Hey-- good luck. I hope the heavy rains that we're getting in Dallas today stay away from Austin!

Welcome to Greekchat 12 mom! You should start a thread on your daughter's rush (hint hint)

Today must have been a long day for you - I hope you have enough energy to update us! :)

Good luck!

Hey again yall!


Today was very hectic, it wasn't too hot in the morning but it did start to heat up in the afternoon. Thankfully it didn't rain!

My group visited all 14 houses today (20 minutes per house, plus walking around ;)). It was quite an experience and I met some absolutely amazing women!

---------

Bluebonnet: The girls at this house were very nice. They made me feel very welcome, but I would have to spend more time with them to know if I would truly fit in with them. Overall, they were friendly and fun to talk with.


Longhorn: This house was my favorite. The girls reminded me a lot of myself and the conversation just flowed naturally. I loved all of the personalities of the girls that I spoke with, and I would love to be invited back.


Mockingbird: The girls at this house were very genuine. I liked the "vibe" that they gave off, and they were very chatty and happy.


Lonestar: I wasn't able to really get a good read on the girls in this house. I didn't come out of the house feeling like I knew a lot about the girls there, but it may have just been because it was the first day...


Armadillo: The conversation at this house was a little forced, but I think that my rusher was nervous (she was really nice!). I would really have to go back to get a better feel for this house.


Cactus: I loved this house! I felt really at home and very comfortable talking with the girls.


Jalapeno: The girls were very, very nice, but I don't think that this is the house for me. I didn't feel like I had a lot in common with the girls there.


Pecan: Fun house! I liked the friendliness of the girls there, but I don't feel like I know enough about them to say whether or not I would fit in there.


Chili: This house had a really down-to-earth and genuine feel about it. My rusher was super cute and super sweet, I would love to have the chance to go back to this house.


Rodeo: Overall, I liked this house. The girls made me laugh (in a good way!) and seemed like they really did want to be talking with me.


Bluetopaz: The conversation at this house just seemed to come naturally, and I liked getting to know the girls at this house. I would like to have the opportunity to visit this house again.


Alamo: The girls here were very fun and and great to talk with. I'm not sure that this is the place for me, but I did enjoy talking with everyone there!


Cowgirl: I really liked the girls in this house. The girls were chatty, but not in a forced way. I had some great conversations here!


Friendship: To be honest, the girls seemed nice but I'm not so sure that this is the house for me. It just didn't feel like "home".

------------------

Of course, this is only day 1 so I'm definitely keeping an open mind! I have to say that I can tell that yall put SO MUCH work into recruitment and that all of the houses were so well presented! So to all yall that work so hard before recruitment (and not just at ut!!) - WONDERFUL JOB!!!

Sorry for any typos - I'm really tired right now ;)

Tomorrow we meet in the morning to see what houses invited us back. We can pick up to 8 houses to go back to. We'll visit 4 of those tommorow, 4 the following day. Those days are philanthropy days, and we visit each house for 45 minutes each.

Something that yall might find interesting is that we had 1 news cameracrew and 3 individual reporters snooping around today! All of us were instructed not to talk with them, but they still tried to approach us and ask about "what really goes on at recruitment", etc!!! It still baffles me that people think sororities are some awful place - so not true!

I'm going to bed now - I'm dead tired and have a long (but exciting) day tomorrow!!

-utexasgirl

hurray for a great first day! i hope you have a great round 2!

You survived day one, woo hoo!!!!

Can't wait to read how day two goes.

Sounds like you had a great day! Get some rest :) And good luck!

I <3 your texas theme!!!

It sounds like you had a ton of fun on Day One! Best of luck to you in your recruitment process :)

Sounds like you had a great day! Hope you have another great day today! :) Keep us posted

i hope things are going great for you utexasgirl!

Hi again yall!

I do have some updates, so sorry for taking so long to reply but it's been crazy down here. So for Period 1, these are the houses I was invited back to:

Bluebonnet
Cactus
Jalapeno
Mockingbird
Pecan
Rodeo
Blue Topaz
Alamo
Armadillo
Cowgirl

And these are the houses that I decided to go back to (we could pick up to 8, I went with 7):

Bluebonnet
Mockingbird
Armadillo
Rodeo
Pecan
Cactus
Cowgirl


We had philanthropy day (split into two days). It was fun and here's my "feedback" on the houses:


Bluebonnet - They had a very cute presentation and were very energetic. But, I felt a little uncomfortable at this house and I do not think it is the place for me.

Mockingbird - I really like these girls. The girl who was rushing the first day remember me and came up to say hi and see how I was doing. I feel really at home here.

Armadillo - These girls had my favorite presentation of all (it had an AWESOME theme to it!). I love this house and the girls a lot, but I'm not entirely that they feel the same way about me. I really hope to be invited back!

Rodeo - The girls here were nice and had a fun activity for everyone. I am still not sure if this is the place for me, but I did have a good time there.

Pecan - Everyone was very nice and friendly. They were all very spunky! I'm not too sure if I would fit in here that well because I don't think I have too much in common with a lot of these girls.

Cactus - I really liked this house and a good time here. The girls were nice and I felt like I had "real" conversations with them (if that makes sense...). I would like to have the chance to see them again.

Cowgirl - I liked their presentation and activity a lot. The girls were still very chatty this time, but I still don't feel like I know them that well. I would love to get to know them better, though!


Now this is just pure honesty coming out - this whole process is really discouraging. I felt like some of these houses just invited me back because of my family's social status. I want a house to want me for ME. Also, I keep hearing other PNMs say things like "Well I heard so-and-so got cut from the top six so she dropped out...that sucks and I would drop out too!" and also "I can't believe that house even invited you back, I hope you regretted their invite!". I expected UT rush to be cut-throat (we all know it is), but I didn't expect so many people to act so childish and superficial. I don't mean to bash rush, but I guess I just want to be sure it's not like this all of the time...I hope that makes sense to yall.

12mom3 - did your daughter mention anything about this?? Let her know that I know how she felt yesterday about the schedules ;)

Of course, I am having fun and I've found three/four houses that I like a lot. I'll keep yall updated as the week goes on!! We have convocation tomorrow morning to see who invited us back for round 2 (skit day).

-utexasgirl

Don't let all the "tent talk" get to you. Keep an open mind and let the other girls spin their wheels. You'll know whats right for you.

utexasgirl -

I am so glad to hear from you. I was beginning to get worried.

No, my daughter didn't say anything to me, but that is probably because I have spent the last six months preparing her for the competitiveness of rush and how cut throat it can be. So, I think in her mind it isn't nearly as bad as I made it sound. And I also told not to discuss with anyone how she felt about a particular group, who she liked or who she didn't like. Don't know if she is following that advice!

All I can say is keep with it. The more time you spend with these girls the better you will get to know a truer them. And just because some girls have the attitudes you described, I don't think most feel that way.

Good Luck and get some sleep! My daughter said she is worn out!

Good Luck girl!

utexasgirl-
I personally think it's admirable that you find those comments distasteful & while I agree with the "ignore the tent talk" sentiment to an extent, it might be helpful to you in making your decision...and this is just an opinion-feel free to take it w/a grain of salt, as I did not go through a rush as complex as UTs (my school had 3 sororities and 2 of them were pretty evenly matched and the other was brand new so we knew nothing about them), but here is what I would do with that....

If it was me, I would try to remember who the women were who made the comments. Then, when I got to Pref-I'd look around the room at my fellow PNM's. Some of the women at that Pref will be your new sisters. If it was me, and I went to 3 pref parties, one of which had several of the superficial women you refer to, I would think twice about putting that house high on my pref list.

On the other hand-you will probably have a pledge class of over 50 women, and maybe you will have an opportunity to be a good influence on these ladies. You sound very mature, but some 18 year old freshman haven't matured from their selfish highschool selves. 12mom3 is right - not all your fellow PNMs feel the way you described.

Bottom line-UT has some long-established houses w/definite state-wide reputations....some girls start deciding what house they want when they are pre-teens at Camp Longhorn (or other TX summer camps). You sound like someone who doesn't care about all that, and really wants to find a sisterhood. Just enjoy the rest of recruitment & keep an open mind like you already have & you will be able to do what's best for you!

Keep having fun!

Just co-signing what Andi said. I went through it and it doesn't seem to change much. This is YOUR decision, and you are the only person you have to please. It sounds like you are keeping an open mind. Best of luck with the rest of rush!:)

this is great advice! as for what other people think and say, i would try not to let it bother you...especially if you had a good time at xyz and you feel like you want to get to know those women better, even tho they are they group people are saying "i can't believe you are going back there..." go with your heart because in the end, it is you who have to be happy...not the 300+ other girls who rushed with you.

good luck with the next few days. we will certainly be rooting for you!
:)

continue to relax and keep your eyes and your heart open and see what happens and see what works for you.
and have a little fun.
we're with you.

utexasgirl
 

just like you, legacies sometimes wonder if their legacy sorority is inviting them back because they like them or because they are a legacy. all i can say is this:while your family's social status may be well known and it may get you a second invitation, i like to think that most sorority members realize that YOU, not your status, will be what they deal with on a daily basis, and that will be what they base their decisions on. don't sell yourself short!! and if your family comes up in conversation, it just might be because your hostess has run out of things to talk about and is grasping for anything to avoid "dead air." best wishes. lisa

Hey yall-

I want to thank everyone for their support and advice in regards to recruitment. I am still trying to give recruitment here a shot, and I hope that everything will turn out how it is meant to be.

This morning was very emotional - a LOT of girls were cut, and a LOT of girls were crying. Yall, it's so hard to see so many girls be so disappointed! I was invited back to:

Bluebonnet
Rodeo
Pecan
Cowgirl

Sadly, I was cut from all of the houses that I really liked. I accepted all of today's invitations. I am still going to give today a shot, because you never know what will happen!

I have a question for anyone that knows about the the PHC sororities at UT. If I choose to pledge a house that is in the so-called "bottom tier" at UT, am I going to get treated poorly by other greeks for it? I want an honest answer from someone...I've tried asking my recruitment counselors but I can tell they are not being honest with me. Yalls answers aren't going to change my opinion on anything, but I want to be prepared if I decide to go a certain way....I hope that makes sense to yall. A house's "status" here is really not important to me, but I want to know what to expect from others.

12mom3- Do you know what houses here do informal recruitment? I'm just curious.

That said, I just want to stress how great yall are!! It is SO wonderful to have support and encouragement from girls who have "been there done that". If I'm not too tired tonite, I'll post again with how tonight went :)

I hope you have a great time tonight!!! I can't say much about UT house status since I really have no idea. I'm so glad that you are continuing with recruitment! You might just find that one of those houses are your "diamond in the rough" and you'll love it!!!

Good luck to you!

i am sorry you got cut from your favorites, but i am glad that you are giving this a chance!! i can't speak for how you will be treated by other people on your campus, but you should do what is best for you...regardless of what other people may think. in any house, you will find friendships, sisterhood, opportunities for involvement in leadership, philanthropy, etc. your experience will be whatever you make it....wherever you go. good luck!

I'm sorry you got cut from your favorites but I'm glad that you accepted your invites. Those houses see something in you that makes them say "we want this girl as our sister", keep that in mind. :)

I know deep down that you will find your home. Just keep your heart and your mind open to the houses you were invited back to.

And don't worry about "tier status". It doesn't matter. All that matters is that if you find a house tonight that you can see yourself a sister of, go for it. Don't worry about what other people think. All that matters is what you think.

Best of Luck and I can't wait to hear back how the parties went.

Sorry to hear you got cut from your favorites, but hopefully you'll find another favorite out of the 4 houses you have left.

I cannot speak for UT directly, but I was greek at Texas Tech. I would hope that other greeks would not look down on you for being in a necessarily "bottom tier" sorority. If you find a 'home' that fits you, that is all that matters. I know in today's society it is hard to put behind you what other people think or how they treat you. I went through rush not knowing anything about any of the sororities at Tech and in the end, I was completely happy. I was with girls that I had much more in common with and it was the greatest thing of my life. Regardless of what other people thought or what other greeks thought, I wore my letters proudly!!!!

Sometimes you just have to ignore what other people think (its easier said than done) and just know that you are happy.....and that is what matters most.

Keep an open mind (as you seem to have done so far) and best wishes!!!!

utexasgirl -

My son who goes to UT has friends in all of the sororities. Some of his best girlfirends are in the so-called "bottom-tier" sororities and he encouraged his sister to give all the sororities a chance and to not listen to anybody's opinion.

I also told my daughter to try fall in love with three sororities and to try to wait until today to have any favorites.

Let me tell you my story. i went to a small college as a triple legacy to a sorority - aunt, grandmother and mother. By the time Pref rolled around, the only party I was invited to was the one I was a legacy to. That was ok, because I liked the girls I had met. But looking back and being honest, if I had known nothing about sororities and had no ties, I probably would not have chosen that group. But I had a fabulous sorority experience, I love all my sisters, especially my pledge group and my big sister and would not change the sorority I am in. So please, do not judge any group based on someone's so-called "tier" ranking.
You have only spent about an hour with each group - go into tonight with open eyes and a new perspective, look around like it was open house and I bet you come home tonight with a new perspective about each house. Best of Luck to you.

And remember - there are 150 - 200 girls in each group - you have only met maybe 20. I told my daughter you will find close friends in whatever group you choose.

About informal rush - acccording to the texasgreeks website -

"The University of Texas Panhellenic Council does not sponsor or organize a formal spring recruitment. Some chapters continue to recruit and pledge women throughout the school year. Events are organized and scheduled at each chapter's convenience. If you want the opportunity to interact with all fourteen of our sororities before making your sorority choice, then you should participate in fall formal recruitment."


Hope this helps - I wish you the best

I really liked your advice dzandiloo! I definately agree on this.

This story pertains to this advice and on "top tier".

I had two girls in my rush group who would constantly talk about other sororities and the such.. when "decision time" came, they openly said how they couldnt imagine being in any other sorority except this one (they made it know that they put this one top). This made my decision that much easier to go pi phi (not that they were the real reason). Talk to other girls who are going to the same groups you are to get to know them, this will help bc those older girls will one day not be there, but you new pledge class will make a difference.0.

Also, Pi Phi at the time was what we called a "sleeper sorority". We had (and still do) have a true sisterhood and great time. None of us ever worried about being number one bc that didnt matter to us. So maybe we arent the top one on campus according to the top sororites, but that doesnt matter bc when you have girls in those "top chapters" coming up to you telling you how much they respect your sorority and wish they had pledged pi phi instead you can only smile and know that those rankings dont mean anything.

This is SOOOOOOO true!!! Awesome advice angelic1!!! :)

congrats to you and your daughter....she's still in the game.
now if she can keep an open mind and look at the big picture things could be terrific.
my hopes are with her.

ditto all of the above, rankings don't matter if you find a place where you can be comfortable and sisters you can be great friends with. I do believe there are girls in most groups with whom you can find connections and develop lasting friendships.

What she said! I have to admit this high tier and low tier crap works my last GOOD nerve! :rolleyes:

Better yet, if they look down on you for not being in a top tier, that is THEIR problem...F**k THEM! A chapter that is "top tier" :rolleyes: at one school might not be so strong at another
Is the sisterhood strong? Are they close? Would you be proud to be part of that sister hood? Then that is what matters.

Like "packages" bigger doesn't always mean better! (sorry for the crass comparison)
Keep an open mind and one of those sleeper groups might knock you off your feet and put a big ol smile on your face

Rho Chis are not supposed to say anything negative...who knows they may be a member of one of those groups

Snaps to all of the above. I had friends in many sororities on my campus, and there were things I admired about every one.

QUOTE]Originally posted by utexasgirl
I have a question for anyone that knows about the the PHC sororities at UT. If I choose to pledge a house that is in the so-called "bottom tier" at UT, am I going to get treated poorly by other greeks for it? I want an honest answer from someone... [/QUOTE]

utexsagirl-
There are always going to be people who are so self-centered & caught up in the world of labels (e.g. "top tier", which I hate to even perpetuate by referring to it) that they will not think twice of thinking poorly of someone who is a member of a group that they do not consider the top. These are the same people who would rather miss out on true sisterhood than have to wear the letters of a group that they feel is beneath them (stupid & shortsighted!). This is true on every campus. I may be wrong, but I don't think the atmosphere @ UT is one where the groups treat eachother badly based on some kind of status....

To my knowledge, every group has strong numbers and excellent national support (admittedly, I don't know the numbers first hand), so the only thing that places some of those groups in the top tier is that they are the good ol' girl Texas blue blood groups (no offense to those groups, BTW - they have earned their place, but don't exist in a vacuum!). You said yourself that you don't want your social status to be the deciding factor of where you end up.

My brother, who was Greek @ UT several years ago never had a bad thing to say about any of the sororities, other than there were some who did not mix with his fraternity b/c it was too small (his org was recolonizing at the time). He told me that every group had something to offer, and that he thought it was a shame that so many women at UT don't take advantage of membership in the smaller groups just because they aren't considered the cool groups to be in. IMO? If I had gone to UT, I never would have rushed b/c the whole process would have completely intimidated me, and knowing what I know now, I really would have missed out...making it as far as you have is an accomplishment in itself, and speaks well of you for not being close minded and letting others decide for you.

Be honest with yourself-what are you going through recruitment for? If the answer is to enrich your college experience w/a meaningful sisterhood and countless wonderful memories, then don't worry about whether your group is upper echelon. Your sisterhood will last well beyond your 4-5 years @ UT!!!!! All of the groups there are wonderful national organizations that can provide you an enriching experience for the rest of your life.

Hang in there-it is up to you, but I strongly encourage you to at least embark on the new member/pledge process if you can. (I'm stopping short of begging...I just really cannot stress enough how life-changing being a part of a sorority is, and would hate for you to forego it w/o some real 1st hand experience beyond this hectic week.

co-sign! co-sign! co-sign!!! she could not have said it any better!!!!!!!!

:eek: I wouldn't even know how to follow up to dzandiloo's last post! It was awesome!

utexasgirl - I sent you a PM. Check your user cp.

Hey again yall-

Okay so tonight was really cute - the skits were all very creative and fun to watch! And the way the houses were decorated was so awesome. Very fun indeed. Here is what I thought about tonight:

Bluebonnet: It was so amazing how creative everything was! I loved their skit and how much effort they put into recruitment. However, the girls at this house are not like myself at all. They are all wonderful people, but I know in my heart that this is not the place for me.

Rodeo: I like the girls at this house a lot. Out of all of the houses that I went to tonite, this is one that I feel I best fit in with. Yall, this is a smaller NPC chapter at UT. But, I've taken everyone's advice and I believe that no matter the size or "status" of a chapter, what matters is how I feel when I'm around the girls. I hope that the girls here like me and invite me back tomorrow!

Pecan: Absolutely adorable theme and skit. The girls here are friendly but to be honest with yall, I do not feel as though I have anything in common with them. They are perfect for lots of other girls, but just not what I am looking for.

Cowgirl: Very fun house with a lot to offer. I am glad that I went back to this house. I felt a lot more comfortable around the girls tonight than I did previous days. Overall, they seem like a good match for myself.



I really am looking past the "tier status" at UT. I want to pledge somewhere that I like, not pledge somewhere that everyone else thinks I should like. dzandiloo - That was the best advice I could have asked for ;)

I am crossing my fingers for tomorrow morning!! I'll let yall know what ends up happening :)

OHHHH, good luck! What a beautiful attitude!