Everything You Need to Know for Sorority Rush
Finding your sisterhood can be scary, crazy, intimidating, and all of the above. But it should also be FUN. We teamed up with our Threads Babes who have rushed all over the states to share with you the secrets they wish they knew going into Rush! So now you can be relaxed, ready, and most importantly- yourself!
Your Questions, Answered
What did you pack in your purse during rush?
-
WATER. Simple, but so essential. You’re talking a lot + it’s hot out there babes! Add a packet of Liquid IV for extra hydration in the sun! You can buy some HERE.
-
Mints + snacks to hold you over between houses.
-
Tissues + deodorant. Just trust us on this one.
-
Extra pair of flat shoes- so much walking is involved.
-
Lipstick, concealer, and any other makeup essential you have.
The Alix Twist Front Bubble Mini Dress in White
Were you nervous? How did you stay calm?
Always remember, you’re not the only one going through it. Reality is, both the rushees and the sorority members are freakin’ too. So you’re in it together! Just be true to yourself and speak from your heart. Remember- if you look good, you feel good, so find sorority rush outfits that will help you make a great first impression to boost your confidence! Pro tip: Do your homework. Check out the core values and philanthropies of all the sororities so you’re prepared!
If you could go back, what do you wish you knew going into rush?
It’s not as serious as it’s made out to be. Of course it’s a formal process, and on the outside it can seem like you’re simply being judged on XYZ and need to be as perfect as possible. But you can’t think that way. Sororities are just looking for women that hold themselves to the same values as their chapter. So stay true to yourself, and the rest will come naturally.
The Bethani Corset Mini Dress in Pink
Are you happy you rushed?
Having a community is so important. Rushing and joining a sorority is a great way to build that support system in such a monumental time of your life. Babes empower babes. It’s so wonderful to have women you can fall back on, and be there for them as they are for you. Not only are you building a community when you join a sorority, but it is also a great opportunity to give back to your community through philanthropy.
The Gina Halter Ruched Mini Dress in Ivory
Favorite look from our Rush Shop?
I’m going with the Chandra Bow Tie Mini Dress in butter yellow paired with some white heels. It’s a perfectly impressive look for the earlier rounds of rush, and also comes in a clean and classy white. It has all the fun details that make your look stand out, but it’s not too over the top! If that’s not quite your style, don’t worry- we have plenty more sorority recruitment outfits for the ultimate rush crush, so you can stay true to you!
The Chandra Bow Tie Mini Dress in Butter Yellow
What types of questions were you asked during interview rounds?
It usually starts out pretty basic- where you are from, hobbies, major, etc. Like any relationship, the deeper you get into rush, the deeper the questions become. What are your core values? What does sisterhood mean to you? Questions of that nature!
How did you style your hair?
Each day of rush gets a little more formal. Beach waves / straightened hair is a great way to start the week! You can add barrettes and other hair accessories to dress your look up a bit later in the week. For preference night, lean into elegant updo’s or gorgeous curls.
The Ebony Off The Shoulder Mini Dress in Light Blue
Most important piece of advice?
Go into rush open minded. Ignore the opinions and gossip you may have heard from others. Enter each house with open arms and make your own judgments based on how you feel being in the room with the girls, rather than what you’ve heard about them. After all, you are looking for your home. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be just relaxed and yourself. It’s truly just about getting to know each other.
You’ve got this, Babe!
xoxo
Sorority Rush FAQ
What does rushing a sorority mean?
“Rushing a sorority” means partaking in the process of competing for a bid, in order to join a sorority’s chapter on your campus. This multi-day event includes meeting existing sorority members, interviews, and learning about what it will look like to be an active member of a house.
Can you rush multiple sororities?
Yes, you can rush multiple sororities. In fact, the recruitment process typically begins with discovering and meeting with the members from multiple chapters, then narrowing down which sororities you would most like to be a part of as the week progresses. While it’s a good idea to keep your options open, you can only receive a bid from one sorority at the end of recruitment.
What happens if you don’t get a bid during sorority recruitment?
While rare, it is possible to not receive a bid at the end of sorority recruitment. A public event will be held on bid day for all Potential New Members (PNMs) to open their bid letters. If you do not receive a bid, you will be notified by your school prior to the bid day ceremony.
What do you wear during sorority rush week?
The most common outfits worn during sorority rush week are appropriate mini dresses in a variety of styles and colors. Some PNMs prefer to stick to clean whites and pastels throughout the week for a polished look, while others like to branch into bright colors, patterns, floral prints, and even black, in order to stand out while staying true to their personal styles. On preference night, it’s suggested that all potential new members opt for a classy midi or maxi dress, as this is the most formal round of sorority rush.
What are the rounds of sorority rush?
There are four formal rounds of sorority rush, plus bid day. Only one round of rush will be held per day, so the minimum length of rush (including bid day) is 5 days. However, some schools may stretch the earlier rounds of rush out between a couple of days per round, so the process can take closer to a week and a half. The four rounds of sorority rush are Open House, Philanthropy Round, Sisterhood Round, and Preference Round (Pref Night), all followed by Bid Day.
This post has been updated in July 2026