Rush

Rush Tips

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 3 or 4 (maybe 5) houses you liked 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 a bid, you'll be out in the cold with no other options. And 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 have joined the right fraternity.

Don't stereotype the chapters.

Don't be misled by the size of a house or where it's located on campus. Chapters big and small, on campus and off, 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 may offer more opportunities as an individual.

Ask intelligent questions.

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.: Do I have to move into the house? How much are the dues? Does your chapter haze at all? What are the parties like? What's the chapter's GPA?) And to insure that you're getting a straight answer, ask the same question to different people in the house and compare what they say. Remember, the only bad questions are the ones you don't ask.

Be confident!

One of the most important tips during rush is to act confident. No one is wholly self confident, but the more self assured you can appear, the better. Use a strong, firm handshake, look people in the eye, and watch your body language. Also, dress apporpriately (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.

Don't try to be something you aren't.

Pick the fraternity that fits your personality. With many fraternities at WPI, one of those houses are bound to fit your style. If you're into athletics, leadership, or unrestrained hedonism, there's a chapter with 50 to 100 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 will take you on the basis of money isn't worth it your time anyway. So pick a house that matches your personality, don't try to match theirs. Don't worry, there is a house out there for you.

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.

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'll build your friendship base even stronger, giving you new friends and acquaintances.

Meet as many guys as you can.

Most chapters vote members in based on vote of approval. In many houses, at least 50-75% of the members need to give you the thumbs up in order for you to get a bid. At Tau Kappa Epsilon (Zeta Mu), you need to meet the approval of our Membership Quality Board before receiving a bid. If TWO board members give you the thumbs down, the rest of the chapter does also. One or two members usually can't get you in, so even if you're really a cool guy, if you've only met a few guys 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.

Be available during rush.

Many chapters will send out flyers, invitations and bids to you throughout rush. Be sure that the houses you like have your phone and room numbers, and that they'll be able to reach you. This will give you a great idea of which houses like you. If you need to turn down an invitation for a house you really like, be sure to notify their rush chairman, thank them, and maybe make plans for a different event.

Use careful consideration in accepting a bid.

Remember that rush only lasts for a month. 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 fraternity.