What to Expect
- Expect to be cold.
Recruitment takes place in January, a wintry month in Virginia. Snow almost inevitable pops up during Recruitment time, and you will be walking to and from each chapter house during the rounds. Please keep this in mind and dress warmly and comfortably! While it may seem like a fashionable idea to wear those cute stilettos, they're certainly not the most practical in the snow nor the most comfortable for walking around in all day! Chapters know what it's like to be walking around out there, so please stay warm and comfortable first and foremost.
- Expect to be nervous and stressed.
It's natural to have those butterflies in your stomach when you approach a new chapter house, but it will get easier as the days progress. And remember, the sisters are just as nervous as you! They also feel a lot of pressure to find their new sisters for their chapter. Just relax and smile, and Recruitment will just breeze by.
- Expect to meet a lot of new people.
One of the best parts of Recruitment is all the new people you meet, both peers and upperclass women. You may find your new best friend right in your Recruitment group. At any rate, you're guaranteed to exit Recruitment with a whole bunch of new friends.
- Expect to be asked questions.
Recruitment relies a lot on conversation and interaction to help you meet the sisters and for them to meet you. They want to know more about you, so don't be surprised if they ask you questions. At the same time, we encourage you to ask your own questions of them. You're trying to find out more about them too!
- Expect to have fun!
Seriously, just wait.
What to Wear
From Round Robbins to Preferentails, the rounds get progressively more formal, so just keep that in mind when choosing your outfits for each round. Round Robbins is also the round that involves the most walking, so keep that in mind. Preferentials usually involves a little black dress, at most.
Definitely do not go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe for Recruitment. Chapters want to see your true personality, and it always shows if you are not comfortable in clothes that you would not normally wear.
What to Bring
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing
If it's raining, don't forget an umbrella, and if it's snowing, be sure you are wearing appropriate shoes! Check the weather before you leave for the day; you would not want to be caught in a downpour.
- Pen and Paper
You'll be meeting a lot of new people and going to so many chapters each day can get overwhelming. Jot down notes to help you remember th different chapters. These reminders come in handy when you're making your chapter selections.
- Anything You Need to Freshen Up Between Rounds
A small comb or brush, mirror, mints, etc. You know what you like to keep handy in your purse.
- An Open Mind and a Sense of Humor!
It may seem cheesy, but the days can feel extremely long. You'll want to have these two things to help you make the most of the Recruitment process.
What to Ask
Recruitment is your chance to find the perfect fit for you. Feel free to ask questions to help you make the decision about which sorority you feel at home in.
You may want to find out the sisters' favorite chapter events, their philanthropy, the chapter scholastic support, new member requirements, etc.