topics for rush

The thing about IWTs is that the conversations usually last less than 10 minutes, and most of the time actives will begin a conversation and then leave if another active comes over... That being said, you're going to be asked a lot of basic questions like what's your name, where are you from, what did you do in high school, etc. And the active is leading the conversation most of the time, so you may feel like you won't have a chance to say anything really on your mind about a different topic.

However, there are ways you can bring up your admiration for a house's philanthropy. Actives usually ask how rush has been for you so far and you can say something like "oh rush has been great, I really love your house so far, and I'm really interested in your philanthropy" or something along those lines. Or you can bring it up when an active asks you what you were involved with during high school and if you were involved in something similar in high school you can say something like "oh i was a part of XYZ club, it was amazing, and I know your house's philanthropy is very similar and I would love to be able to continue my participation in XYZ club through your house."

My tips are:

-Breathe, relax, and drink water. A lot of it.
-Let the active steer the conversation, they've been trained on it. You will probably only be talking to them for 5 mins and there's a lot to cover. It will happen fast.
-Try to build on things, ask "what about you" after answering everything they ask you (as long as its applicable.)
-You will probably be asked why you decided to rush. Mentioning your passion for community service and then saying you are specifically excited about X's philanthropy can help. If you are genuine the active will be able to pick up on it.
-Honestly just be yourself. If you're shy then say you're rushing because you're a shy person and want to meet new people. If you're outgoing then be outgoing. If you have a sense of humor, be funny. YOU are trying to figure out whether or not you are comfortable in a house, so be YOU!

This summer if you are ever at a party or social gathering with people you don't know, try practicing making small talk with them and see what you can do to make the conversation flow. Ask your friends to help you practice (it can be fun especially if you're both gonna be rushing and can switch places between actives and PNMs.)

At the end of the day it is mostly the active's responsibility to fuel the convo, but practice taking what they give you and making it worthwhile! Some people think IWT chats have to be shallow and basic - I disagree. They are what you make them. Good luck!