Monday evening is fast approaching and as the last night of recruitment many people feel nervous or overwhelmed. It's okay! Preference night is a time for all potential new members to alleviate all their concerns about each chapter they visit. It is a good time to ask questions, and make a educated decision.
Preparing for Preference Night
I would try to think of the "pros and cons" of every chapter you visited on Sisterhood day. Not just your top three. There are positives and negatives to every chapter.
Think back about your experience at all those chapters from open house day on.
Answer these questions about all the chapters you visited on sisterhood day:
- Can you remember the conversations you had at those chapters?
- What draws you to those chapters?
- Can these chapters offer you what you want from a college experience?
- Could you see yourself hanging out on an average weeknight with the women in these chapters?
- Could you see some of these women being your mentors during your college years?
Doing the above things might make your decision easier Monday night!
Reminder Number One:
You should rank all the chapters you visit on preference night.
That means if you go to three chapters you rank them 1, 2, 3. If you go to two chapters you rank them 1, 2. If you go to one chapter you rank 1.
You have the option to select only one out of three, two out of three, or one out of two. But if you do this your chances of receiving a bid to your top chapter goes down.
Even if you do not feel like one of the chapters you visit is right for you, it is smart to rank it as your lowest number. By doing this you are raising your chances of getting your top choice. Also, even if you receive a bid to the chapter you don't think is for you, you could end up completely loving it on bid day and beyond!
Remember if you are being invited into a chapter it is because they think you would be a great fit in their sisterhood. That's awesome!!
Reminder Number Two:
No single member has the knowledge or power to invite you into their sisterhood before the official bids are handed out.
Keep an open mind about all the chapters even after preference night. It is hard not to get your hopes up, but remember the chapters know best if you would be a good fit or not for their sisterhood.
Reminder Number Three:
The sorority women are just as nervous as you!
Each recruiting member wants to make sure you are finding the perfect chapter for YOU! That might not be their chapter, but they are nervous because they want to make sure you make a good decision for yourself.
Most Importantly, Have FUN! Enjoy the time you spend with each chapter, no matter what chapter you receive a bid to all the women you talk to will be your Panhellenic sisters!
