So, Why is Bama Rush Such a BFD? Allow Our RushTok Guide to Explain
We interrupt your TikTok scrolling for an important message: #BamaRush is back, baby! Yep, it's officially that time of year when every third video on our FYP has been taken hostage by starry-eyed, University of Alabama undergrads documenting their sorority rush experience for the viral phenomenon that is #BamaRushTok. And strangely enough, we can’t help but get sucked back into the swirling vortex of micro-vlogs highlighting every damn detail that goes into the sorority recruitment process as colleges across the country begin their Fall 2022 semester. The cult following RushTok has gained, especially of the young women chronicling their journey to sisterhood at SEC schools like the University of Alabama (aka 'Bama), places the obsession with Bama Rush somewhere between the Miss USA pageant and the NFL Draft.
For those who aren’t as familiar with that side of TikTok or are maybe just a little confused by everything that goes into rush, let’s get you up to speed. There is *a lot* to unpack when it comes to Bama Rush, so, before we jump into the ins and outs of sorority recruitment, here's a crash course on some of the most common RushTok lingo you’ve probs been hearing over the past couple weeks:
RushTok Lingo 101
Rush: The week-long sorority recruitment “try-out” process, during which undergrad women become acquainted with current members of various sorority houses. Btw, these “houses” at University of Alabama are actually multi-MILLION dollar mansions. Wayyy better than my college dorm...
PNM: Potential New Member. The undergrad women going through rush with hopes of landing a sorority offer. PNMs with large TikTok followings are often called “rush queens.” The more ya know.
Actives: Current members of a sorority. Actives play a key role in recruiting PNMs and have major pull in deciding who gets invited back to the sorority house during rush week rounds.
Rounds: Each day of rush week is known as a “round.” As rush week progresses, rounds become invite-only, with actives narrowing down their choice of PNMs to return.
Drop: At the end of each round, PNMs rank their top sororities while actives decide which girls will be invited back to the sorority house. PNMs who do not receive an invite for the next round are “dropped.” :(
Bid Day: The final day of rush week when the hundreds of PNMs gather to find out which sorority they got into. The girls are handed envelopes with a letter inside revealing the name of the sorority they have been offered to join, which once opened, is usually followed by an unreal amount of of high-pitched shrieking and happy tears.
Actually though, what is all the #BamaRushTok 2022 hype about?
Although not a TV series *yet* (rumors have been confirmed that an HBO doc is in the works), many have dubbed the 2022 University of Alabama sorority recruitment process as “season two,” after summer 2021's inaugural TikTok FYP takeover. Viewers obsessively follow along, fixated by over-the-top OOTDs, BTS rush footage, and daily updates from their favorite rush queens as if they are characters on a binge-worthy reality show.
With close to 500,000 followers and millions of views on TikTok, girls like Kylan Darnell have become instant fan faves in the plotline of 'Bama recruitment week. Maybe it is the sweet southern accents, but we simply can't help but become invested in the elaborate process these girls are put through, as we cheer them on from the sidelines of the comments section.
Despite the millions of eyes watching this all play out on social media for the first time (or the second, in this case), sororities and rushing are nothing new. Universities across America have been partaking in Greek life for well over a century—the first University of Alabama sorority was founded in 1904. Obviously the girlies back then weren't showing off what’s in their rush bag or coordinating outfits and choreo in the chapter group chat for a viral dance-off challenge.
Is there anything kinda, idk, problematic about all this?
Even with curated social feeds showcasing the best of recruitment activities, not everything about sorority life is as glamorous as a Kendra Scott bracelet. (Side note: These have a SERIOUS hold over these ladies, so much so that the brand has shouted out Bama Rush on TikTok.)
With the viral success of RushTok, concerns surrounding the problematic ways of sororities have become amplified for millions of people to hear. Like most historic organizations, Greek life has a long track record of being racist and classist, with the University of Alabama only desegregating their sororities in 2013. Yes, you read that right, 2013, as in nine years ago. You don’t have to scroll through #BamaRush for long to see the obvious lack of diversity and classism on display as countless thin, (usually) blonde, self-tanned white women show off their privilege via OOTDs consisting of frilly boutique dresses and and gold jewelry.
On top of tuition, joining a sorority can be expensive AF. Membership dues at ‘Bama cost thousands of dollars per semester (like, over $4,000 for not even living in the houses), in addition to the themed costumes and outfits, gift-giving, and events that pile onto the expected costs of being a sorority girl. Registering for recruitment at UA runs PNMs close to $400 alone, with no guarantee you'll get an offer come bid day. The opportunities of Greek life are protected by a v high paywall, only open to those (or those whose parents) can afford such a privilege. Meanwhile, the rest of us have to live vicariously through their TikToks.
What’s next for RushTok?
As Bama Rush 2022 wraps up, with bid day happening this past weekend, the global fascination with the process of rush continues to have us by the collar of our University Tees. Soon enough our FYPs will return to their normal state as other viral moments make their rounds. But have no doubt, season three of #BamaRushTok will be here before we know it as a whole new group of sorority hopefuls make UA and our FYPs their home.
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