Question 1: What is the single most overlooked part of sorority rush preparation that can make or break a bid?
"The single most overlooked part of sorority rush preparation is understanding the true culture of each chapter beyond its reputation." Laura Gustafson, owner of Confident Rush Consulting, emphasizes that many prospective members focus on surface-level impressions rather than digging into what each house genuinely values. She explains that this mismatch often leads to dropped bids or feeling out of place after joining. To avoid this, she recommends attending informal events, talking to actives from diverse backgrounds, and researching each chapter's philanthropy and sisterhood activities.
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Question 2: How do you help a student figure out which houses are the right fit before recruitment starts?
"We start with a self-assessment of the student's values, interests, and what they want from their college experience." Gustafson and her business partner Ali guide clients through a structured process that includes reviewing each chapter's mission, philanthropy, and member involvement. They also encourage students to create a "fit matrix" that ranks houses based on alignment with personal priorities. "It's not about picking the most popular house—it's about finding where you'll thrive." This approach helps students enter recruitment with clarity and confidence.
Question 3: What are the biggest mistakes you see on rush resumes, and how do you fix them?
"The biggest mistakes are listing activities without context and using generic language." Gustafson notes that many resumes simply list clubs or volunteer work without explaining the student's role or impact. She advises clients to use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible. "Instead of 'member of student council,' write 'organized three school-wide events with 200+ attendees.'" She also warns against including irrelevant hobbies or overloading the resume with fluff. A clean, focused resume that highlights leadership and community involvement stands out.
Question 4: How do you coach someone through the nerves and pressure of live rounds like pref night?
"Pref night is about connection, not performance." Gustafson and Ali help clients reframe their mindset by focusing on genuine conversation rather than trying to impress. They practice breathing exercises and role-play common scenarios to build comfort. "We remind them that the actives are also nervous and just want to find sisters who fit." She also recommends arriving early, staying hydrated, and having a few conversation starters ready. The goal is to be present and authentic.
Question 5: If a student has only two weeks before rush starts, what should they focus on first?
"Prioritize understanding the recruitment schedule and preparing your wardrobe." Gustafson advises students to first review the official timeline and any required events. Then, they should select outfits that are comfortable and appropriate for each round. "Don't overthink it—stick to classic pieces that make you feel confident." She also suggests practicing a few conversation topics and reviewing each chapter's basic information. "Two weeks is enough time to feel prepared if you focus on the essentials."