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helimom

11-02-2009 10:11 PM

University of Texas recruitment question

Hi. I am wondering if I should try to discourage my daughter from attending UT next fall. I have read the horror stories about how difficult it is to receive a bid at UT. My daughter is a great girl, she has great grades, good activities, and she is a legacy to my sorority but I did not attend UT. I mean, I am her mother, so I think she’s great, but I’m sure that every other mother with a daughter rushing at UT feels the same way.
Also, we live far from UT and there aren’t many girls from our geographical region that attend UT. My daughter's HS isn't large or well-known. She did not attend summer camp anywhere. She doesn’t really know many girls that attend UT right now. .
I can still remember when I went through rush and there was a girl in my group that didn’t get a bid. It was horrible! I feel like if she went to any of the other universities she’s interested in, she’d receive a bid without any problems. It is really important to her to become a sorority member. She’s grown up with all of my wonderful memories, and she has friends active in sororities at other universities…
I guess if there was a problem, she could rush as a sophomore, but then again, I don’t know how sophomores fare in rush at UT…Any suggestions? Also I was wondering what is a COB?

SWTXBelle

11-02-2009 10:45 PM

Has she been accepted yet? And does she really want to go through recruitment at UT?

Psi U MC Vito

11-02-2009 10:47 PM

Also I feel like I have to say, whether she choices to go should be entirely up to her.

KSUViolet06

11-02-2009 10:55 PM

Some reading material for you (Texas threads):

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ighlight=Texas

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ighlight=Texas

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ighlight=Texas

33girl

11-02-2009 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helimom (Post 1863378)

Also I was wondering what is a COB? [/SIZE]

COB = Continuous Open Bidding. Without getting too detailed, it is rushing that occurs outside of formal rush for sororities that don't make total.

Just interested

11-02-2009 11:40 PM

If she will only accept bids to CERTAIN groups then I would suggest she go elsewhere.
If the sorority is more important than the education she will receive? Then I suggest she go elsewhere.

helimom

11-03-2009 12:30 AM

Does UT participate in COB?

LucyKKG

11-03-2009 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helimom (Post 1863378)

How does she feel about the school? I love being in a sorority but *gasp* Greek life isn't everything. There are other important aspects of college.

LucyKKG

11-03-2009 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deezeeUNLV (Post 1863461)

I've read over all the threads about the University of Texas and their recruitment process, and for some reason it really bothers me. First and foremost, the thing that sparks my interest is that my boyfriend goes to UT for Graduate School and I'm finishing up my senior year of undergraduate, obviously involved with Greek Life at my school. I was just curious about Greek Life in UT in general, but it seems that most of the threads I came across are about recruitment. Now I'm sure I am biased to some degree, since I come from a relatively small school with an even smaller Greek Life; I didn't even know recommendation letters existed for those who were interested in Panhellenic Sororities. It just seems to me that level-headed, great girls come onto these boards very excited about recruitment and end up getting heart broken. From what I have read, in order to be successful you need recommendation letters, grown up in a town that the sorority prefers, went to a reputable high school and whether or not there was "hype" about you before recruitment. It seems to me that little of the reason why they choose to give you a bid is based on the fact that they like you as a person and enjoyed talking to you. It just seems to me that UT Greek Life encompasses everything that Greek Life shouldn't be. It shouldn't be extremely exclusive, it should be open to most women who would be good assets, have great values, fit in with the sisters etc. It seems so political. I'm not trying to be rude whatsoever, but from a curious outsiders perspective this is what I have made of all the threads. I have a few questions for those who are at UT and are involved in their Greek Life.

From what I understand dirty rushing plays a big role pre-recruitment. How does Panhellenic allow this? The only justification I can think of is that UT is a school of tradition. I can imagine that for years and years dirty rushing has been taking place and no one does anything to stop it, because it's a tradition. Maybe it's more of a "don't ask, don't tell" kind of thing? Is it allowed? Or is it just something that everyone does so it just makes it right? Again, not trying to be rude, I'm just curious.

What are the "Big 6" sororities?

How many girls register for recruitment and drop before receiving a bid? Or how many girls don't get asked back to any chapters after the first day (or more than one day since there are quite a few chapters-- I wouldn't know, I come from a smaller school!)

Those are my main questions. I also have a very very random question, that might seem a little funny.

I was in Texas to visit my boyfriend, and we went over to the campus so he could show me around and give a mini-tour. First off, beautiful campus-- a lot different than mine, but regardless, it's beautiful. When I was on campus I noticed a lot of girls wearing the exact same thing. Nike shorts, baggy t-shirt and running shoes (I think you call them cross trainers?) Seriously, every girl. Is this a trend? It was just weird seeing all these girls wearing the same type of shorts. It was a huge culture shock to say the least, especially since I rarely wear any type of sweats or work out shorts to school. Always dress to impress! :) It was just weird to me. Is it just a trend? Is it for comfort? Are you going to work out after class and wore those shorts/baggy tshirt so you wouldn't have to change? I know, this is a really weird question but I was really curious.

Thanks in advance for the replies. Hook 'em!

I'll try not to be a total b*tch because this is your first post, but seriously, stay in your lane. Why do you assume you know anything about UT recruitment just because of what you read on the internet? UNLV and UT have very different Greek systems. Don't compare apples to oranges.

You'll notice my only comment didn't say ANYTHING about Greek life there because I don't know very much about it.

TexasDarling

11-03-2009 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deezeeUNLV (Post 1863461)

] It just seems to me that level-headed, great girls come onto these boards very excited about recruitment and end up getting heart broken. From what I have read, in order to be successful you need recommendation letters, grown up in a town that the sorority prefers, went to a reputable high school and whether or not there was "hype" about you before recruitment.

From what I understand dirty rushing plays a big role pre-recruitment.

Yes, yes, and yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deezeeUNLV (Post 1863461)

]Nike shorts, baggy t-shirt and running shoes (I think you call them cross trainers?) Seriously, every girl. Is this a trend?

Yes, it is a trend. Mostly for sorority girls but it is pretty widespread.

kddani

11-03-2009 07:18 AM

You should encourage your daughter to go to the school that will offer her the best education!

33girl

11-03-2009 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helimom (Post 1863417)

Does UT participate in COB?

COB is a decision made individually by each sorority. If they are at total, they cannot participate. At a school like UT where Greek life is very popular it's one of those things you should not count on happening.

Hope that helps. Props to you, by the way, for your self-aware username. ;)

Kevin

11-03-2009 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kddani (Post 1863466)

You should encourage your daughter to go to the school that will offer her the best education!

This. Greek Life should be an afterthought. Get into the best school you can. There are plenty of networking opportunities with and without being in a sorority. Especially at UT.

srmom

11-03-2009 12:23 PM

Quote:

UNLT and UT have very different Greek systems. Don't compare apples to oranges.

THIS^^

But, to answer your curious question:

Quote:

Nike shorts, baggy t-shirt and running shoes (I think you call them cross trainers?)

No, in Texas, we call them "tennis shoes" whether we ever step foot on a court or not.

Quote:

Is this a trend?

Yes, just like when I was in school and we wore shirts with peter pan collars that buttoned up the back, and skirts with cumberbunds. We also wore sweats with our letters on our butts, and that was for comfort, but I'm sure my mom thought I looked like a slob.

To the opening poster: UT has so many things to offer besides Greek life, especially a fantastic education, so I would not dissuade my child from going just because of recruitment.

And, while there are girls who are heartbroken (just like there are at the many other competitive schools/Greek wise), there are many who find a home who have come from small towns, or unknown highschools. I know a TON of girls who fit that bill at UT, so it is not a lost cause before it's even begun.

Good luck to your daughter. :)

Titchou

11-03-2009 12:40 PM

But do keep in mind that she will need recs - 2 min for each group...even yours!

LXA SE285

11-03-2009 03:02 PM

I know SEC rush is like Marine training at Parris Island, but what the hell is it about UT rush that makes PNMs and moms fear that if they get dropped or—horrors, get stuck with a so-called lower-tier house—poor sad PNM will spend the rest of her days sporting pink sponge rollers and swilling PBR in her abode at the Royal Cedar Pines Manufactured Homes Community?

SWTXBelle

11-03-2009 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LXA SE285 (Post 1863569)

LOL - Royal Cedar Pines.

violetpretty

11-04-2009 01:57 AM

It's hard for me to say, "Just worry about your education" when I couldn't imagine my life without my sorority. There are over 2,000 4-year colleges in the US; there can't be just one that fits a particular student academically. Choosing a college involves academic programs, but also location, setting, size, campus culture, price/scholarships etc. I mean, if I was interested in going Greek, I wouldn't go to Bowdin. I can't imagine being Greek at an SEC school, but those schools wouldn't be a fit for me for other reasons.

Basically, what I am trying to say is that if Texas is a good fit for her in all other areas, AND she could be happy regardless of whether she joined a sorority, then there's no reason not to choose it. I guess it's hard for her to predict how she would feel if recruitment didn't work out like she planned. Even still, I can't recommend going to a less competitive school for the purpose of going Greek because there are no guarantees. Just know that life does go on and if she really does like Texas for the school and not just the Greek system, she'll be able to move on and find her niche.

kristenp

11-04-2009 03:53 AM

Not as bad as they say

Quote:

Originally Posted by helimom (Post 1863378)

Rushing at the University of Texas is difficult, but if she is as wonderful as you knows she is she should have no problem finding where she fits in most. UT offers a 100% placement rate, so she will be placed! The University of Texas is the best school! (: she must come! If you want to insure she is placed join your local Panhellenic council to receive recommendation letters and of course, ask your friends, and family to write all the sororities! "Dirty Rush" does play a big part because it is very competitive. She will most likely be contacted before formal recruitment to meet with a sorority, and for some, legacies are taken very seriously. Use it to your advantage! Rushing as a Sophomore is extremely harder because it counts as 2 people for our Chapters, so she would be better off rushing as a freshman! Make sure her Facebook page is clean, emphasis is put on classy. And of course, there are so many groups at the University of Texas, Greek life is only 8%... pretty sure. I love the University of Texas and of course my sorority! <3

KSUViolet06

11-04-2009 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristenp (Post 1863820)

Rushing at the University of Texas is difficult, but if she is as wonderful as you knows she is she should have no problem finding where she fits in most. UT offers a 100% placement rate, so she will be placed! The University of Texas is the best school! (: she must come! If you want to insure she is placed join your local Panhellenic council to receive recommendation letters and of course, ask your friends, and family to write all the sororities! "Dirty Rush" does play a big part because it is very competitive. She will most likely be contacted before formal recruitment to meet with a sorority, and for some, legacies are taken very seriously. Use it to your advantage! Rushing as a Sophomore is extremely harder because it counts as 2 people for our Chapters, so she would be better off rushing as a freshman! Make sure her Facebook page is clean, emphasis is put on classy. And of course, there are so many groups at the University of Texas, Greek life is only 8%... pretty sure. I love the University of Texas and of course my sorority! <3

I thought guaranteed placement only applied to those girls who maximize their options and make it to Preference day?

Also, this is at least the 2nd or 3rd time I've heard someone mention that sophomores count as TWO people at a school and I wonder if that is actually the case because it makes ZERO sense. How does one person become two?

violetpretty

11-04-2009 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristenp (Post 1863820)

Rushing at the University of Texas is difficult, but if she is as wonderful as you knows she is she should have no problem finding where she fits in most. UT offers a 100% placement rate, so she will be placed! The University of Texas is the best school! (: she must come! If you want to insure she is placed join your local Panhellenic council to receive recommendation letters and of course, ask your friends, and family to write all the sororities! "Dirty Rush" does play a big part because it is very competitive. She will most likely be contacted before formal recruitment to meet with a sorority, and for some, legacies are taken very seriously. Use it to your advantage! Rushing as a Sophomore is extremely harder because it counts as 2 people for our Chapters, so she would be better off rushing as a freshman! Make sure her Facebook page is clean, emphasis is put on classy. And of course, there are so many groups at the University of Texas, Greek life is only 8%... pretty sure. I love the University of Texas and of course my sorority! <3

Just to clarify for the OP, what she means is probably that if she ranks all her choices on preference night, she will be matched to one of them. It is an outright lie to say that 100% of the PNMs get a bid, or get the chapter they want.

helimom

11-04-2009 09:09 PM

Thanks guys for the thoughtful responses! Way to go 33girl on guessing where my screen name came from. Hey, I'm not a helicopter mom for nothing. I'm still not sure what to do. As many pointed out, it's really not my decision. My daughter will have to make up her own mind. I will say this though. I do believe that sorority life is just almost important as a college education. I learned very much from pledging and becoming an active. I learned how to get along with others, how to budget my time, how to make connections. All of these skills have helped me in my professional life, almost as much as my education. And as for all of those who tried to downplay the importance of Greek life, who are we trying to fool? Obviously Greek life is very, very important to us. Why else would we be frequenting a site that is dedicated strictly to Greek life so many years after we were actives?

Zillini

11-05-2009 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helimom (Post 1864115)

I'm not going to disagree with the importance of the skills you listed, but they can be acquired elsewhwhere. Greek life does not have a monopoly on these.

How about these skills to teach your daughter? Don't not try something because it might be difficult. You're thinking about discouraging your daughter from going to an excellent school because Recruitment is very competitive. If she has a less than ideal experience, then dealing with disappointment in a mature way is also a valuable life skill that a young adult needs to learn.

DubaiSis

11-06-2009 07:59 AM

Here's my utterly useless 2 cents. Your concern about a good match is a good reason to check out other schools. I went to the biggest school I could and I think that was right for me, but there are some really great schools that are a fraction of the size of UT that also provide an excellent education and would have a bit less stressful Greek recruitment experience.

In the end your daughter could end up choosing UT and that's great, but maybe she should get a list of 5 or 10 schools to consider, make campus visits to a couple and then see what she thinks.

srmom

11-06-2009 12:15 PM

Quote:

maybe she should get a list of 5 or 10 schools to consider, make campus visits to a couple and then see what she thinks.

Sound advice for all kids graduting!

Benzgirl

11-07-2009 01:53 PM

^^^Oh please! (sock puppet)

Heart_in_Texas

03-12-2010 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristenp (Post 1863820)

I can for sure say they don't offer a 100% replacement rate. I rushed and was dropped so that very false. And to be honest UT rush is very difficult even for legacies. I know plenty that did not get into the houses they were legacies for even with amazing recs/grades/and dirty rushing!

But I found my place in the spirit community and I LOVE IT!!! It is pretty much the same as a sorority and I LOVE LOVE it!! UT has so many options for getting involved and greek life really is tiny aspect of college.

Did she decide to come to UT???

Titchou

03-12-2010 09:10 AM

100% placement does not mean no one will be dropped during the week. What it does mean is that anyone who is still participating at pref, maximizies their options (attends all prefs for which they are eligible) and signs a bid card (with no suicide) will be placed.

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