Round Descriptions

Round One

What to expect:
During this day you will visit each of the seven houses. The parties will only last 35 minutes each, and you will spend most of your time being introduced to sisters. Some sororities may sing or show a video. Do not be afraid to ask the sisters any questions you have about the sorority or Greek life in general. Make sure you tell the sisters about yourself as well; they need to get to know you as much as you need to know them. Maintain a positive outlook throughout all the houses, do not set your mind on one chapter before Recruitment or during Round One. Keeping an open mind is the best way to ensure that you go to the house where you are happiest!

What to wear:
Dress casually and comfortably during this round. Skirts, nice shorts outfits, and casual dresses are perfect. You will be walking from house to house, so comfortable shoes are a must. Sandals are great for Round One. Cool, lightweight materials are a necessity because of the hot weather. Don’t wear heavy perfume; it can be overpowering on a hot day and especially in a crowded room. Also, do not carry a purse since it may get in your way. Your Pi Chi can carry anything you may need.

Questions to ask yourself during Round One:
Would I like to get to know these women better? Did I feel welcome when I walked through the door? Were the members pleasant and friendly?

Round Two (Philanthropy Day)

What to expect:
The second day of parties is philanthropy day, and each party lasts 45 minutes. You will be participating in a philanthropic project with the sisters at each house. These projects are examples of the projects sisters may do for their national philanthropy throughout the year. The final projects will be donated to the sororities’ philanthropy. The atmosphere will be more relaxed; ask questions you might have about the philanthropy within the sorority as well as on campus. Ask about activities the sorority is involved in such as academics, mixers, sisterhood events, and their new member program. Since they are longer, these parties allow you and the sisters to get to know each other better. You may get a tour of the house on this day, and financial information will be presented.

What to wear:
Shorts, pants, and casual outfits are recommended. You will be sitting in chairs or on the floor doing projects, so be sure to wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. During Round Two you will be visiting up to six houses, so comfortable sandals are appropriate footwear.

What to ask yourself during Round Two:
Do I feel comfortable with these women? Are they genuine? What can I gain from membership in this group and what can I contribute? Can I afford the financial commitment to this sorority?

Round Three

What to expect:
The parties are longer on this day allowing potential members and sisters to become even better acquainted. You will see skits and talk with people you have previously met at up to three houses. Each skit is meant to tell you more about the chapter, so try to pay as much attention to the content of the skits as possible. The atmosphere is much more personal; ask any questions you might still have about the sorority and its members. Trust your feelings and begin thinking about which chapter you feel you would fit in best. Consider where you feel most comfortable. DO NOT rely on the opinions of others. This is your decision. Think in terms of who could be your lifelong friends.

What to wear:
Skirts, dresses, and nice outfits are recommended. These outfits are what you would wear to a banquet or religious service. Sandals and flats are appropriate footwear. You will be doing some walking this day, so be sure to be comfortable.

What to ask yourself during Round Three:
Am I still comfortable with the sisters I have met? Can I call these women my sisters? Do they stress the things that are important to me?

Preferentials

What to expect:
This round is called Preferentials (Pref) because you will be making the final decision about which sorority you would prefer. Each sorority has a different ritual or ceremony they will present, and the sisters will be telling you what their sorority means to them. This round can get very emotional. This is your last opportunity to look at the sororities you may join; keep an open mind, reflect back over the last few days, and ask any last minute questions you may have. Look around at the other potential members, since they could be your pledge sisters. Think carefully about their choices. It may be difficult to choose between chapters, but do not despair. Remember there is not necessarily one “right” choice. Consider all of your options and go where YOU will be most happy.

What to wear:
A nice dress that you would wear to a wedding or a similar special event would be appropriate. Semi-formal or formal (prom type) dresses are too dressy. Try to avoid anything low cut or revealing. Since you will be attending up to two parties, heels are fine. Your comfort is most important, so wear what makes you feel your best.

Questions to ask yourself during Pref:
What do I want in a sorority and are these qualities present in this chapter? Do I want these women to be my sisters?