Happy New Year Everyone!
I wish you all a beautiful and prosperous 2019. I know this new year will bring a lot of questions, anxiety, hopefulness, and anxiousness for those of you that are vying for membership in a BGLO. The first thing I would tell you to do is, breathe. You got this. Hopefully, you have been preparing for this for a while. Although I have touched on how to prepare for Rush in previous posts, I will highlight a few things. Here are my top five.
1. Get there Early! If you attend a college or university where the org of your choice is very popular on campus, chances are a lot of people will be going out for membership. This is especially the case if you are trying to gain membership from an Alumnae/Grad chapter. Get there early so you can choose a great seat.
2. ASK QUESTIONS! Most orgs have a Q & A at the end of their presentation. I know it can be intimidating to ask a question in front of a bunch of strangers, but how else will you get the information? Chances are there are others who have the same burning question, but they are too shy to ask. Great way to stand out as well. (wink, wink).
3. Meet other people at the Rush/Informational. This is a time for you to connect with your future sorors or fraternity members. Hopefully, you have been doing that before rush however it's essential that you continue during rush as well. Small talk is always welcomed. If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone you don't know, then at least connect with those who you do. Remember to gain membership for most of these orgs; they will be voting on you.
4. Business Attire PLEASE! I am guessing that everyone has a different definition of business attire, so I ask that you visit my post that focuses on this. There was a time when I would say wear Sunday Best - referencing how people dressed for church, but now Churches allow people to wear Jeans, Sweats. Etc. So instead I will say this. Dress as if you are going out for a job that you really, really, REALLY want and you want to impress your future boss. I stress this because I have seen people attend rush in Jeans, Sweats, Leggings, and I was just shocked. I was business sharp when I visited my rush. I wanted my future sorors to know that I was serious and that I meant business.
5. Relax! I know this is easier said than done, but I have said this before. Every single sorority/fraternity member was once a prospective member. They sat in the very seat that you are sitting in. Smile, be approachable and take it all in.
BONUS: I hope you saved enough money because joining these organizations are NOT CHEAP by NO MEANS! No, they don't have payment plans, and for the most part, you have to have all the money up front.
I hope this helps and wishing you all the best in your quest in becoming members of Greek-land.
Can I submit my paperwork with a transcript for a Specialist Degree which is beyond a Masters, and just before a doctorate?
ReplyDeleteYou would probably have to speak with nationals of your fraternity/sorority of your interest.
DeleteI am very interested in attending rush if the alumnae chapter in my area is having one this year. I have a question, is it common for a chapter to have an invitation only rush? While online I have seen many chapters post flyers for their rush, all of which were scheduled for January but I did not see anything for the chapter in my area. Thank you for your time.
ReplyDeleteI believe that they do have invitation only but it is very likely that if it isn't posted that particular chapter is may not be doing intake at this time.
DeleteThis depends on the organization. Since you say "Alumnae Chapter", I assume you mean DST. DST does not have invitation only rushes. They are open to anyone that knows about the rush. With that being said, not all chapters publish their Rush info online so you may have to know a member to get the information. Make sure you have sent a letter of interest to the chapter to be on their mailing list. Some chapters will personally mail/e-mail the Rush information.
Delete-Signed a member of DST.
In two months, it will mark 4 years since I’ve attended events of my COI. This year, my COI may be having their MIP. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will not receive an invitation from my COI due to the fact that sponsored women usually no longer attend events once they acclaimed their sponsor & received their invitation. I’ve completed my community service hours, earned a higher level degree with a good GPA, and I’ve also attended events regularly. So to say I’m disappointed & hurt would be an understatement. If I wasn’t good enough to join in undergrad, I’ll probably won’t make it the 3rd time I attempt to join a graduate chapter. It’s just hard for me to have hope at this point.
ReplyDeleteHang in there 000000000_ because whats for you will come. Its okay to feel a lil discouraged but try to pick yourself up and fight harder. If you feel this is what you want and its worth it.
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DeleteDid the chapter end up of MIP? Did you apply? If not, you should definitely start seeking out a sponsor now. Also, don't give up. Many people don't make it on their 1st or 2nd try. Sometimes, you just aren't the right fit for "that" chapter or you need to better something in your application, which is sounds like you have.
DeleteHey there. No, the chapter didn't have MIP. The membership chairman informed me that there won't be one this semester. I still don't have a sponsor as of now. A few of the members know my name, but that's not enough to guarantee an invitation. I also get this vibe that they aren't interested in sponsoring people. I would just wait until they have a line then I will go to another chapter that I believe would appreciate my effort more.
DeleteHow are you so sure you haven't been invited? Just because you have the desired GPA, Community service hours and attended events regularly doesn't mean the members of the chapter have gotten to know you as a person. Did you speak with members at the events? Exchange contact information? Had meaningful conversations? If you've been attending events and not speaking or making connections that could be a reason why you would not given an invitation. BLGO won't extend an invitation to someone they don't know.
ReplyDeleteYou make good points. I understand that meeting the requirements won't guarantee acceptance into your COI if you aren't that known to them.
DeleteThe thing is, I found myself making conversation with a few members. I speak regularly to one person (who holds an office position) & I did mention my interest to the membership chairman (& eventually mustered the courage to tell the president).
I just feel like my COI operates differently if a lot of them do make small talk, but aren't interested in connection with interests outside of events. A lot of them do know me because they see me at a lot of their events, but they know me by face but not by name (I learned this because someone told me about how they would always talk about how they always see me at their events). I was even approached by a member I never spoke with ever & she also told me that she always sees me at the chapter's events.
Ok, that is a start. Speaking with the membership chair is important. Get to know them, be genuine. However, how many people are in the chapter? By now you should know a good amount of people. You need to speak with more than one member regularly. It is difficult (I know personally) but you definitely need to work at making more connections. Knowing your "face and not your name" won't help. They know you are interested because they see you at events but they need to know you and not "of" you, if that makes sense. They need to know what your talents are and what strengths you can bring to the chapter. I know that at chapter events it can be difficult because they are working the event. It's hard to entertain interest when it's your event (I know from personal experience). Now, they may not seem interested in talking to interest outside of events and that's okay. Make sure at the events you make a good impression. If a member approached you, they want to know more. Make it a point to work the room to the best of your ability. So even if they don't want to connect outside, at least you had meaningful conversations at the event.
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ReplyDeleteI attended grad chapter rush on 1/20 application was due 2/10. There were approximately 90 women at rush, they will accept 43. I know my waiting has just begun. I have wanted this for over 30 years and I am praying to receive the call for an interview.
ReplyDeleteThis Rush was in Los Angeles
DeleteI attended a RUSH - packet were due 2/16 and I am a nervous wreck wondering if everything is okay...i had a member from that chapter write a letter, which I hear is the best thing to do. I have been reading and almost tripping myself out..I applied for a grad chapter. I did not realize that I would be soooooo consumed with this but I must admit, I am. I am an older woman, so this is all new for me. There were sooo many ladies and this chapter is only accepting 36 - I know there were over 100 ladies there. So I wonder when they will be calling people for interviews - the rush was on 1/26...this process is whewwwwwwweeeeeeee. A dear friend of mine crossed last year, she is older too and has really encouraged me - stating that I probably will make it based on my letters and packets, but who really knows. I do know some of the ladies in the chapter, but they have not had a line in over a decade so they did not have a lot of activities where I could show my face. Again, I think if it is meant to be, it will. Breathe girl, breathe.......
DeleteI thought I saw a post, but anyone rushed 1/6 in Georgia, grad chapter, application due 1/28, line cap 11. Anyone heard anything
ReplyDeleteWas this in a small Georgia town?
Delete@Feb 22 at 3:22pm yes
DeleteAny news GA Rush 1/6 App Due 1/28 Line Cap 11
Delete@February 25, 2019 at 4:47PM Have you heard anything? What about @February 22, 2019 at 3:22PM?
Delete#SmallTown #GA Rush 1/6 App Due 1/28 Line Cap 11 Any updates? Anybody? Please let us know if you have any updates. I do not see any info on this blog about this RUSH.
DeleteI said the same thing. Every Delta, AKA Zeta was once in the same shoes as these potential young ladies and to down nose(blackball) them because you dont like them personally is not what our founders intended. Please be mindful of your actions and intentions.
ReplyDeleteI said the same thing. Every Delta, AKA Zeta was once in the same shoes as these potential young ladies and to down nose(blackball) them because you dont like them personally is not what our founders intended. Please be mindful of your actions and intentions.
ReplyDeleteAnybody else in Los Angeles?
ReplyDeleteAnyone from Illinois?
ReplyDeleteIllinois here.
DeleteRush- 1/11
App due- 2/1
Interview- 2/24
Line cap is 100. Now waiting.
I am! I am waiting with you sister. This is the hard part! OMG I am stressing!
DeleteDid any of you make it by any chance?
DeleteNC
ReplyDeleteRush 1/5
App due 1/26
Received interview call on 2/16
Interview 2/19
Call extending membership 3/1
The waiting was painful..for my sanity I focused on work and home and prayed in between....keep the faith and stay busy while you wait....
Ayeeee congrats!!!
DeleteI attended a Rush on 1/27, application was due 2/19. Over 400 ladies attended the rush! Next Tuesday will make 3 weeks, no call or letter and I’m on pins and needles!
ReplyDeleteI think we attended the same rush! Were you at the one in HTX at BP? Still no word on my end either. My nerves are getting the best of me. I’m just ready to get my call for my interview
DeleteI was at BP! I was told this week they are doing callbacks. Praying we make the cut!
DeleteAny word yet ladies?
DeleteI cannot believe that at the end of April, I will be crossing those burning sands into Delta Land! #J13
ReplyDeleteI can't either. I am literally pinching myself right now. Congratulations to you future sands. #J13
DeleteCongrats!!!!!
DeleteCongrats future sands!!
DeleteI attended the rush for Illinois on 01/11/19. I am saddened to say that I received a rejection letter. I am literally heartbroken. I do not think I will ever do this again as I feel completely rejected and belittled.
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken as well. We were at the same rush. I was highly confident that I was going to make it after my strong interview but nevertheless I didn't receive the majority vote.
DeleteJust curious, why do you feel belittled??? Did something happen at the interview?
Don't give up if you really want this! I know it hurts now. I was denied membership 8 years ago after a dumb fault of my own. It hurt a lot of watch people I know cross over while I was still an interest that had worked hard and researched to get in. I didn't think I would ever be able to try again. Fast forward 6 years and I lived in a new area so applied to a new chapter where I barely knew anyone. I made it! And am now a hard-working member of the sorority. It did hurt back then but I know that I'm in the right chapter for me. Keep trying. What God has for you is for you. Good luck!
DeleteAny ladies have any news about HTX60 intake? It’s been real quiet! HTX96 and HTX88 will be voting this weekend. Good luck to all you ladies who’ve had the opportunity to interview. I’m still waiting to hear back for an interview for HTX60. They haven’t made calls yet for interviews. I hope all is well with the chapter’s MIP.
ReplyDeleteWhich one are you referring too when you say HTX60?
DeleteAny ladies got calls for their interview for HTX60? I know calls started last Friday. Did anyone get a call over this weekend for an interview? I wonder if they’re still making calls...Does anyone know anything?
ReplyDeleteI got a call onFriday and interviewed on Sunday. My understanding is that the last day for interviews is today (3/26).
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