Hi Stephanie:
Thanks for your interest in Kappa Kappa Gamma!
First things first: what school do you attend? (Or, if you aren't comfortable revealing that information, what area of the country do you live in, how big is your school, and how many other sororities are on your campus?) I only ask these questions because Recruitment (formerly known as Rush) is very different in different settings, and the answers to these questions will give me (and other readers of this post) a place to start when giving you advice.
You asked "how picky" KKG chapters are during Spring Recruitment. The answer? Kappa (like all NPC sororites) believes in holding high standards of membership, in order to foster bonds that will last a lifetime.
In particular, Kappa promotes, through its standards, a broad college experience.
Scholarship or intellectual development is our first priority. So you will want to be sure that you at least meet the minimum GPA requirements for the Kappa chapter on your campus (likely a 2.5 or above if you are a freshman)
Cultural growth is important as well. What kinds of activities are you involved in? This does not mean you need to be President of this or Chairperson of that. Instead, just be sure to show that you take an interest in certain causes, events, whatever, and that you support that interest through your actions (volunteering, job, clubs, teams, whatever).
Kappa standards also include an expectation of
high personal ethics. Do you consider yourself loyal? Caring? Do you make ethical and helpful contributions (not monetary, but of your time and your spirit) to organizations and causes you believe in?
So, yes: we are picky. But that does NOT (in any way) mean that someone who is shy can't be a member. If you will reread the standards I have outlined above (plus those discussed on our national website,
www.kappa.org)
you will note that our standards don't preclude "shyness"!!!
Even still, I know it can be hard for Prospective New Members (formerly known as Rushees) who are shy to have successful Recruitment experiences. My college roommate was a case-in-point, even though she was an amazing, stellar girl.
What you must keep in mind is this: At some point in your life--whether it be on a job interview, a media interview, a public presenation, whatever--you are going to need to begin to overcome your tendency toward shyness. Think of Recruitment as your first lesson in leaving your shyness behind you. This doesn't mean you have to bounce off the walls, but it does mean that you have to show that you are genuinely interested and enthusiastic about the possiblity of pledging your name and interest to a chapter of a sorority as a lifelong member.
Also, I want to point out two things:
First: just because you go through Recruitment--no matter how cute, popular, and un-shy a Prospective New Member may be--does not mean she will get a bid. Some Recruitments are more competitive than others, but this is a general rule. If you can't stand the thought that it might not work out, I would suggest you rethink going through Recruitment.
Secondly: Although I am flattered by your interest in KKG, I sincerely hope you will consider/are actively considering other sororites that may have chapters on your campus. If you do decide to go through Recruitment, keep your mind open to ALL of the choices...you never know where your heart may lead you.
Stephanie, I hope this post is somewhat helpful...and I look forward to your replies so that we can help you have the most successful recruitment possible!
Panhellenically,
imsohappythatiama