The first step of recruitment is to provide an opportunity for both current sisters and interested prospects to meet. This step normally takes place through social gatherings that allow for mingling, through rotational visits to each sorority house or a combination of the two. During this time, you get to meet and familiarize with the women in a given sorority and learn about their goals and culture. The current sisters also get a chance to gauge their interest in you as a new member.
The specific order of things may vary, but a common next step is for you to narrow down your options to a few preferred sororities. Some colleges require that you select a maximum of three or five at this point. Once you make your choices, you spend some additional time with those particular groups. You might simply visit each house and get to know the sisters a bit more, or even attend social mixers, parties or meetings.
Ultimately, the current members of a sorority get to decide who they want to include in their new recruiting class. The process of sorority recruit selection is typically referred to as "bidding." You might receive bids before or after selecting your preferred houses. If you receive multiple bids, you must decide which sorority you want to commit to for rush week. You let that sorority know of your intent by accepting your bid.
The part of the recruiting process that many people recognize from movies and TV is rush week. This particular week is the time when pledges engage in a variety of activities to learn about the sorority and to show a commitment to the organization. Social formals, community service, on-campus festivities and public cheer sessions are often part of rush week. Historically, this week was renowned for hazing activities, such as beer bashes and embarrassing demands. Because of the legal and ethical implications, many colleges and Greek life houses have banned hazing activities. At the end of rush week, sisters make the final decision on whether to formally invite you as a new member.