Bama Rush Decoded: Your Guide to the Most Iconic Recruitment Week

One of the most anticipated aspects of many incoming college girls’ lives is going through a sorority rush. Many even enrolled at the University of Alabama for its iconic Greek life, and RushTok definitely gave Bama Rush a big spotlight in recent years.

While Bama Rush may be over for this year, 2025 will be here faster than you know it. And since it’s never too early to figure out how to prepare for sorority recruitment, here’s everything you need to know about what Rush is like at the University of Alabama.

What is Bama Rush?

Online, “Bama Rush” means the social media phenomenon of Alabama’s Rush Week taking over TikTok. Various chapters market themselves through super elaborate dance vids, while PNMs (potential new members) document their Rush experience through short vlogs, OOTD showcases, and more.

But, formally, “Bama Rush” just means Alabama Rush or the week where PNMs and chapters undergo the various stages of recruitment. But with how big Greek life is at the University of Alabama, a few things make them different from other schools, like their requirements and processes.

What to Expect during Rush Week at the University of Alabama

Recruitment at the University of Alabama isn’t super duper unique from others, but since it’s one of the largest in the country it’s structured to accommodate the THOUSANDS (yes, thousands) of PNMS that rush each year. Here’s the rundown on what you should be prepared for if you plan on going through recruitment at Alabama.

Bama Rush starts early

When does sorority recruitment week start? Depends on the campus, tbh. Many of them start after the first day of classes. 

But when does sorority recruitment start at the University of Alabama? It actually starts 1.5 weeks before the first day of classes. 

You’ll want to move into your dorm before rush starts that so you have time to settle in and prepare everything you need, especially your outfits. Trust us, the 9 days of Rush Week will tire you out, so it’s smart to be rested and ready beforehand. We ain’t cramming here.

You’ll probs want to get recommendation letters first

Before recruitment starts, do some legwork and email anyone you know who was in one of the Panhellenic chapters on Bama’s campus and ask for a recommendation letter. Of the University of Alabama sororities, 16 of 17 chapters accept those letters. They’re not required, but having someone vouch for you never hurts!

To get a recommendation letter for sorority recruitment, you’ll want to send them anything that helps the recipient know you better and reasons why they should endorse you. Things like your academics, resume, volunteer experience, and other relevant info are good places to start. Ideally, you’d wanna do this months before Rush Week, like before summer break.

If you haven’t done this, it’s fine; it’s only a recommended step! But if you have the time and find the right connections, maybe they’ll rush it for you. Pun not intended.

You won’t meet immediately meet the chapters once Rush starts

The first step is called the “convocation”. PNMs gather in a room during the Bama Rush convocation stage and different speakers introduce Rush Week and play videos about each chapter. You’re only going to actually meet the chapters during the open house in the afternoon. 

Then, you choose up to 12 chapters you want to know more about. If the chapters you picked also chose you, then congrats—you get to meet them at the next rounds!

One caveat of this is that you only have one day to feel out all 17 chapters before you’re asked to pick the 12 you want to meet. So you’ll have to go with your gut feeling, the vibes you get from them through their intro video, and all the stalking— I mean research you’ve done on TikTok. 

Each round gets more selective

After convocation (in the morning) and open house (in the afternoon), the next stages of recruitment for University of Alabama sororities are Philanthropy, Sisterhood, Preference, and Bid Day. Philanthropy round is where you get to know the humanitarian causes each chapter chose to meet your support. Sisterhood round is you getting to know what the chapters do as friends and sisters. Finally, the Preference round is where you meet your Top 2 sororities and see which one you fit in best. Make sure you’re prepared for the questions they will ask you and the questions you wanna ask!

From the 12 chapters you chose during convocation, you will narrow it down to 7 after Philo, and 2 after Sisterhood. The list must be ranked based on the chapters you wanna prioritize, too. And, likewise, the chapters become more selective per round, and you may not get an invite to the next round from some of the chapters you listed.

Bama chapters have Bid Day Retreats

If you think the festivities are over after you run to your chapter, you’re in for a surprise. The University of Alabama sororities have Bid Day retreats that happen on the day itself or the day after. What you guys do will depend on the chapter you’ll end up in. For example, Zeta Tau Alpha brought their girls to Birmingham Zoo while Kappa Alpha Theta went swimming!

While you may have similar experiences during other universities’ Rush Week, Bama Rush remains one of the most iconic sorority recruitment events in the country. Hope these help you prepare for next year’s Bama Rush! Good luck!!

PS: Post on RushTok and tag us @shirtjustgotcrazy lol pls we love y’alls pics sm