GreekChat.com Forums - How much will I be judged based solely on appearance?

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How much will I be judged based solely on appearance?

I will be attending a school where it's pretty competitive there from my understanding. I dont have any recommendations except for with one sorority because I moved a few months ago and my parents don't really know anyone -- neither do I.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chlcwhite (Post 1833620)

I will be attending a school in the southeast so it's pretty competitive there from my understanding. I dont have any recommendations except for with one sorority because I moved a few months ago and my parents don't really know anyone -- neither do I.

My biggest worry - I used to be medically classified as "obese" at 213 lbs and 5'7". Since April I have dropped around 40 lbs and I am still working on it every day, but although I have made progress, none of the sorority girls I'll meet at rush will know this and I'm afraid i'll be cut immediately because I am still about 24 lbs overweight.
The fact that I could only get recommendations for one of the 17 sororities doesn't reassure me much either.

Are the stories my mother told me true? Do they really look at you from head to toe when you walk in the door and decide right then? I'm scared, especially since I have terrible chances, but i'm going to rush anyway and just convince myself its an opportunity to meet people. Thanks for any information. :)

This is a REALLY good thread about appearances and recruitment and I highly suggest that you read it:

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=105842

Appearances are a factor in alot of things from job intervews to promotions, that's how life is. Chapters may judge you for it, but really, what can you do? Nothing.

Just dress to impress and be confident. A lack of confidence really shows.

To be honest, the fact that you don't have recs is likely to be a bigger hinderance than anything else.

The lack of recommendations will hurt you more than anything else.

Also, a lack of self confidence will be a detriment as well. Try to work on that during your remaining time before recruitment.

you say that you and your family moved a few months ago. well, contact co-workers of your parents,old friends, teachers, neighbors, etc. from your former town and get them to write recs. for you. if they are not sorority members, ask them if they know someone who is.

any member of a npc sorority may write a rec. to any chapter of her sorority- a rec. does not have to be from an alumna member of the chapter at your school.

Also, see if your town has an alumnae panhellenic. It may be too late for some chapters, but we still have girls asking us to write recs and we are happy to help as many as we can. If you're really interested in doing this, be as pro-active as you can.

Just go and be yourself and be confident. Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueCarnation (Post 1833711)

I'm pretty sure her recruitment starts Tuesday, so it's pretty much too late. From what I understand there, the lack of recs will be a real killer. So the only thing to do is put your best foot forward, be yourself and have fun!

Here's the thing: without recs, you kind of put the chapters in the position of making a superficial decision. Since they have no background info other than what you might have submitted to panhellenic when you registered, what else can they evaluate you on other than how you come across in the really short parties of first round?

And even though it's not really what anyone wants at the center of their sisterhood, appearance is a part of the first impression that you make, but it's only a part of it. And weight is only one part of appearance.

It may not go as badly as you fear if you project confidence and are a great and interested guest at all the houses.

be confident, be funny when appropriate, and try to enjoy it all (or laugh at it later)--recruitment is a strange reality, surreal at times so just take it as it comes and do look around and be genuinely interested in them (the women you talk to)---they won't all be skinny Minnies on the other side of rush either......and congrats on losing all that weight!

I'm going to assume sine it's 17 sororities and in the south we are talking about UGA. Yes, it is VERY competitive. Make sure you look very put together for all your parties, and as everyone said...confidence! Also, try to get recs asap!!! but above all, keep all of your options open.

Of course campuses vary, however, I know when I say appearance, it is more than just weight or looks. It is also about presentation. Are you dressed appropriately, how do you carry yourself, just because you are a little bigger doesn't mean you can't own a room. Find some nice outfits that flatter your figure and make you feel good about yourself. Pay attention to all the details to complete your look. You will look well put together and will exude confidence. Good luck!

I agree that a lack of recs is a more serious problem than your appearance. Also, you don't sound absolutely huge based on your numbers. Learn to dress for your body type and you should be OK in any sorority that's not incredibly superficial.