Sorority recruitment has been part of college life since 1851 when Wesleyan Female College founded Alpha Delta Pi as the first secret society for women. Since then, sororities have grown significantly and become integral to campus culture. Today, the National Panhellenic Conference includes 26 sororities, fostering a sense of sisterhood and belonging for students across the country. 

At Tulane University, the 2025 sorority recruitment — commonly known as spring rush — took place Jan. 7-12. The decision to rush is deeply personal, and this year’s recruitment process was no exception. Many found their homes through exciting Bid Day themes, such as Kappa Alpha Theta’s “I’m with the Thetas” rock band theme, Alpha Delta Pi’s “Gimme Gimme AC ‘25” theme, Sigma Delta Tau’s “Home is Where the HΣΔrT Is” theme, Phi Mu’s “My, My, Miss American Phi” theme and Alpha Epsilon Phi’s “Coast to Coasts” theme.

The rush process can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a potential new member last year, I felt uncertain about what to expect. Many participants prepare their outfits months in advance, building intense anticipation leading up to rush. The experience can be demanding and even physically exhausting, with early 6 a.m. wakeups for hair and makeup, long days and emotional highs and lows. 

Ultimately, Greek life at Tulane aims to enrich campus life by fostering friendships and a strong sense of community within each chapter. While this year’s rush may have been nerve-wracking for many, each sorority offers opportunities for connection and belonging. Greek life, if you choose to participate, is meant to enhance your college experience, not define it. While joining a sorority isn’t necessary for a fulfilling college experience at Tulane, it can be a great way to get involved. 

Despite the negative stereotypes often perpetuated by apps like Fizz during recruitment, the reality is that Tulane’s sororities are filled with many different personalities, each bringing unique qualities to their chapter. I found my home and am grateful I listened to my gut despite the stress that comes with rush. Although the formal recruitment process can feel demanding at first, joining a sorority has been a fulfilling addition to my Tulane experience. It’s easy to let others’ opinions influence your decisions, but keeping an open mind and knowing that you can find sisterhood in any sorority helped me find peace of mind as an unsure, slightly scared and easily influenced freshman.  

Students who missed formal rush still have a chance to join through continuous open bidding, an informal recruitment process some chapters offer year-round. Continuous open bidding provides a chance to experience Greek life without the structured intensity of formal spring rush. 

Greek life is just one of the many ways students can connect and get involved at Tulane. While sororities provide a strong sense of community and lasting friendships, they are not the only way to have meaningful experiences on campus. The recruitment process can feel overwhelming, but potential new members should not be discouraged. They can join other campus organizations, participate in continuous open bidding or consider rushing again next year.