OK, here are answers to your questions.
Orientation night – It was like sarahgrace suggested. For many of the PNMs, it was the first time hearing about the rules. Some girls who were on the fence dropped because “it all seemed extreme.” Keep in mind that because rush is late and that they are on the quarter system, these girls are already involved in many other activities. Being told that it is an infraction to leave a party with a napkin is over the top.
I also want to say that Cousin did and does have a very open mind about this. When I mentioned that certain sororities were not her favorites, it is not that she disliked them. She just preferred some to others. The chapters have very distinct personalities and she could see herself almost anywhere. She is a very easygoing person.
Friday night activities were just a video and talking.
Saturday – Skit night – 45 minutes each – Like last night, all the sororities did line entrances and exits. She said that she had trouble going to sleep last night because she couldn’t get those chants out of her head. Oh, don’t we know it!
Sorority 1 – Skit was based on Heaven & Hell. Half were angels and the other half was devils. Each side tried to get the “PNM” over to their side. In the end, the two sides decided that ABC was a good mix of both. She said that it was absolutely PRECIOUS! Again, conversations were smooth and easy. She remembers speaking distinctly to at least five new/different members. She felt really comfortable here.
Sorority 3 – Skit was a TV expose’. A mole had infiltrated the sorority and was going to “tell all.” In the end, she found out that these stereotypes were unwarranted. It was really cute too. Conversations went well and she enjoyed herself.
Sorority 2 – Skit was a PNM looking to get the most out of Stanford and how XYZ can enhance the experience. When the principle said a key word, the chapter broke into song about it. It was a cute skit. What a difference a day makes! The conversations were so easy and flowed smoothly. The members were very sweet.
Tonight she is going back to all three and is thrilled. One friend has the same schedule so they are both psyched. Another friend has withdrawn because she couldn’t see herself where she was invited.
Tomorrow is preference at a hotel and she can select two. Like I said, we have been talking about this for years. The most important thing is that she at least tries so there are no regrets later. She understands that if she is cut that it is not necessarily about her. If she doesn’t get a bid, she is still involved in tons of other things. A brighter note for me is that she could AI into AOII! My alumnae chapter just adores her.
If you are reading this sweetie, I LOVE YOU!