Rushing a sorority at Cornell is a strictly organized and controlled process—especially compared to the party atmosphere of rushing a fraternity. But even though the traditional series of house visits is scheduled and monitored, there’s no way to calm more than 800 excited girls running around campus in the middle of an Ithaca winter, wearing winter boots and carrying high heels, with layers of sweatpants and jackets covering their formal dresses. With twenty-five minutes to walk between houses spread from West Campus to parts of North Campus that I didn’t even know existed, girls visit each sorority house in the hope of becoming a “sister.”
This year, I was part of the frenzy called formal recruitment. Through four rounds, underclassmen got acquainted with the members and ideals of each sorority. Each sorority has its own reputation, but it was up to potential new members to decide for ourselves what the houses were really like and how well we’d fit in. For me, there were some pleasant surprises. I originally didn’t give much thought to Kappa Kappa Gamma, a house stereotyped as athletic, because I haven’t attempted a team sport since second grade—but I was so impressed by Kappa that I returned throughout the week. I learned that Sigma Delta Tau, historically a Jewish sorority, made girls from all backgrounds feel welcome. Delta Gamma was rumored to be the exclusive home of wealthy blondes, but I was so pleased by the down-to-earth attitudes and diversity of its members that I visited DG up to the last day.
The first couple of days were easy; through a mutual selection process, we reduced the number of houses we visited from twelve to eight, then from five down to a final three. Members carried on the tradition of screaming and banging on doors and windows to share their enthusiasm with the potential new sisters lined up outside. Unfortunately, though, the excitement was cut short for many girls. Stress throughout the week was high, as we knew that space was limited; only 640 of the 851 girls registered for recruitment would receive a bid, the formal invitation to be in a sorority.
Thankfully, I was one of the lucky ones—I not only got a bid, but I came out of rush with a greater understanding of the girls on campus. I now belong to Alpha Phi, a sorority that I believe holds values of genuineness, sisterhood, intellect, and fun. Even as a new member, I’m already experiencing what it’s like to belong to such a community. I have not eaten a single meal by myself; I know at least one girl in every one of my classes; I always have a place to go to study or nap. And next year, when it’s time for rush 2014, I get to see it all from the other side.
— Alexandra Clement ’16