The Science of Sorority Recruitment: Why Mental Readiness Matters!
The rec letters are complete, and outfits have been curated, but there are still a million more things to do to get ready for recruitment! However, there is one major component that research is suggesting needs to be at the top of your list: mental readiness. You might be wondering what exactly is mental readiness and why is it a crucial part of a successful recruitment week? Essentially, mental readiness is your brain’s way of getting fine-tuned for a challenge. It’s about having the perfect balance of mental clarity, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal skills to handle the excitement and chaos that comes with rush week!
While research into the impacts that sorority recruitment can have on mental health isn’t extensive, the findings are impactful. One study reported that PNM’s experienced increased levels of anxiety during recruitment, even if they obtained membership (Kase, et al., 2016). The same study noted that girls who measured as psychologically healthy were more likely to obtain membership. Another study found that participants reported increased feelings of insecurity and anxiety, pressure to make quick decisions, and challenges with coping with the high levels of stress that come with the process (Horvat, 2019).
Although these results can seem alarming, the power lies in taking action and preparing for the potential stressors! So, what can you do to increase your mental readiness before recruitment? Here are a few great places to start:
Reflect on personal goals: Identify what it is you are seeking from joining a sorority. Assess what values are most important to you and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Improve your coping skills: Take some time to explore how you usually handle stressful situations and identify any room for improvement! Recruitment is typically the first time most girls have experienced stress at this level. Going into the week with solid coping strategies can make the process more enjoyable.
Build your support network: Who do you usually call when you are stressed and need to vent? Make a list of supportive people in your life: family members, friends, or even mentors who can lend an ear when you need to talk it out. Remember to only seek support from people who leave you feeling BETTER than before you called, not more anxious and confused!
Set realistic expectations: Approaching recruitment with an open mind can help reduce anxiety and allow you to enjoy the process more. Acknowledge that not being invited back to a house is a NORMAL part of this process. This can help decrease distress in the moment when it happens!
As you gear up, get your mind in the game! Mental readiness is your key to facing any challenge head-on. It involves combining sharp focus, emotional resilience, and exceptional interpersonal skills to navigate the thrilling journey of rush week!
Remember, as you prepare for recruitment week, keep in mind that mental readiness is just as crucial as selecting the perfect outfit or crafting those killer questions. Armed with your mental readiness tools, you'll walk into recruitment like a pro, feeling completely prepared to shine!
Check out our mental readiness workshops for more valuable insights, or consider our intensive sessions designed for PNMs and Moms if you’re looking for extra support to ensure you're fully ready!
You’re going to do great! Recruitment is a unique and thrilling part of your college experience—so soak up every second of it! We’ll be here to support and cheer you on every step of the way!