If you’re going through sorority recruitment, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
The conversations you have during recruitment week can determine whether or not you’ll find your home away from home in the sorority system. But what do you talk about during these interactions?
While you’ll certainly be chatting about some standard topics, it’s important to remember that sorority recruitment is also about forming genuine connections.
It’s an opportunity for you to share what makes you unique, ask insightful questions, and figure out which sorority feels like the right fit for you. In other words, it’s more than just small talk it’s about establishing relationships with real substance.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to talk about during sorority recruitment, with plenty of examples to help you keep the conversation flowing naturally.
Along the way, I’ll share tips on what to avoid and offer my personal insights into what makes a conversation truly stand out. Ready to ace those recruitment chats? Let’s dive in!
The Basics: Getting to Know Each Other
The first thing you’ll want to do is start by getting to know the active sisters. This may seem like the most obvious thing to talk about, but it’s an important foundation. These early conversations give you the chance to connect on a personal level and establish rapport.
Questions to Ask:
- “What do you love most about being a sister in this sorority?”
- “How did you choose this chapter, and what made it the right fit for you?”
- “What’s your favorite memory from your time in the sorority?”
Example Conversation:
Let’s say you meet a sister named Sarah. You might start with a simple question:
You: “What made you want to join this sorority?”
Sarah: “I loved the sense of community. It felt like everyone genuinely cared about each other, and the sisterhood was unlike anything else. I also wanted to give back to the community through service projects.”
You: “That’s awesome! I’m really passionate about community service too. Are there any specific projects you’ve worked on that you’ve found especially rewarding?”
By asking questions like these, you’re showing genuine interest in the people behind the chapter. Sorority recruitment isn’t just about impressing anyone; it’s about discovering if you’ll vibe with their values.
Shared Interests: Find Common Ground
It’s important to make the conversation flow naturally, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by finding common ground. Sorority sisters are from diverse backgrounds, but there are often shared interests you can bond over.
Questions to Ask:
- “What’s your favorite way to spend time when you’re not at the house?”
- “Are there any hobbies or activities you’re really passionate about?”
- “What’s the best book or TV show you’ve been into lately?”
Example Conversation:
Imagine you’re talking with Julia, and you find out she’s an avid runner. You could ask:
You: “Do you have a favorite running route around campus?”
Julia: “Yeah, I love running along the lake. It’s so peaceful in the mornings.”
You: “I’ve been thinking about getting into running more seriously. Do you have any tips for someone who’s just starting?”
By tapping into shared hobbies or experiences, you make the conversation feel more like a genuine exchange rather than a series of questions and answers. Plus, you’ll learn more about what’s important to the people you’re talking to.
Sorority Life: What It’s Really Like
One of the main reasons you’re going through recruitment is to get an inside look at what being in that particular sorority is like. So, it’s important to talk about what life looks like once you become a sister.
Questions to Ask:
- “What’s the balance between academics and sorority life like for you?”
- “How do you get involved in events, and what are some of your favorite sorority traditions?”
- “How does your chapter support its members in their personal and professional growth?”
Example Conversation:
Let’s say you meet Emma, a senior in the sorority. You could ask her:
You: “As someone who’s getting closer to graduating, how do you balance your commitments to school, work, and the sorority?”
Emma: “It can be tough, but the sorority has been amazing in helping me manage my time. We also have study hours and support from sisters, which makes a huge difference when deadlines are piling up.”
You: “That sounds really helpful! How does the chapter make sure everyone stays connected?”
These types of questions will give you a clearer idea of what being a sister means in this specific chapter. It’s also a chance to show that you’re seriously considering how the sorority fits into your overall college experience.
Philanthropy and Giving Back: Show Your Values
Philanthropy is a key aspect of sorority life, and many chapters focus on specific causes. If you’re passionate about giving back or want to learn more about a sorority’s charitable efforts, this is an excellent topic to explore.
Questions to Ask:
- “What charity or cause is your chapter most involved with?”
- “How do you feel your sorority has made a positive impact on the community?”
- “What kind of volunteer work do you do, and how do you get involved?”
Example Conversation:
Let’s say you’re speaking with Olivia, who is heavily involved in the chapter’s philanthropy efforts:
You: “I love that your chapter is so focused on service. What’s been one of your most rewarding service projects?”
Olivia: “We recently organized a charity run to raise money for cancer research. It was amazing to see everyone come together for such a good cause.”
You: “That sounds like a great event. I’ve volunteered at a local shelter, and I love finding ways to give back. Do you have any advice for getting started in philanthropy at the chapter?”
If giving back is something that’s important to you, these kinds of conversations will allow you to connect with sisters on a deeper level. Plus, it helps you get a clearer understanding of how involved the sorority is in its community.
The Sorority’s Culture: Understanding the Vibe
Every sorority has its own culture, and understanding the dynamics of the chapter you’re considering is essential.
You want to find a group of women who share similar values and interests, but also a place where you can grow.
Questions to Ask:
- “How would you describe the culture of your chapter?”
- “What kind of women tend to be drawn to your sorority?”
- “How do you support each other outside of the big events, like when someone needs advice or help with school?”
Example Conversation:
You’re speaking with Sarah again, and you’re eager to understand the chapter’s vibe:
You: “If I were to join this sorority, what kind of environment would I be walking into?”
Sarah: “It’s a really supportive group of women. Everyone’s different, but we all value kindness and lifting each other up. It’s about being yourself and finding people who will accept you no matter what.”
You: “That sounds amazing. I really appreciate how important support seems to be. How do you maintain that culture over the years?”
By asking about the culture, you’re getting to the heart of what makes the chapter unique. This is crucial because you want to ensure you’re aligning yourself with a group of women who match your personality and values.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Sorority Recruitment
Now that you know what to talk about during recruitment, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you chat with sorority members:
Talking Too Much About Yourself
While it’s important to share your passions and interests, keep the conversation balanced. Don’t make it all about you actively listen to what others are saying, and engage in a two-way exchange.
Overloading on Questions
Asking questions is important, but don’t turn the conversation into an interview. Make sure you’re sharing your own experiences and thoughts as well. It should feel like a conversation, not a Q&A session.
Avoiding Tough Questions
It’s easy to stick with surface-level topics, but don’t be afraid to ask meaningful questions about the sorority’s culture, leadership opportunities, or expectations. Showing that you’re thinking critically about your decision can leave a strong impression.
Conclusion
Navigating conversations during sorority recruitment can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make meaningful connections that will help you decide whether a particular chapter is the right fit for you.
The key is to focus on shared interests, ask insightful questions, and genuinely connect with the women you meet.
By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll stand out as a potential new member who is not only enthusiastic but also thoughtful and genuine.
FAQs
What’s the best way to start a conversation with a sorority sister?
Start with something simple like asking how they got involved or what they love most about their chapter. Keep it open-ended so they can share their story.
Should I prepare for recruitment conversations in advance?
Yes! It’s always good to think about some questions and talking points, but remember, the best conversations feel natural and spontaneous.
How do I know if a sorority is the right fit for me?
Trust your gut. Pay attention to how you feel during the conversations and whether you can imagine yourself being part of the group. Feel free to ask about the chapter’s values, community, and culture to get a better sense of fit.
