What is rushing in college? A guide for those considering Greek life

5 key takeaways about rushing and Greek life

• Rushing = recruitment. It's the process of meeting different fraternities or sororities to find a fit.
• Greek life isn't one-size-fits-all. There's a wide range of organizations with different vibes and values.
• Yes, it can get expensive. But there are scholarships and financial resources to help.
• Pledging is not the same as rushing. Rushing comes before you’re offered a spot.
• Don’t feel pressured to rush. It’s totally okay to explore other ways to find your people in college.

So, what is rushing all about?

If you're finishing up high school (congrats!) or already in college, you may have heard a lot about Greek life (which basically means fraternities and sororities), and also something called "rushing". So what is rushing, exactly, and what does it mean for you?

Whether you’ve seen it in movies or just heard it casually dropped in convos, Greek life may sound like a weird, exclusive club. But in truth, it’s way more layered—and you should know the full story before deciding whether it’s for you.

Let’s break down what rushing is, how it fits into Greek life, and what you should expect if you decide to give it a shot.

How does rushing in college work?

Rushing is kind of like a college version of speed dating, except you're scoping out sororities or fraternities to join. You attend events where you meet members, learn about the chapter’s values and vibe, and decide if it feels like a place you could call home.

It’s also how Greek organizations get to know you. Think of it as a mutual interview process: you're picking them as much as they’re picking you.

Rushing usually happens early in the school year (some schools even do it the summer before), and it's often divided by gender—fraternity recruitment and sorority recruitment are typically separate processes.

Greek life: Not just togas and party scenes

Let’s clear the air: Greek life isn’t just about parties or wearing matching shirts with Greek letters. It’s all about connection, leadership, service, and having a built-in support system.

Some benefits include:

• Instant community: Moving away from home? Having a group of people you see regularly can make a huge difference.
• Networking: Alumni connections are real. Many sororities and fraternities have successful, well-connected members.
• Leadership experience: You'll have the chance to take on roles like event planner, treasurer, or even president.
• Philanthropy: Most Greek orgs are tied to a charity or cause and do a ton of volunteering.

The key is finding the right house with values that actually match yours—not just picking the most “popular” one.

What's the difference between rushing and pledging?

Great question—and one that trips a lot of people up.

• Rushing is the recruitment process. It’s when you attend events, meet members, and see if you vibe.
• Pledging comes after you’ve been invited (aka offered a “bid”) to join. It’s a trial period where you learn the org’s traditions and values—kind of like orientation.

Important: hazing is not supposed to be a thing. Most schools and national Greek organizations have strict anti-hazing policies. If anything feels off or unsafe during pledging, it’s 100% okay to walk away.

Some common misconceptions about Greek life

You’ve probably heard a few of these floating around:

• “You have to be rich to join.” Not necessarily. Yes, there are dues, but there are often payment plans or scholarships. And we’ll talk more about costs in a sec.
• “It’s only for extroverts.” Nope! Many introverts thrive in Greek life. The right house will value you for you—not your ability to small talk.
• “They only care about parties.” While social events are a thing, most orgs are equally (or more) focused on academics, service, and leadership.
• “You have to look or act a certain way.” Absolutely not. Every chapter has its own vibe, and there’s so much more diversity than the media shows.

What does rushing and being Greek cost?

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Rushing itself is usually free or low-cost. You might pay a small registration fee ($20–$50), but that's it.
• Joining a chapter has ongoing costs. These include membership dues (ranging from $300–$1000+ a semester), new member/pledging fees, social fees (for events), and apparel and merch.

Some schools post average Greek life costs on their student life websites, so it’s definitely worth checking.

If you’re looking for ways to make college more affordable, check out Scholly Scholarships. This free tool can help you find scholarships that match your skills and interests—even your involvement in Greek life or campus activities.

How do I prepare for rushing?

You don’t need to have everything figured out, but here are a few tips to help you feel confident:

• Do your research:  Most schools have info on Greek chapters on their websites. You can also stalk chapters on Instagram or TikTok to get a feel for their vibe.
• Think about what matters to you: Are you looking for leadership roles? A diverse community? Service opportunities? Know all your non-negotiables.
• Ask questions: During rush events, don’t be afraid to ask about time commitments, GPA expectations, financial aid, etc.
• Bring your authentic self: It’s cliché, but true. The best way to find a good fit is by being real—not putting on a performance.

What does the rushing process actually look like?

Each school does it a little differently, but here’s a general overview:

1. Register for rush. You’ll fill out a form online and maybe submit a photo and GPA info. Some schools also ask for a short bio or resume.
2. Attend orientation. This is where you’ll get a crash course on the process and what to expect.
3. Go to rounds (aka events). These are structured days where you visit different houses. The early rounds are casual intros. As you go deeper, events get more specific—focused on philanthropy, values, and sisterhood/brotherhood.
4. Narrow it down. You’ll rank your favorite orgs, and they’ll rank potential new members. It’s like mutual matching.
5. Bid day! If you receive a bid, congrats! You’re invited to join a chapter. Bid Day is usually a big celebration. If you don’t get a bid or decide not to accept one, that’s okay too—Greek life is not the only way to thrive in college.

What if I don’t rush right away?

No worries there—some students wait a semester or even a year to rush. There are also informal recruitment processes (called COB or continuous open bidding) if you want a more chill, less structured intro to Greek life.

And remember: college has tons of ways to find your people. Student orgs, cultural centers, clubs, intramurals, dorm life—you’re gonna be okay, with or without Greek letters.

It's all about doing what’s right for you

Rushing in college is a big decision—but it’s not a one-way ticket. You’re allowed to explore, change your mind, or skip it altogether. If you’re even a little curious, it might be worth checking out. You never know where you’ll find your people.

If you're planning for college, be sure to line up the support you need. Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your vibe, and check out Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships that can help cover everything from tuition to campus activities.

Whether you rush or not, college is yours to shape!