UF Rush
 

I am rushing at UF this Fall and am a junior. Based on what all I have read from this website I am very scared now!!! I read the stories from the girls last year, and all I can say is WOW!! Are UF's sororities that hard to get in? I am making this "thread" for everyone rushing UF. Also how does one go about getting "recs" if they really dont know that many people who are alums of sororities? Thanks!!

UF56,

UF has a VERY competitive rush, and is especially hard on upper classmen. I did not attend UF, but can tell you my sister's experience w/ rushing at UF as a junior.

She was/is a legacy to two houses at UF. She was dropped from one of those houses after the first round along with several other houses. This is probably due mostly to the practice of dropping anyone over Sophomore status on the first day regardless of how much they like you. A lot of women go through rush at UF and they generally start w/ cuts based on year in school, GPA, or something like that. The rest of rush was fine, she still had the other house she was a legacy too, but only really felt like she could be happy in one of the houses that was left (she wasn't a legacy to it). She preffed 3 houses the one she loved, and 2 she didn't see herself with. I explained to her that if she DEFINITELY wouldn't be happy in any other house she should only place the one she loved on her bid card (suicide), but her Rho Chi (Rush Counselor) told her different. She ended up getting a bid to the house that she placed 2nd(she was a legacy at it) and not accepting the bid. The problem was that she could then not go through Informal Rush, or get a snap bid from the house she loved because she was tied for 1 year to the house that she declined, by then she would be a senior and it really wasn't worth it to her.

Anyway, I think that it is great that you are going through rush. It is a great experience, and I can promise that if nothing else you will make some wonderful friends. I am not trying to scare you off, but just want to let you know that it may not be easy. You should be familiar with all the NPC rules on what can happen if you don't get a bid, drop out, or decline a bid. Also remember that just because they pass you up in formal rush (like for class standing or grades) doesn't mean they may not pick you up in informal.

If you do not know many sorority alums you may want to get in touch with your local alumnae panhellenic council (check with the Greek Life office at UF). They will be able to direct you on how to get recs for each of the houses.

Sorry so long. Just wanted to help. I know that there are many women on this board that attend(ed) UF and can help more...

I go to a large SEC school that also has large Greek system and rush is very competitive there, too. If you are a jr. you may already have a pretty good idea where you want to go. If so, I suppose you also know some of the actives in that house. That may be your best chance of getting into one of the larger sororities. I know at my school its difficult to get a bid as a soph much less as a jr.

Being in a fraternity at UF I can't comment too much on sorority rush, but at least consider any house you get a bid at, even if it's not the "Most Popular." I'd rather hang out with fun girls than the ones that think they're to good for everyone....

I would definetly have to say that yes, RUsh is very competitive, but I like to think of it this way - if they don't want me then they just don't know me :-) Each house is good in its own way, and you are bound to fit into one, regardless of year or GPA or anything like that. Have fun during rush, and good luck!

I was under the impression that you arent tied to a group unless you SIGN the bid card you get. Is that wrong?

UF56~

Yes, UF Panhellenic rush is competitive, but if you go into it with a positive outlook and give everything a chance, I'm sure you'll do well and make some new friends. (I'm not going to tell you you'll have fun; it's too hot in August to have fun outside:rolleyes: )

If a sorority wants a recommendation, it is their responsibility to get one for you. That said, if there are groups you know or think you know you're interested in, ask around this summer and find some alumna in your community to write you recs for those orgs. You can go to those orgs' national websites and find an alumna group near you, or just ask around; lots of women are alumna of sororities, but will never mention it to you unless you ask them outright.

I'll be on the other side of the rush floor this fall; if you have any specific rush questions you want answers to, PM me or post them here. You can ask me general ones too, but I'm not around here as much as I used to be :( , so it's probably easier to get the answer from someone else on the boards. Keep posting, and I'm rooting for you this fall!

theta sig agd~
At UF, when you sign your preference card (a scantron with your top 3 choices bubbled in), it is considered the same thing as signing a bid card (as far as I know).

EM1843~
Amen! And which girls do you think make better sisters, fun girls or vapid, snotty girls? You definately hit that one on the head...and right back at you; the fun guys win the hang-out contest any day!:)

LIS,
Dale

I see alot of Sigma Kappa's replying...incidently I'm dating one of your sisters so I'm kinda biased on what house I prefer...

Incidently, you're dating my BIG! ahahaha.
Sorry.
:-)

you are tied to a chapter for one year if you sign your preference card and you match with a sorority. That is why some girls do choose to suicide, because if they get their second choice they are tied to them for a year and can't do informal rush.
Sarah

If I were going through, any house I was interested in I would get a rec. It is looked apon as a BIG positive and even if you send one, the chapter may still get their own as well.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the advice so far. I know you guys said to look at websites for a list of alum but I am wondering if the alums on these websites will feel strange about writing me a rec and what not since they dont know me or if they will write something negative to a chapter because I have invaded their privacy by just looking them up without even knowing them and asking for a rec. I have spoken with the Panhellenic Council people here and they said that it is the "pnm's" (as you guys call it) responsibility to get recs and that the sororities do not it for you. So I am getting confused.

good job!
 

I just attended UF's Preview (orientation) and I went to the presentation about sororities and fraternities at UF. I think all the Greek organizations did a great job of presenting sorority and fraternity life to the freshman. I especially liked the cute skit that the Panhellenic Council did about sorority life. The organizations also did a power point presentation with pictures from all the GLO's. I am so excited about coming up to Gainesville this summer and going through recruitment in the Fall. UF56, I know how you feel about being nervous because I am too. I read all those stories too, but I think we just need to go to recruitment with a positive attitude. Just out of curiousity, I was wondering why you decided to join a sorority your junior year? Also, are you currently friends with any girls in sororites? Maybe they could help you out with rec's, for example, if they are legacies their mothers or sisters could possibly write one for you. Just a thought. :)

I am also confused on the point of recs. At my school as well as the school I went to before (where my roommate rushed, so I knew the rules) the rushees themselves had to get recs. I have never at least heard of my group securing recs for people.

However, I know that one of the sororities has to cut people that don't have a rec, so they call and find anyone they can who knows the girl so that they can keep her!

I don't know if this has been said before, but I'll share my understanding. The rec requirement is not really consistent across the board, and usually depends on (a) what school you are going to and (b) what sorority you end up joining.

DZSAI-one reason you probably haven't heard much about recs is that DZ does not require them. They did when I was a pledge, but they were only required before initiation took place (not before pledging), and the chapter was indeed responsible for getting the rec. I believe that is the way most NPC sororities handle it now, although I have heard a couple still require recs before a woman can be given a bid (which can be a real shame in my opinion).

As for the school--recs may not factor heavily in at your campus, and don't at alot of campuses-but to give you an example that I think you will recognize, if you go through recruitment at say, UT, you will almost definitely get lost in the mix if you DON'T have a rec. Recs there are CRUCIAL...although I don't think they are a formal requirement.... So--on the point of PNM's being responsible for recs--at your previous school, as well as many others (usually large or competitive greek systems) if a girl wanted to compete, they were, indeed, responsible for getting recs themselves.

Even at schools where recs are not crucial, they can be very helpful--and I know it doesn't usually matter if you have a bunch. 1 rec from one Greek that is sent to all houses can be enough to draw attention to you...at my school, we regularly got rec's for PNM's from a local woman who was a Chi O....just seeing that rec made us work harder to get to know that PNM (and we did not have Chi O on our campus).... Anyway, just my 2 cents...I'm sure others have different perspectives/understandings.

My sister will be rushing at UF this year. She's actually been trying to get recs together from the places she is a legacy at (ZTA, KD, AEPhi, DPhiE). She's been told how cutthroat rush is there. If you know anyone who is an alum for any of the sororities on campus, ask them if they would write a rec for you. And, here's some advice from some friends of mine that went through rush at UF: Don't have your heart set on two or three sororities there. UF rush is probably one of the most competitive in the state of Florida...maybe even in the South. Just go into rush with an open mind and have fun. Make sure you give each and everyone of the sororities a chance.
I'll try to post as much as I can from my sister's rush experience there this fall. She's not sure if she's going to end up pledging. My parents do not pay for our sororities and since my sis has never worked a day in her life she does not have money for it. But, we'll see.
Good luck! Be sure to keep us posted.

I have been at UF for one year (this past school year). I has a TON of dual enrollment credits when I came into school but they all do not pertain to my major. I thought about rushing last year but wasnt really sure if it would be for me, but after seeing things the sororities do it looks like fun. I changed my major this year and have two and 1/2 years left but am classified as a junior in my college at UF.

If this is the case then it would be very important for you to let the chapters know that even though you are classified as a junior, that you will be at UF for another 2.5 years. Be sure to write that on your Recruitment application, etc.

Regarding letters of introduction. I will state again that the NPC position is that it is the responsibility of the CHAPTER to secure letters of introduction for a woman being considered for membership. At competitive schools like UF it is helpful if you can get these letters secured before recruitment. Contact the local alumnae panhellenic and ask teachers at your high school if they are (or know) sorority alumnae. Ask your mother's friends, ask at church/synagogue. Just because you don't think you know any sorority alumnae, it doesn't mean that there aren't any in your immediate circle. However, it is NOT the resposibility of the PNM to secure letters of introductin.

UF Rush
 

I was a KD @ UF back in the 80's. Rush is probably just as competitive now as it was then, maybe more.

It IS a good idea to try to get a rec before Rush begins, but just remember:
1) getting a rec does NOT guarantee you a place in a sorority.
2) if the chapter really wants you, they will get a rec on you.

As others have posted, check your local circles for sorority alumnae. I see that you're located in Gainesville - try contacting the Alumnae Panhellenic association there. Figure out if any of your high school teachers are alumnae (I was a high school teacher for 8 years & was always contacted by former students for recs).

But your best bet is emphasizing what is in YOUR CONTROL - what you write on your Rush Application, and what you discuss with the sisters who rush you. State on your app that you have at least 2 full years at UF. Mention this to who rushes you, but dont bang it in. Let them know where your talents are, and what you have been involved in previously too -- community service, extra-curricular, etc.


Good luck!

Hey UF56, I know what you mean about all those Dual Enrollment credits! I already have almost all my General Education requirements done. I don't think it will matter at recruitment though because I still need four years to graduation probably. I am taking the minimum of 12 hours in Fall.

Anyways, here is another thing I learned. Supposedly even if you do not have a recommendation for a sorority it is a good idea to just send them your resume and picture before recruitment because then they at least know some more about your extracurriculars and know your face before you even walk through the door. This is just something I heard so I was wondering if any alumnae, especially UF grads, would let us know if this is really practiced at UF or if it is something that is completely superfluous. :confused:

Also, have you filled out the recruitment form for UF? I would fill out pretty soon so you just get it done. I know for me, time creeps up and I can forget crucial things like that. You also need to send in a fee of $55, so you might want to start saving for that too. You can do the form online at www.ufpanhellenic.com

send a pic/resume w/ application
 

UFgatorgirl02, you should attach a resume & pic along w/ your Rush Application. If you just send it "blindly", the chapter might just discard it - they don't know if you've registered for Rush or not.

Also, when you ask an alumna to write a rec, make sure to provide a resume & quality pic. Don't just use any old digitized picture - the resolution should be AT LEAST 150. And don't count on the alumna (or chapter) to print out the picture themselves.

School mugshots are best, or any kind of head/shoulder shot.

Just as with applying for a job, you want to provide quality info & picture.

Good luck,
Annie
UF alumna - Class of 1989
Kappa Delta Sorority

kdonline,
Thanks so much for the information. But, now I am a little confused because I was told that if you sent your picture and resume in with your Panhellenic Recruitment Application that they would just discard it. The application did ask for your extracurricular actvities and GPA, so all the chapters will know that at least. However, I suppose the only way for the chapters to know who you are before recruitment (as far as placing a name with a face), would be to send in a picture attached to a recommendation for each specific chapter. Also, for my recommendations I gave the alumna a color copy of my senior picture. It was not as clear as the original, but I think it will work, hopefully.

Gator Girl you are right. We are not supposed to send in pictures with the application because everyone is supposed to apply online to make it easier for Panhellenic. I am excited because I did just get a rec for DG from a girl who was apart of the UF chapter, and I know you guys say not to like any sorority more than another and go in with an open mind but I have met a couple of DG's here and there and they are really cool. Now I am trying to find a Chi O, Tri-Delta, Zeta, and KD recs. Also is it good to get more than one rec?

UF56,
Thanks for clearing all that up for me. I thought the whole sending in your resume and a pic w/o a rec was a little overzealous too. I have heard conflicting information about sending in more than one rec. Some people say don't bother, others say it only can help to see your name recommended more than once. I personally believe in the latter advice. Why not send in more than one if you know that many sorority alumna? However, I don't think anyone should go crazy and send in 10 recs. Probably, the limit should be set a 3.

Quick point of info: can active members give recs? I can't remember.

I can help
 

if anyone needs a rec for Phi Mu. I am alumna for them now...e-mail me at adriennemichellep@yahoo.com or PM me

I know that in Zeta collegiates are allowed to give recs. Whether or not it's weighed as heavily is up to the chapter advisors. But, if you can, try to get a rec from an alum rather than a collegiate just in case.

AOII does not allow collegiates to send official recs. However, that doesn't mean that their thoughts may not be considered.

Well if anyone knows anyone who would be willing to give me a rec for DG, KD, ZTA, Tri-Delta, or Chi O, I would REALLY REALLY appreciate it!!!

Hi Girls!
I am a member of the Recruitment Executive Board for 2002 UF Fall Recruitment and will be a PiChi(Panhellenic Counselor) in the fall. Let me see if I can clear a few things up..

1. Do NOT send in a pic or resume with your application. It will be a waste of time. Those applications go to the Panhellenic office only. No one else will see them and they will only be thrown away.

2. As for recs, it is the PM's(Potential Member's) job to send recs to houses. The houses will not do it for you. You may send as many as you feel comfortable. The chapters do not know who else you sent recs to, so if you send them 2 or 3, they may think that you have a special interest in them, when in fact you may have sent that many to several houses. A picture, list of activities, and nice letter of recommendation is adequate. The sisters in the house will memorize your info and recognize you when you come through. They have a list of names for girls coming through each round and will know exactly what party to look for you. It is a good idea to contact the Panhellenic organization in your hometown. If you send them a resume, they will usually send recs to every chapter on your campus. You girls seem to be pretty far ahead of the game already.

3. An undergraduate sister in a chapter does not typically write a recommendation unless she is a member at another school. If you are close to an active sister you may give her a picture and she will present it to the house and verbally list your activities and why she wants you to be a sister. A small warning, this works on the flip side also. If a girl has does not get along with you, she may stand up and state why she does NOT want you as a sister, so my advice is to be on your best behavior around anyone that you know is an active sister.

4. About Bid Cards, do not worry about that now. It is the last of worries and your PiChi's will explain all of it to you on the last night of recruitment.

5. For those of you that are juniors and going through recruitment, make sure you tell the sister if you have more than two years left. It makes a huge difference. Some houses do not take juniors or only take a predetermined number, but if they know that you have as many years as a sophomore left, they will take that into huge consideration and probably not consider you a full junior.

Let me know if there's anything else that I can clear up!

Thanks for all the information UFKappa! It's nice to hear from someone that will be on the other side of recruitment.

PNM's cant send "recs"
 

Correction to UFKappa's note - and I am speaking only for my sorority, Kappa Delta.

re: #2 on her list: PNM's cannot send an "official" rec for the sorority. Only initiated members of Kappa Delta can do this.

You can send a resume, but not a rec.

However, as UFKappa pointed out (and as we all have been saying before), you should contact your local Alumnae Panhellenic to write recommendations for you.

thanks
 

I just wanted to chime in and thank everyone for all this advice. I'm rushing as a sophomore at UF in a few weeks...and as the days get closer, I get more nervous. One part of me is really excited, but the other part of me is wondering if my expectations are too high.

I didn't rush my first semester at UF because I didn't really know what it was about. With so many things involved with the first year in college, I didn't want to bombard myself. I live in a dorm right next to sorority row, so all throughout rush week I would see the girls walking around in their groups...or I'd run into them in the elevator all dressed up! After meeting a few sorority girls, and hearing about sorority life firsthand (and not the MTV kind either!)...I'm getting curious!

With most of my friends, it's usually "ugh...sorority girls" :rolleyes: ....so it's been interesting watching their reactions this summer as I tell them that I'm rushing!

I'm excited that this year, recruitment is the entire week before classes begin. That way I can go through the week with only one thing on my mind! Who knows....maybe in the end, I won't like greek life....but I just want to be able to make that decision for myself! :D

Now....I keep reading that rush at SEC schools is tough....:eek: Any more "UF specific" advice??

Thanks!

DZ at UF??
 

Also....I heard that DZ is starting up at UF. How does that work? Do they have a house....who is going to rush the girls....

What is the role of a new chapter during recruitment? I just don't want to join a chapter that is just starting at my school....so what are they planning on doing in order to recruit girls if it's NEW?

I'm so confused...can someone explain?!

i've been hearing all this stuff about rush being so competitive in the south...in that case, i have a friend rushing at FSU this fall...anybody know if it's just as competitive there? and if so, should she have a rec?

Yeah DZ's starting up here at UF this year...they don't have a house yet but it's only a matter of time. You have to get through a lot of red tape to get a house. But it won't compromise their sisterhood, if that's a concern of yours Curlygirly. Ask anyone from an unhoused GLO here on GC and they'll probably say they wished they had a house but they're fine without one.

DZ isn't participating in formal rush the same way all the other sororities are...they're introducing themselves in the beginning and then sort of dropping out of sight til after recruitment is over. Then they'll have a bid process afterwards.

The thing about new chapters is that they are appealing to people who didn't click with the other chapters and hope to do great things with the clean slate. I mean, personally last year I didn't have the choice of going for an established chapter or a new one, but had they been there last year I probably would've been intrigued (but I loved Pi Phi and couldn't be happier, don't get me wrong.) Just imagine the chance to be a founding member and make the chapter what you want it to be, not something that simply IS because of past years. It's a great opportunity and I admire people who are strong enough to take on such a challenge.

And everyone has to start somewhere. The existing chapters didn't just come into being the way they are now.

Anyway, let's see...some UF recruitment advice...wear comfy shoes between the dressy rounds...bear in mind it's terribly hot in the Florida sunshine, even if you're under a white tent all day...don't buy in to whatever someone else thinks about a particular house...don't "tent talk," it'll hurt someone's feelings, either someone in your group or one of your Rho Chis...um, I'm sure there are more things I'm not thinking of but if I think of one I'll let you know ASAP.

Good luck Curlygirly! Only, what, less than 3 weeks left? So excited!

ps: I've heard recruitment at FSU is just as competitive. About recs, I really don't know.

thanks ROWDYsister
 

What do you mean by "tent talking"?? (lack of greek vocab here!) Also.....isn't Pi Beta Phi's house NOT in sorority row? So we get to walk in the August heat all the way over there?! lol.....

tent talk is saying ANYTHING about chapters "under the tent" or on the way to the tent, etc. The Rho Chi's try to get everyone to have as fair/clean of slate as possible and you won't click with every girl you meet, but the girl two seat down may have loved the girl and house youjust visited. So tent talking is just bad bad bad. Even if it's something positive, maybe someone didn't like the chapter and decide to further consider it simply because it's the "talk of the tent".

It's been so long since I Rushed that I don't know how much good advice I can give you but definitely keep a compact, lipstick, etc. in your purse for before the round. Sitting under the tent is almost as brutal as walking in the heat, so I found if I touched up my make up when the Rho Chi's announced 1 min. till the party starts, then it looks fresh even though you have been outside for HOURS!!! Other than that, get recs, pamper yourself before and during rush, it's a brutal week, and have as much fun as you can!!! Since fraternities are going to dry rush, from what I understood, there may not be AS ;) many parties to attend, but definitely go out. How many times are you in G'ville for an entire week with nothing to do for school, etc.? That was advice from one of my favorite Rho Chi's so I figured I'd pass that along too.

And, no, they bus you over to Pi Phi, they don't make ya'll walk!

Best of Luck,
Tara
I have a Phi Mu castle..

Thanks Tara!

On a side note...I've talked to some people that ended up dropping rush, and they said that they're still friends with some of the people that were in their rush group.

:)

Yeah I'm friends with one of the girls from my group. I LOVE seeing this girl around town. She kept me sane last year and I'll never forget her for it. And one of my best friends and sisters was in my group but we didn't meet til we got bids for Pi Phi.

Oh, lord, if Pi Phi made you walk all the way over there we would have NO sisters. lol. I hated just walking from one part of sorority row to the other part...you know, the circular part and the straighter part. Making you walk from sorority row to frat row would be cruel. ;)

Dyan