Photo by: Cory Lamz

Rushing a fraternity or sorority can be an intimidating process. You meet so many people at once and you don’t exactly understand what’s expected of you.

But don’t let those bold Greek letters fool you. Rush Week is meant to welcome you into Greek Life and, in the process, introduce you to a chapter which you can see yourself joining.

DU has nine fraternities and seven sororities to choose from – that’s 16 Greek organizations each vying for your attention during Rush Week. So let them.

Here is a how-to guide on successfully rushing any DU fraternity or sorority.

1. Show up.

During the first two days of Rush, try to go to at least one event held by each fraternity.

This will give you a feel for the fraternity as a whole – the brotherhood, the social life, academics, philanthropy and the Chapter house.

Concentrate your attendance efforts on one or two fraternities that offer what you’re looking for with regards to these characteristics.

Though sorority Rush is vastly different than fraternity Rush, the concept is still the same: attend each of the sorority events. The more time you invest, the better the sisters will get to know you. And that’s what you want.

By the end of Rush Week, they should know your name or, by the very least, be able to pick you out of a crowd.

2. Talk.

The sole reason for Rush Week is for fraternities and sororities to recruit new brothers and sororities. They are in it to increase their numbers and expand as chapters. You have just a good a shot as the next person, so let the chapter know that.

Talk about your hobbies, what you want to do after you graduate and what you’re hoping to get out of the Greek experience.

Recruitment is a two-way street, so ask the brothers or sisters questions too, like “What do you want to do with your life?” and the ever-popular “Why did you join this chapter?”

3. Stand out.

Without being over-the-top, arrogant or self-indulgent, make an effort to stand out. Ditch the T-shirt for a polo.

Wear your best pair of heels instead of sneakers. Strike up a meaningful conversation with a brother or bond with a sister over something as simple as the fourth season of “Gossip Girl.” At the end of the day, you want them to be able to picture you as a brother or sister for years to come.

4. Say “Thank You.”

DU fraternities shell out a lot of money to hold Rush events, so a small “thank you” will go a long way. You want the brothers to know that you appreciate the opportunity to rush their fraternity, how much time and money they have invested into planning each event and how much fun you had spending a couple of hours with the brothers.

More importantly, you want them to realize that you are not just taking advantage of the free hamburgers; you seriously want to join the fraternity.

The brothers and sisters are not required to talk to you, nor are you required to show your appreciation for their time. But if you do, they’ll surely take notice.

After all, while you were busy with the many activities of orientation week, these men and women were preparing to meet you. So let them know their time and hard work wasn’t in vain.

If you remember these four steps to rushing a fraternity or sorority, you are guaranteed to receive a bid invitation to join at the end of Rush Week.