Stand Out!

Now that we’ve covered how to ensure that your conversations during rush go well, let’s talk about the next step: how to make your conversations truly memorable! This is SO important because both you and the actives are having similar conversations all week. Making yours stand out will make the process more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Here are a few ways to level up your conversations:

Chat with yourself!

Before rush, sit in front of the mirror or go on a drive and answer these common questions that you WILL be asked during rush: 

Tell me about yourself! 

Where are you from?

What’s your major? 

How do you like college so far? 

Which dorm are you in and how did move in go? 

How do you like your roommates and how did you meet them? 

What do you like to do in your free time? 

As someone who has rushed many PNMs, I can say it’s tough to start a conversation when PNMs respond with one-word answers. For example, when asked “How do you like college so far?” instead of responding with “Good!” try saying something like, “I’m loving it so far! I just moved in this past weekend and met my roommate and a bunch of people in my hall.” Practicing your answers beforehand will make you more comfortable in the real setting, and you’ll notice which answers need a little extra oomph!

Prepare Topics of Conversation!

An easy way to enhance your answers is to think of fun conversation topics! Talk to friends and family, and go back through your camera roll to find anything funny, interesting, or unique. This can range from how you met your roommate to a fun first night at college to a crazy ex-boyfriend. Of the hundreds of rush conversations I’ve had, the ones I remember are where the PNM told me stories. For example, the PNM that ended up being my little told me about a wild night she jumped off a super high diving board with a boy while another PNM shared a story about her crazy ex-boyfriend. Whatever stories you have, make sure to refresh yourself on them!

Another way to spark conversation is through your outfit! I remember conversations, but I also remember standout outfits. You can do this in two ways. First, wear an outfit that sparks conversations. For instance, I wore a unique pair of jeans from a company I worked for, so when I was complimented on them, I could talk about my job and fashion trends that I was loving at the time. The second way is to wear unique pieces that relate to you. For example, you could wear a dress like the one below and mention how you got it for your best friend’s graduation party and realized it was perfect for rush too! It’s a great conversation starter and gives the active more insight into your personality.

Treat Every Conversation like it’s Your First One

Recruitment can be exhausting for everyone, and it’s important to remember that the girls in the sororities have been preparing for weeks, if not months, and are talking to PNMs all day. Going in excited, engaged, and prepared with questions will make the conversation enjoyable, and your interviewer will be so relieved—trust me!

Be Prepared for ANYTHING

It’s important to have talking points and questions ready for any lulls in conversation—trust me, they WILL happen. However, some of the best and most memorable conversations are the ones where you and your interviewer go off on a funny or interesting tangent. Remember, they have their own set of questions they typically ask each girl, so conversations can become routine. Making yours funnier, more interesting, or more authentic is refreshing and memorable for the interviewer!