20 Questions

Questions to Ask During Rush

Engaging questions that help you connect with potential new members during rush while learning about their interests, values, and what they're looking for in a fraternity or sorority experience.

1

What are you most excited about in college and what are you hoping to get involved in?

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Why this works

Opens conversation on a positive note and reveals their interests, goals, and what they're looking for in their college experience.

2

What kind of community are you looking for and what values are most important to you?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their values and reveals what kind of community and relationships they're seeking in their college experience.

3

What are your hobbies and interests outside of academics?

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Why this works

Reveals their personality and interests while showing what activities and pastimes they enjoy and are passionate about.

4

What are you most passionate about and what drives you?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their motivations and reveals what they're passionate about and what drives them in life.

5

What kind of leadership opportunities are you interested in?

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Why this works

Demonstrates interest in their leadership potential and reveals what kind of leadership roles and opportunities they're seeking.

6

What are your goals for the next four years and beyond?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their future plans and reveals their goals, aspirations, and what they want to achieve in college and beyond.

7

What kind of friendships and relationships are you looking for?

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Why this works

Reveals their social preferences and shows what kind of friendships and relationships they value and are seeking.

8

What are you most nervous or excited about in starting college?

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Why this works

Creates vulnerability and bonding while revealing their concerns, hopes, and what they're looking forward to in college.

9

What kind of service and philanthropy opportunities interest you?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their values and reveals what kind of service and philanthropy work they're interested in and passionate about.

10

What are your favorite ways to have fun and what do you enjoy doing with friends?

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Why this works

Reveals their social preferences and shows what kind of activities and experiences they enjoy and find fun.

11

What kind of academic support and study groups are you looking for?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their academic goals and reveals what kind of academic support and study environment they're seeking.

12

What are your favorite ways to give back to the community?

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Why this works

Reveals their values and shows what kind of community service and giving back they're interested in and passionate about.

13

What kind of networking and professional development opportunities interest you?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their career goals and reveals what kind of networking and professional development opportunities they're seeking.

14

What are your favorite ways to stay active and healthy?

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Why this works

Reveals their lifestyle preferences and shows what kind of physical activities and health practices they enjoy and value.

15

What kind of cultural and diversity experiences are you interested in?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their values and reveals what kind of cultural and diversity experiences they're interested in and passionate about.

16

What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind?

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Why this works

Reveals their lifestyle preferences and shows what kind of relaxation and self-care activities they enjoy and value.

17

What kind of mentorship and guidance are you looking for?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their growth and reveals what kind of mentorship and guidance they're seeking in their college experience.

18

What are your favorite ways to celebrate and have fun with friends?

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Why this works

Reveals their social preferences and shows what kind of celebrations and fun activities they enjoy and value.

19

What kind of study abroad and travel opportunities interest you?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their global perspective and reveals what kind of study abroad and travel opportunities they're interested in.

20

What are your favorite ways to make a difference and impact others?

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Why this works

Reveals their values and shows what kind of impact and difference-making they're interested in and passionate about.

Best Practices for Rush Conversations

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Show Genuine Interest in Their Goals and Values

Demonstrate authentic curiosity about their interests, goals, and values. Ask follow-up questions and show enthusiasm for their aspirations and passions.

Focus on Community and Relationships

Ask about their interest in community, friendships, and relationships. This shows you understand the importance of building meaningful connections.

Be Patient and Encouraging

Give them time to share their thoughts and experiences. Show genuine interest in their responses and ask follow-up questions.

Question Sequences

The Goals and Values Sequence

1
What are you most excited about in college and what are you hoping to get involved in?
2
What kind of community are you looking for and what values are most important to you?
3
What are you most passionate about and what drives you?
4
What are your goals for the next four years and beyond?

The Interests and Activities Sequence

1
What are your hobbies and interests outside of academics?
2
What are your favorite ways to have fun and what do you enjoy doing with friends?
3
What are your favorite ways to stay active and healthy?
4
What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Make Assumptions About Their Interests

Avoid questions that assume you know about their interests or experiences. Let them share what they're passionate about and what drives them.

Don't Focus Only on the Social Aspects

While social aspects are important, also ask about their academic goals, values, and what they want to achieve in college and beyond.

Don't Ignore Their Individual Goals

Ask about their personal goals and aspirations. Show interest in what they want to achieve and how they want to grow and develop.

Conversation Templates

The Goals and Values Approach

1
Step 1: Start with: "I want to learn about your goals and what you're looking for..."
2
Step 2: Ask: "What are you most excited about in college and what are you hoping to get involved in?"
3
Step 3: Explore: "What kind of community are you looking for and what values are most important to you?"
4
Step 4: Connect: "What are you most passionate about and what drives you?"

The Interests and Activities Approach

1
Step 1: Begin with: "I'm curious about your interests and what you enjoy..."
2
Step 2: Ask: "What are your hobbies and interests outside of academics?"
3
Step 3: Explore: "What are your favorite ways to have fun and what do you enjoy doing with friends?"
4
Step 4: Connect: "What are your favorite ways to stay active and healthy?"

Further Reading

"The Art of Conversation" by Catherine Blyth
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
"The Friendship Factor" by Alan Loy McGinnis
"The Art of Friendship" by William Rawlins

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