What is the difference between primary and informal [also knows as COB] sorority recruitment?
Primary sorority recruitment
Primary sorority recruitment has a set structure for each sorority and potential new members have to follow it.
Sorority recruitment is sort of like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. You meet the sororities. Then, you vote on them. At the beginning of the round, you receive your invitation schedule [find out which sororities invited you back].
How sororities invite back potential new members
During sorority recruitment, each sorority has to use Release Figure Methodology [RFM]. It is a mathematical model to determine the number of invitations a sorority can extend to in a round.
Here is how RFM work
If most potential new members vote to keep a sorority, Panhellenic requires them to drop more potential new members. This percentage can be as high as 70%. If we look at Indiana University, around 1,800 women participate in sorority recruitment each year. The most competitive and popular sororities drop around 70% after Round 1. They invite back around 540 potential new members to Round 2. RFM is similar to a popularity contest. If a sorority is very liked on campus, it will drop at a high rate after Round 1. If a sorority is not liked on campus, it will drop at a low rate after Round 1.
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This ebook is based on a proven process to get invited to sororities you like and stand out during COB.
INFORMAL Sorority RECRUITMENT [also known as cob]
COB stands for continuous open bidding. This process starts 72 hours after primary sorority recruitment. If sororities do not reach quota and, or are under chapter total, they can extend bids to potential new members who either:
Dropped out of recruitment
Got dropped from all of the sororities
Did not go through sorority recruitment
It is important to note that not all sororities participate in COB. Do not bet on this option to join a particular sorority.
What is a quota?
Panhellenic requires each sorority to extend a certain number of bids to potential new members. This number is the quota.
The quota is determined by the number of potential new members who sign the MRABA and voted after Pref divided by the number of sororities on campus. For example, if 1,000 potential new members sign the MRABA and there are 10 sororities on campus. Each sorority has to take a minimum of 100 new members.
What is the chapter total?
Every sorority on campus has to maintain a certain number of members. If they fall below this number, they have the opportunity to give bids out to women.
A sorority can meet the quota but still be under the chapter total.
How does COB work?
Usually, there is an interest form you need to fill out. If your college does not have an interest form for COB, email your Greek Life Office.
Once the sorority decides to go participate in COB, the recruitment team determines which women to invite to events.
After the event, if the sorority thinks you are a good fit, the sorority will give you a bid. You decide if you want to accept the bid or not. Usually, you have 24 hours to accept your bid.
How much does COB cost?
It is free to sign up for COB. It is free to participate in COB.
Some schools may require you to pay a small fee once you accept a bid.
Is it hard to get a COB bid?
It depends on your college. Typically, it is more difficult than primary sorority recruitment.
Let’s look at two examples.
University of Alabama
Around 90% of potential new members typically accept a bid at the University of Alabama. If 2,500 women participate in sorority recruitment, that means 250 women would have dropped out. Many of the sororities participating in COB can give out an additional 5 to 7 bids. If half of the sororities participate [8], that means [potentially] a maximum of 56 bids would be given out — 22% of the women who dropped would receive a bid.
Indiana University
In 2022, 69% of all potential new members accept a bid at the Indiana University. 552 women did not receive a bid. Again, many of the sororities participating in COB can give out an additional 5 to 7 bids. If half of the sororities participate [11], that means [potentially] a maximum of 77 bids would be given out — 14% of the women who dropped would receive a bid.
How long does COB last?
If your college has primary recruitment during the fall semester: COB can technically last until the last academic calendar day of the spring semester. However, most sororities, move very fast. For most, COB will last about two weeks after Bid Day.
When does a sorority stop participating in COB?
A sorority stops participating in COB once they have met quota and, or chapter total. If a sorority is participating in COB, they can only give bids to a certain number of women. Sometimes a sorority may have 1 bid to give out. Other times they might be able to give out 10 bids.
Do you have to accept a bid during COB?
NO. If you do not feel like the sorority is a good fit for you, you do NOT have to accept the bid.
If you accept the bid, you must sign a similar agreement to MRABA (you sign the MRABA after Pref). This agreement says you cannot participate in ANY type of Panhellenic sorority recruitment until the next primary recruitment.
If you are on the fence about accepting the bid, you should have 24 hours to decide. After 24 hours, your bid becomes void.
Do you need recommendation letters for COB?
No.
What to wear to COB?
COB is much more casual than primary recruitment. Most girls wear jeans and a cute shirt or a simple dress. Think like a first date.
You do not want to wear an oversized t-shirt, sweatpants, and running shoes.
What if I received a bid and dropped before initiation, can I participate in COB?
NO. If you receive a bid from a sorority, you cannot participate in any type of sorority recruitment until the next primary recruitment. The rules are outlined in the MRABA. You signed this agreement during sorority recruitment.
HOW HARD IS IT TO GET A BID AS A SOPHOMORE AT MY COLLEGE?
Should you go through sorority recruitment for a second time?
It depends on your college. If your college, does not have a secondary quota or an upperclassmen quota, it will be much more difficult to receive a bid. Many of the sororities will not extend bids to sophomores or upperclassmen.
How to see if your college has a secondary or upperclassmen quota
You want to email Panhellenic at your college and ask. To find the email for Panhellenic, Google “college name Panhellenic sorority recruitment.” Once on the website, search at the bottom of the homepage or the contact section.
Colleges that do not have a secondary or upperclassmen quota [It will be very difficult to receive a bid as a sophomore, and you will have limited options]
Auburn
Indiana University
LSU
University of Miami [FL]
Indiana University
Oklahoma State University
Ole Miss
University of Arkansas
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt
What are the differences BETWEEN COB AND PRIMARY SORORITY RECRUITMENT?
In COB, only certain sororities can participate. In primary sorority recruitment, all sororities participate.
With COB, each sorority has control. They get to decide when the events are, who is invited, how they want to structure the event. With primary sorority recruitment, the sorority has to follow a certain structure.
Good luck with sorority recruitment! I am rooting for you!
Sloan
You have a math test in two weeks that is worth 90% of your grade for the class. You want to get an A. You are looking for guidance on how to get your A.
First, you ask a friend, not in your math class, “How do I get an A+ on my test?” She says, “You need to study.” This answer leaves you frustrated.
Then, you ask your teacher, “How do I get an A+ on my test?” She gives you a step-by-step plan.
Who was more helpful?
Your teacher, right?
To get an A, you need to know the right information and have a step-by-step plan.
To get a bid to a sorority you love, you have to communicate you are the right fit for the sorority before and during sorority recruitment. A step-by-step plan tells you how and when to communicate.
BUT… why do so many women going through sorority recruitment ONLY use the advice they find on Youtube and TikTok? Does it help them stand out and get a bid?
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