sorry!!
 

I went to a very small school in Arkansas that doesn't even really have formal recruitment. We call it formal but compared to these stories I have heard it's nothing!!! (We also only have 3 npc groups on campus.) Anyways, If I offended you I am soo sorry...I am just used to everything being very very informal and laid-back. I promise I didn't mean it that way. = )

after reading that site, i must say.. i'm kind of intimidated! it seems like a lot of work! :eek:

I don't know a whole lot about sororoity recruitment but it seems that a lot of people are getting all freaked out and making more out of it than it should be...

Now be honest... Recruitment is going to be different anywhere you go, so write an article that would fit every school's standards and guidelines of recruitment would be damn impossible.

Her article is well written and seems to be written from experience. It is most definately biased from her views of her own greek system (a large and compeititve one) so I'm sure many of the things which she writes about that many of you disagree with may not fit your greek system specifically, but fits those similar to hers. Shes spreading information to help prepare PNMs for rush, not creating a set of strict guidelines which everyone must follow.

The weight and hair issue... I dunno how to get into that one. She doesn't say "go get skinny"... It seemed to me that she was just merely suggesting that if you're out of shape and want to insure the best chances for you getting a first choice, get in shape... Look as good as you can... As much as many of you will try and deny it, how you look is a part of the decision process. It is much easier to get a haircut, wear nice clothes and possibly get in better shape (note she said better shape, not get skinny. it is a fact that better shape includes better endurance) than to say "make sure the grades that you've already completed are good" or "make sure you have an outgoing friendly personality"... You can't change your grades and you can't change your personality but you can choose how you appear to people. First impressions are very important and ask around... The first thing a person will judge you on when seeing you is how you are dressed. How you look... etc...

I can see in a situation like rush where there really just isn't much time to show all of your other great qualities, how something so seemingly insignificant as your haircut, clothing, etc can have quite an impact. Every little bit helps...

I think she did a very good job writing this. Nothing should be taken to heart, as with most other things you read, but it is very informative and could really help a PNM get off to a good start.

Thats my 2 cents.

-Matt

You are very smart for a boy. I agree with what you've said.

I agree with FSU Zeta comments. Florida is HHHOOOTTT and HUMID in August so to keep your energy going between houses (without looking wilted and drained), being healthy and in shape is a smart idea!! (The baby powder between the thighs was a good tip too). I don't think the author of the article meant that in order to get a bid, you needed to look like a supermodel. I think it meant that you needed to make the most of what you have. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, wear something that makes you feel special.

Rush is a very superficial process. HOLD ON. I say this because you get a minute here or there to make an impression on multiple strangers on multiple days.

Someone who appears physically fit, well-groomed and put-together is going to be considered more desirable. Studies have been done that show EMPLOYERS select more attractive people over less attractive people in job interviews time after time. So, if you are going through rush in the fall... take the time to look classy and composed. If you don't what that means, pick up an Ann Taylor catalogue. You can still add your own personal flair with signature jewelry and your makeup. Also, if you're going to school in the South, Northeast, Southwest, Mid-west, West Coast... there are going to be different "looks." College Panhellenic websites are a beautiful thing to get a feel for those looks.

Also remember that while your individuality is respected, as a sorority member, you are becoming part of a GROUP. And as diverse as each person in that group, there is a certain amount of conformity-- rules of conduct, etc. And like it or not, some chapters do have a certain unintentional "look" about them-- it just comes of a group of women living together. It's not an attempt to squash anyone. So while you're not a total conformist for being a sister, there is still a level of conformity that will vary from school to school, chapter to chapter.

Ditto to greencat's comment about the looks component being a neccessary evil...it sucks that recruitment is like that, that you only have five minutes to make a kick-ass impression, but hopefully someday sorority recruitment will change to reflect the growing disatisfaction with the process...

However, showing up looking unkempt, unstyled and sometimes gross is not the way to express your individuality or to prove a point...i think a lot of chapter members complain about the superficiality or conformity of rush and then sabotage their wardrobe choices or looks just to prove a point...but really, it's cutting off your nose to spite your face...some PNMs might appreciate the 'relaxed' nature of your chapter but i think most of them actually will prefer another one that presents a poised and maintained image...

...though i do think that image does not always have to have Louis Vuitton bags and Tiffany diamonds :eek: now THAT was funny, since i remember the one complaint of my Rho Chi group was about one house who had all of these girls wearing Tiffany bracelets with the logo on them and they thought they were just showing off

Re: Designer handbags
 

Ok, no white shoes after Labor Day... that rule never disappeared!

I go to a small Southern school (3 NPCs), and while we would by no means consider white shoes grounds for a no-pref, it's still nice to follow the most basic rule of shoes. ;)

That said, no one needs to wear a fake Louis or Prada or Kate Spade... I would actually be more impressed by a one-of-a-kind purse. Get a cute purse from a boutique or even a thrift store (or handmade if you are creative) if you can make it work. It adds a little uniqueness, and if it looks good with the outfit, you will probably get tons of compliments (you will also be remembered). My friend from high school always wears the most unique clothes (often homemade), and she was voted "Best Dressed" in our school.

Just another option.