From my experience in a chapter that is pretty competitive in recruitment, I would say it's less that people who aren't gorgeous get discriminated against but more that the girls who are gorgeous get a leg up. Subtle difference, often with the same end result, but in most situations it's not that the sisters are saying "oh she's overweight so she's cut" but more "oh she's gorgeous, let's invite her back."

To play a numbers game, let's say for simplicity quota is 10. Those "looks-based" chapters often have 10 women that, from beauty alone, created quite a buzz. Let me also state that these women fulfill all the other qualifications (GPA, activities, personality, etc) but their additional beauty vaults them into the limelight. Let's say we get half of those women and our competitor gets half. That means that only 5 spaces are open for the women who didn't generate the buzz off their looks but who have all the same other qualifications. It can get really competitive from that point on.

So I agree, it may be tougher but if you present yourself with enthusiasm, confidence and are well put-together (outfit, hair, make-up, etc) and meet the GPA and activities qualifications you should definitely have a shot at enough chapters that you could find a home in.

I know I've been angry at how shallow my chapter can be, but once again it's more their excitement for those beautiful PNMs as opposed to the "big, mean, we are going to negatively talk about not as attractive PNMs behind their backs chapter" scenario that is thrown around casually in here. Once again, same end result so it doesn't really solve anything but I get a bit miffled when I'm told the ONLY reason those chapters pick their women is looks...when in reality they meet all the other qualifications...it's more the tipping point.

Anyways I'll end my hijack and say good luck to you!

It's that way even at noncompetitive chapters. Anyone who thinks her chapter or system is "above" considering a rushee's appearance at all is just kidding herself.

And on the other side of the coin, you could be the most gorgeous thing since Venus, but if you don't have anything else going for you, you won't get very far.

I challenge you to find a sorority at Auburn that does not have overweight girls in it. From what I have seen, they all have some members who are considered overweight. My point is that even at competitive schools it is not impossible to be in a good sorority even if you are overweight. It just seems to me that most of the chapters try to get some diversity in terms of academics, athletics, musical ability as well as appearance. What are your strengths? Make sure you play up your strengths. Also, just because you are overweight does not mean that you are not gorgeous....the two are not mutually exclusive. I'm just saying that you should not think about yourself in terms of just that one trait, there is much more to you than that and your job is to make sure that the sororities know what you have to offer in 20 minutes or less.

Thanks you guys so much for all your honesty and advice!
rush starts next week, so I am just going to give it my all and be as genuine as possible and have fun!
I'll keep you posted!
Thanks again!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU
 

I wish you all the best in your rush experience. Have fun with it. You sound like a wonderful girl. Good luck and I can't wait to hear how it went. You will be in my thoughts.

So GC I promised I'd keep you guys posted!
So rush was really fun and I loved meeting all the girls and I instantly clicked with one sorority. Days before bid night I was so anxious I was freaking out but then bid night came and I got a bid!! So excited to start with them I love these girls so much!
So thanks again for all your honesty, advice, and support it really helped me put my best foot forward and have confidence in myself. I'm so excited! :)
Thanks again!

<3

:eek: You didn't say WHO gave you a bid! Congratulations anyway!

Congrats!

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say or not, but oh well. Delta Zeta! <3 them!

thanks again!

Why would you not be supposed to say??? :confused:

Congrats to you and DZ!

Congratulations to you and Delta Zeta!

Congratulations to you and Delta Zeta!

Congratulations! :)

Congrats to you and to Delta Zeta!

I am so pleased it worked out so beautifully for you! I was rooting for you.