GreekChat.com Forums - Grades in Recruitment

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbb1015 (Post 1854013)

I am currently trying to decide weather to attend the University of Alabama or University of South Alabama, and despite what some may say, I am basing a lot of my desicion on sororities. My whole life, I have wanted to go to Alabama but as it gets closer, I am afraid I will not be able to be in a sorority at Bama. The competition at South is a lot less intense so I have a better chance of getting a bid their. I am out of state and they say that helps but I am still not sure. I have a 3.01 GPA, but I also attended one of the top public schools in the nation. By the end of this year, I will have a 4.0 for my senior year, but not sure if that matters because my GPA will still only be a 3.1. What I do have going for me is my ACT scores, I scored very well on the ACT. What I am wondering though is if Sororities even look at those. I also have some friends and cousins in houses right now and I am a legacy, but I know these days that doesn't do much for me. I also have a last name that is appreciated at Bama and South and lots of family that have gone through the greek system at both. I am a VERY outgoing and well rounded person with a extensive resume with a wide range of extracurricular activities and community service hours. What I want to know from yall is if you think I will be ok at Alabama with my name, connections, and extra curricular activities and ACT scores, despite my GPA???

Thanks and Roll Tide!

Straight up regarding Bama.

Some Chapters may be interested in your pedigree because they like bragging rights. Some things to think about. Do you want a bid from a Chapter because of your connections or because they like you as a person? What can you bring to the Chapter as a member? A Chapter won't be issuing a bid to your Grandpa or your Dad. However and far more importantly, few will be willing to significantly lower their standards just because of the achievements of someone's family members.

As for your GPA, if you graduate HS with a 3.01 you will still have options but they may be somewhat limited. A 3.1 would be far better. I tell PNMs that in order to be fairly safe from GPA cuts they need at least a 3.2+. You just need to know that you will be competing with other PNMs who have higher. If you do in fact come from an uber-difficult HS, make sure your Rec writers say something. I suggest providing some official documentation from the HS specifically stating that. Chapters may take this into consideration, especially regarding (unknown) out of state HS'.

Now an ACT of 34 would definitely help as well. More and more Chapters are starting to look at ACT/SAT scores because we realize there is grade inflation as well as significant variations in the level of difficulty in HS'. While it may not be enough to save someone from being a grade drop, it may help someone who is on the "bubble".