Over the past month, thousands of girls have gone through the sorority recruitment (rush) process. Some made it to the end and found the perfect sisterhood for them, while others left the process feeling disappointed.
No matter the outcome, sorority rush is an incredibly time-consuming process that can be simultaneously enjoyable and draining. For some Penn State students, joining a sorority can drastically improve their college experience, but it is certainly not for everyone. It is important to weigh the pros and cons when making the decision to join a sorority at Penn State, or at any college.
The Pros
The thought of meeting hundreds of girls during rush can be intimidating, especially when it comes to talking with upperclassmen; however, many people are pleasantly surprised by the conversations they have with the girls running recruitment. Meeting a wide range of people can lead to the creation of long lasting connections with fellow Penn State students.
“You get to meet a lot of people and grow closer to a lot of girls. You learn so much and you’re able to find similarities with people who you’ve never met before,” says freshman Stephanie Miller.
Even if you do not complete the rushing process, many girls end up finding friends within their Pi Chi groups or from their conversations with girls at various sororities. Rush pushes you to talk to people you may have never met otherwise, and girls often end up finding people who are extremely similar to them. Whether you commit to a sorority or not, it’s likely that you will leave the process with more friends and connections.
The intensity of sorority recruitment can be viewed as a con of the experience, but it also has its benefits for people who choose to participate.
“I feel like this process can be mentally draining for some people in so many ways, but the experience helps you grow as a person and shape yourself into the person you want to be after college,” says freshman Ashley Quinones.
Going through such a long and emotional process can be difficult, but it can also help you learn so much about who you are and what you want. Often times, the most difficult experiences allow for the most growth — many girls come out of rush knowing more about what they are looking for from their Penn State experience.
Some might think the biggest pro of rushing a sorority is the possibility of finding a sisterhood and being a part of Greek life at Penn State, but joining a sorority can offer so much more. Going Greek allows girls to make new friends, participate in philanthropy and have the opportunity for leadership within their sorority.
The Cons
Time management is incredibly important to keep in mind during this process. Before starting rush, many girls are thinking about the outfits they’re going to wear and the excitement that comes with the idea of joining a sorority. In some cases, they don’t even consider how hard it will be to balance schoolwork with rushing.
“It is a huge time commitment and you will be exhausted, but it’s an important experience,” says freshman Eleanor Jamison.
The process is lengthy and sometimes overwhelming, so it can take a huge toll on your mental and physical health. If you do choose to rush, prioritizing self-care and mental health is essential.
Among the girls VALLEY spoke with, some explained that the structured process helped them stay organized during rush, but others found that it had a negative impact on their schoolwork. Figuring out how you will handle the process is important when making the decision if rushing is something that’s right for you.
Should you rush?
Rushing a sorority is different for every girl at Penn State. If you want to form more connections and possibly join a sisterhood on campus, it’s a great idea to consider participating in the process. If you don’t end up with your top sorority on bid day, remember that it’s not the end of the world. There are so many organizations and clubs at Penn State, and Greek life is just one of the options you have to find your people.
