How do bids work in sorority recruitment, what is a bid day, sorority recruitment process, bid day outfit, joining a sorority

Joining a sorority is a life-changing experience—but getting there can feel like a mystery. If you're wondering how bids work in sorority recruitment, you're not alone. Let’s break down the process from first impressions to final invites, so you can feel confident heading into the most exciting day of the season: Bid Day.

What Is a Bid in Sorority Recruitment?

A bid is a formal invitation from a sorority inviting you to become a new member. Think of it as a golden ticket—your official welcome into sisterhood. You’ll typically receive a bid at the end of Primary Recruitment Week, after multiple rounds of events and mutual selection between PNMs (Potential New Members) and chapters.

✅ Quick definition:
A sorority bid = an offer to join.

How Do You Get a Sorority Bid?

During recruitment, you’ll meet sisters from different sororities across several rounds:

• Open House / Welcome Round

• Philanthropy Round

• Sisterhood Round

• Preference Night

Each round, chapters narrow down their lists—and you do too. At the end of the final round, you submit your preferences in a system called MRABA (Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement). Sororities submit theirs too. Then the magic algorithm pairs you with a chapter that selected you and that you ranked highly.

? Key tip: Be genuine. Sororities want members who are a great fit for their values, not just someone checking boxes.

What Is Bid Day?

Bid Day is the final event of sorority recruitment—and the most unforgettable. It’s when you open your bid card, find out what sorority has invited you to join, and run home to your new sisterhood.

Expect:

• A themed celebration with food, music, and tons of photos

• Matching Bid Day T-shirts or accessories

• Bonding activities and first introductions to your pledge class

It’s Insta-worthy and emotionally epic.

? Pro tip: Shop Bid Day essentials in advance—like custom sorority stoles, jewelry, or totes—for reveal day or new member gifts!

Can You Get Multiple Bids?

In formal recruitment, you’ll typically receive one bid, based on your preferences and the chapters’ selections. If you don’t receive a bid, don’t panic—there’s also COB (Continuous Open Bidding), a more relaxed process some chapters use to welcome members throughout the year.

What Happens After You Accept a Bid?

Once you accept your bid:

• You officially become a new member

• You’ll start attending events, meetings, and education sessions

• You’ll get a Big Sister (mentor) and start forming deep bonds

• Eventually, you’ll go through initiation, becoming a full sister for life

This is when the real magic begins—late-night talks, community service projects, formals, lifelong friendships, and leadership opportunities.

What to Wear on Bid Day

Your sorority will likely give you a Bid Day shirt to match your pledge class, but until then, keep it comfy and cute:

• Neutral tank or tee (think: white, blush, or light gray)

• Athletic shorts or casual denim

• Accessories you can remove or re-style (just in case colors clash with the chapter shirt)

? Extra sparkle: Add a pair of stylish sunglasses, fun earrings, or a pre-ordered Greek letter bracelet to make the moment yours.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Bid. It’s the Beginning.

Whether you're dreaming of wearing Greek letters or just testing the waters, remember: a bid isn’t just an invite—it’s a beginning. The beginning of a new chapter. A new community. A new you.

So keep an open heart, trust the process, and know that wherever you land, you’ll find a place where you truly belong.

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