The Ten Commandments of Rush
1. Rush more than one house. The best strategy for rush is to explore all your options. By doing that, you'll ensure that you make the best choice for yourself. Go on the rush tours, visit all the houses, go to as many activities as you can and narrow the choices down to the 2 or 3 houses you like best and then spend time with them during the following rush events.
Likewise, the easiest way not to get a bid is to rush only one house. Greeks refer to this as "suicide rushing," because if you rush only one house and you don't get bid, you'll be out in the cold with no other options. Even if you know that a house plans on extending you a bid, you may not be joining the best house for you.
Any good fraternity should want you to check out other chapters. If their house is so strong, seeing other chapters can only make them look better. Further, you'll have more confidence that you joined the right fraternity.
2. Don't stereotype the chapters. Don't be misled by the size of a house or where it's located. Chapters big and small have a lot to offer. It all depends on what you're looking for. Large fraternities may offer you more opportunities as a group, while smaller houses offer more opportunities as an individual.
3. Ask intelligent questions, and more importantly, look for intelligent answers. Asking questions is one of the best ways to show your interest in a chapter, and getting the answers ahead of time will save you any surprises down the road. (i.e. Can I get out of the dorms and move into the house? How much are dues? Does your chapter haze at all? What are the parties like? What's the chapter's GPA?) And to insure that you getting a straight answer, ask the same questions to different people in the house and compare what they say. Remember, the only bad questions are the ones you don't ask.
4. Be confident! One of the most important tips during rush is to act confident. The more self assured you look the better. Use a strong, firm handshake, look people in the eye, and watch you body language. Dress appropriately, but don't overdress! Don't dress like a slob for an invite-only dinner, and leave the slacks at home when you go jet-skiing. Dress for the event.
5. Don't try to be something you're not. Pick the house that fits your personality. Of the houses at Rockhurst University, one is bound to fit your style. If you're into athletics, leadership, or philanthropy, there's a chapter with 20-40 guys who probably share the same interests. Be yourself.
Don't try to impress people with the car you drive or the city you live in. Any chapter that wants you on the basis of money isn't worth your time anyway. So pick a house that matches your personality - don't try to match theirs. Don't worry, there's a house out there for you.
6. Beware of subtle clues. Remember that rush is a two-way street. You're looking for a house that fits your personality, and they're looking for members who will fit into theirs. If you're not getting a warm reception, then don't waste what little time you have. Take a hint.
7. Don't be tied to your friends. Without a doubt, this is one of the most tragic mistakes you can make as a rushee. Joining a fraternity involves the development of total brotherhood and friendship with dozens of other men who share common interests. Don't let that future be influenced by just one individual. If he's such a close friend, he'll still be there when you join that other house. Every Greek has friends in other chapters. It helps build your friendship base even stronger, giving you new friends and acquaintances.
8. Meet as many guys as you can. Most chapters vote members in based on vote of approval. In many houses, at least 50%-70% of the members need to give the thumbs up in order for you to get a bid. One or two members usually can't get you in, so if you've only talked to a few members in the house, you may not get the bid. So do meet as many guys as you can, and don't hesitate to ask the guys to introduce you around. Finally, be sure to meet the rush chairman and officers. If they like you, they can have a lot of influence.
9. While contact with Greek members is allowed during the week of Rush, there are certain limitations that you should keep in mind. As a means of assuring that all Greek institutions get fair representation, there should never be "closed door" contact with any rushees and Greek members. Make rush enjoyable, informative, and fair for both you and the houses you rush.
10. Use careful consideration in accepting a bid. Remember that rush only lasts for several days. Your fraternity affiliation will last a lifetime. Keeping this in mind, don't make any rash decisions on accepting a bid at the moment it is offered. It won't be revoked while you check out the other houses. And don't always accept the first bid you get. You'll probably get others, and they're all valid until the end of rush. Take your time, and keep in mind what you're looking for in a house.
