush Expectations
One of the best parts about Find Your Letters is getting to know the Moms and daughters who come our way as they navigate sorority recruitment. Over the years, we’ve heard all kinds of stories, and along with that, some of the same questions and misconceptions about what rush is really like. That’s actually what inspired us to start Find Your Letters years ago—to help girls have fun and make the most of the rush experience.
In our experience, we noticed a repeating pattern: quite a few incredible girls were going through rush but not always loving the experience or landing where they’d hoped. These girls were the high school standouts—leaders, athletes, super involved, and well-liked. So why wasn’t rush matching their expectations? Here’s the deal: When you get to college, you’re suddenly in a whole new crowd. Everyone around you has already made it through the university’s rigorous admissions process, which means the girls you’re rushing with are just as accomplished as you are. They’ve got their own awards, activities, and achievements. It’s a big shift from high school, and realizing that can help you get a better perspective on what to expect.
Another thing we hear a lot is, “My daughter knows girls in XYZ sorority from cheerleading,” or “She’s friends with girls in ABC from summer camp or student council.” That’s awesome—it’s a great way to feel connected right off the bat! But here’s the catch: it’s not a surefire guarantee. Let’s break it down with some numbers so you can see what we are saying. Imagine a sorority is taking 100 new members, and 200 active chapter members are voting during recruitment. If each active sorority member has just one PNM she’s pulling for, that’s 200 girls competing for those 100 spots. So, even with solid connections and someone pulling for you, only half will get a bidbto that sorority. It’s a reminder that while those ties are helpful, they’re just part of the picture and not a guarantee.
Then there’s the Instagram factor. Getting follows from sorority girls? Totally exciting, and it’s okay to feel good about it! Just don’t put all your eggs in that basket. It’s a nice bonus, but it doesn’t lock anything in. Our advice? Enjoy the boost, but keep your focus broader.
Luckily, there are some great resources to lean on. Your local Panhellenic group and the Panhellenic Council on your college campus are all about making sorority life welcoming and fun. They’re there to help you sign up for rush and encourage you to give it a shot, keeping things as stress-free as possible. They want every girl to feel like she can join in, because, honestly, they work hard to help everyone find a place. If you’re laid-back and happy to go with the flow, signing up and showing up might work perfectly for you. But if you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, explore all your options, and have an idea of the type of sorority you are looking for, putting some time into understanding rush is worth it.
Here’s what we suggest: cover all your bases. Work on a solid resume, secure strong alumni recommendations, register with your campus Panhellenic with solid content, connect with friends already there, stay active on social media, and maybe even visit the campus if you can. The more you put into it, the better your chances of having an amazing rush experience.
So why does this matter so much? Because joining a sorority isn’t like a high school club that fades after graduation—it’s a lifelong investment. We’ve seen women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond light up when they meet someone from their sorority and instantly click. You don’t see that kind of bond over high school cheer squads or debate teams. Sorority letters have a connection that sticks with you.
Sure, we’re a little biased here at Find Your Letters—helping you find your place is what we’re all about. But that comes from experience. We know how much sorority life can add to your college years and beyond, whether you’re chatting with a sister in the carpool pickup line or networking in the board room at work. It’s a big deal, and we’re rooting for you!
