Informal- The more casual way of things

If you're like me and you see all these pretty blonde, Southern girls show you their rush outfit of the day, you may be drawn into the appeal. But for others, the rushing process can be slightly overwhelming. If you're considering joining a sorority, you've likely heard of formal rush - a structured and formal process where potential new members visit each chapter and participate in activities and conversations to find the best fit. However, many sororities also offer an informal rush process, which can be a more relaxed and casual way to explore your options.

Before I went into the informal rush process I could not find ANY information about it, and honestly, I felt even more stressed that a formal rush would've brought! Informal rushing typically takes place outside of the formal recruitment period and is organized by individual sororities. This means that you may need to reach out to the sororities you're interested in and express your interest in joining outside of formal recruitment. You may also be asked to attend events or meetups hosted by the sororities.

One of the biggest benefits of an informal rush is the opportunity to get to know the sororities on a more personal level. You'll have a chance to chat with members, ask questions, and get a feel for the culture and values of each sorority. These events are often more low-key than formal recruitment and may involve activities like game nights, movie nights, or community service projects.

Another advantage of informal rush is that it may be less competitive than formal recruitment. During formal recruitment, you'll be one of MANY potential new mems looking for a spot in each sorority. Informal rush allows you to have more one-on-one time with members and may result in a more personalized and meaningful experience.

That being said, the informal rush does come with some potential downsides. Since it's not as structured as formal recruitment, you may miss out on some of the benefits of participating in a larger, more organized process. You may also have a more limited pool of sororities to choose from, depending on which ones are hosting informal events.

If you're interested in participating in an informal rush, start by researching the sororities on your campus and reaching out to the ones that interest you. You can also keep an eye out for events or social media posts advertising informal events. Remember to keep an open mind and enjoy the process of getting to know different sororities - whether you choose to participate in formal or informal recruitment, joining a sorority can be a wonderful way to make lifelong friends and create meaningful connections.