Am I going to get cut?
 

So yesterday I came back from a frat dinner pretty upset. There were about 30 or so guys (the number of guys they’re hoping to take in) and we all had to tell a funny story. Well me being me I completely blew it and it wasn’t all that funny. As other people were going I noticed a brother in the back was writing things down as each rushee spoke. This leads me to believe that I’ll get cut because I didn’t tell a story as good as the others. I know it sounds stupid, but what are the possible outcomes out of this situation?

1) You don't get a bid and you join another fraternity.

2) You get a bid. (Nobody noticed your story wasn't funny because they were all probably lame.)

The guy writing stuff down was probably taking notes because he was likely connected to new member education and was taking notes so he can remember something about each of you. Generally, kids going through rush need to calm down and relax.

Edited to add: The fact that the fraternity got all 30 of its potential new members together like this should be commended. You (the OP) need to think about the other 29 guys in the room and ask yourself: Do I fit in with this group of guys? Do I like them? Are they a fun group? Would I want my sister date one of them? etc. This is important because (to you) these 30 guys will be your fraternity. You will be closer to them than the current actives. You will double date with them and sit with them at football games and formals. They will become your best friends while you are in school. And when you graduate, likely be the only reason you will return for homecomings. They could likely be your groomsmen and, God forbid, your pallbearers at you funeral. So make sure, before you commit to joining, that you truly like the 30 guys with who you may be pledging.

Should I not be worried? I mean is it possible to be cut cause my stroy was so bad? I guess it’s kinda silly because I got to talk to the brothers and get to know them and got invited to the dinner. Just super nervous is all.

You could be cut for any number of reasons, and unless someone here on Greekchat is in that chapter, we can't tell you why. And even if we could, we wouldn't - membership selection is private.

However, if a chapter cuts you based solely on how unfunny your story is, methinks you should move on (and fast) and not be too upset about it. That would be a pretty ridiculous way for a chapter to determine who their brothers will be. In fact, I think it's pretty ridiculous they put you on the spot like that to begin with.

They can cut someone for no reason whatsoever.

Keep in mind what is important - that they like you. It is difficult to imagine any story being so bad that they cut someone just because of it. Typically, fraternities cut people that they collectively do not like. Normal fraternities do not view rush as a competition among rushees on who gets invited to join. They give bids to people they like. If they like everyone, they will give bids to everyone. If they don't like you, you will not get a bid. Pretty simple.

What I tried to say is that right now you should be deciding on whether this particular group is for you, with a focus on who may be in your new member (pledge) class, and let them decide whether you are for them. It's a two-way street.

If they invited you to an event where they fed you and asked you to address the group, it's probably because they want to persuade you to accept a bid. I don't see them going through a ton of effort and expense just to cut you.

What you should be asking yourself is whether this is the place you want to spend the next 4-5 years and possibly devote a lifetime of service to.