Sorority Rush takes over TikTok –– and college budgets

If your social media feed looks anything like this right now, congratulations, you've made it to Rush Talk

That's the corner of TikTok where potential new members, or PNMs, and current sorority members show off outfits, activities, and all the social dynamics of recruitment

But like most big trends these days, it can come with a pretty big price tag

Greek life may come with stereotypes, but for many, getting a bid to your dream house is a true milestone

Its popularity is easy to see from social media to documentaries like HBO's Bama Rush

Being in a sorority will help me figure out the person I want to be

The process means multiple rounds of meeting and talking with different houses

trying to make a great first impression. And that's where consultants come in

Stacia Dameron of Hiking and Heels Consulting tells me she has 300 girls going through the rush process this week alone

I also spoke with Tricia Addix, founder of It's All Greek to Me

She says social media's constant stream of content can make it hard not to play the comparison game

These girls have put in so much effort to get into college

that we really don't want them to drop the ball once they're in, you know

trying to achieve the next goal which is to find your people From outfit of the day posts to rush hauls the pressure to look the part can push some to buy the trendiest and priciest brands You don have to wear the

brands to get into a sorority. I mean, you can rock a Target outfit and if you're rocking it

that's way better than someone who's wearing Love Shack fancy and is not confident in it

According to Bankrate, the average cost of joining a sorority is $1,000 to $4,700 per semester, covering application fees, dues, and other even expenses

But Addix says consultants like herself can help families understand the best ways to make it work

There may even be financial aid options available. And while social media may be driving interest, Addix believes it also means the process may need some adjustments if popularity keeps growing

I just see that it's going to become more difficult, more competitive

Some changes are going to have to be made in order to have girls not be heartbroken

Not everyone who goes through Rush gets a bid, and Addix advises focusing on the prep you've already done and staying grounded

Avoid the comparison game. Don't go on TikTok and Instagram when you're going through Rush

and have a support squad in place before you go. With Stray Nero news, I'm Kennedy Felton

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