Some of the following tips are things that I have learned after rushing, and some are taken from rushee handbooks.
BE YOURSELF
This is the most important advice of all. Nobody is looking for a good act, and most can see right through it.
TRUST YOUR COMMON SENSE
Understand that rush, by nature, is very fake. It's purpose is to give every rushee a good impression of the fraternity--within the minimal time allowed. Rush is the lifeblood of a fraternity. It is a marketing tool--they are trying to sell you first on the idea of fraternity, and then that their particular fraternity is the one for you. People are going to be overly nice, outgoing, friendly, etc.--moreso than normal. Look past the fakeness that surrounds rush and try to find out what is real and what is not.
On the same note, understand that there is nothing preventing fraternity members from lying to you or untruthfully answering your questions. They know that you don't know all there is to know about the greek system and some may try to take advantage of that. Be a critical thinker.
Go with gut feelings. After a while, you will know where you should or shouldn't be.
WHAT TO WEAR
Review your rush handbook and see what type of dress is appropriate for which parties. Make sure to bring a coat and tie with you to school if your rush handbook calls for it.
Wear your clothes neatly--iron shirts and pants. Make sure your hair is combed & be clean-shaven. Your appearance is what people first notice about you--make a good first impression.
AT PARTIES
Use a firm handshake and good eye contact. Do not let go of someone's hand until you are sure of their name.
Ask lots of questions. The members of the fraternity expect you to ask them about their organization. Here is a guideline of some questions you may want to have answered...
-When is initiation?
-How much time does it take?
-What is required of a pledge?
-What is your philanthrophy?
-What is the house's GPA?
-Are actives/pledges required to attend all events?
-Does the fraternity offer scholarships?
Realize that there are questions that the members will not answer. Initiation, rituals, handshakes, etc. all are considered as vital aspects of the fraternity system; and traditionally, these items are kept secret by the members--so don't ask about them. Also, avoid asking about the cost of the fraternity. That information should be given to you before rush; and asking about it only makes it look like you can't afford it. A common saying is, "if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it."
Do not spend too much time talking to any one active, rather, ask actives to introduce you to other actives. Remember, it is the entire fraternity that must vote on you. They will not vote for someone they do not know.
Find common grounds of conversation--hometown and school are effective, but often overused. If you are friends with an alumni or an active from that particular chapter, say so. Understand that controversial topics of conversation (politics, abortion, etc.) could create unnecessary differences between you and an active. It only takes ONE person to say that they don't want you and you can be cut....why give them a reason to do that.
Do not act bored, or that you are too good for a certain house--even if you think you are. Remember, these guys are just as tired of shaking hands as you are--show them some respect.
Understand what hotboxing is. If members of a fraternity make you feel uncomfortable, or heavily pressured to accept their bid; you can do something about it. There are incidents where members threaten to beat up rushees if they don't accept their bid--do not let yourself get in that situation. Stay in common areas, do not go behind closed doors.
Do not go back to informal parties if you are not invited or if you have no interest whatsoever in that particular fraternity. It is a waste of your time and theirs.
Do not talk badly about other fraternities, the person you are talking to may have someone they know who is a member of that fraternity. Also, be wary of a fraternity that badmouths other fraternities. If they are as good of an organization as they say, they will have no need to downgrade the others.
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