A personal experience shared by a third-year Penn State student.
For many Penn State students, joining a sorority is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a chance to find a home within the vast sea of over 40,000 undergraduates. As someone who has gone through the sorority recruitment process at Penn State, I can confidently say it’s an unforgettable experience—both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
Before recruitment officially begins, you’re assigned to a Pi Chi group, a small cohort of other potential new members (PNMs) led by three experienced recruitment counselors, or “Pi Chis.” These leaders are current sorority members who temporarily disaffiliate from their chapters to provide unbiased support. Their role is to guide you through the highs and lows of the process, answer questions, and provide clarity when needed.
Penn State’s Panhellenic Council holds a mandatory orientation session for PNMs the first week of the semester to explain what to expect, but nothing truly prepares you for the whirlwind that’s to come. In the next weeks you spend hours meticulously picking out outfits that align with the “look books” for each round, perfecting your elevator pitch about who you are, and wondering if you’ll find the right fit.
The anticipation is palpable all-around campus. Everyone has heard stories from older students—some encouraging, others cautionary. You start questioning everything: “Will I click with the girls in the chapters?” “What if I get cut from my dream house?”
The first round, Panhellenic preview, is a marathon, not a sprint. Penn State boasts a large Greek system, so you’ll watch videos from 21 different sororities. Each video highlighting a chapter’s values, philanthropy, and sisterhood.
After watching each video, I took a few moments to jot down my reflections. What stood out? Did their values align with mine? This was also the first time I worked with my Pi Chis to make selections for the next round. Their guidance helped me balance my instincts and the information I’d gathered.
During the Philanthropy Round, the focus shifts to each chapter’s charitable causes. You meet with a maximum of 12 sororities, attending longer in-person parties where members share their passion for their philanthropies.
I found this round deeply inspiring. Hearing about the tangible impact these organizations had on their communities gave me a clearer sense of which chapters I resonated with. You are given a t-shirt to wear, provided by the Panhellenic Council, so make sure to dress it up with fun pair of pants or a skirt.
This round also tested my stamina. Navigating the schedule and my classes, attending every party, and staying engaged was challenging, but reflecting with my Pi Chis afterward helped make it more manageable.
The Sisterhood Round narrows your options further, allowing you to visit up to seven sororities. Here, the focus shifts to the unique qualities of each sisterhood. Conversations are more personal, diving into values, traditions, and the bonds that make each chapter special.
I remember walking into a particular chapter during this round and feeling an instant connection. The members shared stories of how their sisterhood supported them through challenges, and I could picture myself growing alongside them.
The last round, Preference, is the most emotional and significant part of recruitment. You visit a maximum of two chapters for intimate ceremonies where they share their values and rituals. The setting is formal, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation.
Dressed in cocktail attire, I attended two preference parties, each offering heartfelt testimonials from sisters about what their chapter meant to them. One of the chapters resonated so deeply that I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
At the end of the night, I ranked my preferences with my Pi Chis. It was a bittersweet moment—saying goodbye to one amazing chapter while hoping to join another.
The next day, Bid Day, is nothing short of magical. Dressed casually, you meet with your Pi Chi group one last time at the Bryce Jordan Center. After an anxious wait, everyone opens their envelopes at once to reveal their bids.
When I opened mine, I was overjoyed to see the name of my top-choice sorority. The room erupted with cheers, hugs, and excitement as we all celebrated finding our homes.
We were quickly whisked away to meet our new sisters, take pictures, and enjoy a night filled with festivities. It was a surreal moment—knowing that I had found my place at Penn State.
Sorority recruitment at Penn State requires vulnerability, resilience, and an open mind. Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey. I not only found a sisterhood but also grew in confidence and self-awareness. For anyone considering recruitment, my advice is simple: trust the process, rely on your Pi Chis, and stay true to yourself. Your perfect fit is out there waiting for you.
