FALL '09 Recruitment HORROR STORY!
 

I am participating in Fall Recruitment as a sophomore. Greek Life is a very serious and respected part of my university's campus; there are 10 sororities, and 900 girls rushing - I knew this experience would be a challenging one, especially rushing as a sophomore, but I never know the worst thing imaginable would happen to me.

There are 4 rounds of parties before bid day, and between rounds 1 and 2 the maximum number of parties you can attend drops from 10 to 7. Well I arrived at selection yesterday morning to see that I had only been invited back to 2 sororities. I was very upset because I knew that being a sophomore would hurt me but I didn't think it would be THAT detrimental because I worked so hard all summer to get at least 2 recs for every sorotity and have a 3.4 GPA. So, disappointed but optimistic, I attended my first of the two parties in round 2, and found my Gamma Chi (group leader) after to talk about the party.

While talking to my Gamma Chi I asked if being a sophomore really is such a black mark on my record, she then proceeded to ask about my grades. I told her my GPA, but to my surprise my Gamma Chi showed me that according to the Panhellenic record I have a 2.83 GPA. After showing her my transcript and verifying that their records are wrong I am not sure where my fate lies. And, while I am very happy with the two sororities I have left to rush. I am very disappointed that I may not get the chance to rush the sororities that released me because of grades.

I just want to SCREAM, does anyone else know what I'm going through?:(

Geaux Greek!
-SouthernLA_Lady

That sounds rough. If you end up being cut from everyone or you really dislike both of these two, maybe you can go through COB or informal recruitment later on. I wonder if your Gamma Chi can get the word out so you can be snap bid at the end to a chapter who for one reason or another ends up below quota. The problem is after just one round you wouldn't be known by many people. But that would be my suggestion. Keep your head up, don't look like you are disappointed to be at the houses you're at and see what happens at the end. But do see if your Gamma Chi can make some calls on your behalf. Good luck! And remember, you don't have to work from a long list to end up with a great match. It's just hard to watch all the other girls going off to their long list of parties.

Did you give your Rec writers a copy of your transcript along with your resume and pix?

I understand you are going through as a Sophmore. Was the transcript you provided your college transcript or your HS one?

although there is no way to know why you were cut from the other houses, it would behoove panhellenic to notify the chapters about the mistake and see what happens.

I included both my high school and college transcript in my rush packet along with my resume and pictures - neither of which was a 2.8. I also had my transcript printed again this morning at the registrar's office and turned it in. I know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to, and the sororities have been notified of the mistake, but I don't know how much good that will do. I'm so disappointed, but trying to stay optimistic. Maybe it will make my choices easier, hopefully!

I'm so sorry to hear about your issue. What a bummer!! You seem to have a good attitude though about the houses that you did get invited to. :)

I wish you the best of luck!

And, one way to look at it, is if you get a bid to one of the two houses, you know they REALLY wanted you for you, and not because of your grades:o

I'm with PenguinTrax - ask Panhellenic to let the chapters know. I have seen this happen before and the potential new member was allowed to be asked back to chapters that had previously released her. It cannot hurt to ask.

Panhellenic should really be investigating this, because if this happened to you, there is a good chance that it may have happened to others!

I second that! I have seen this once as well and they should work it out for you to return to the parties. It definitely can't hurt to ask. This is your one chance.

I wish you luck in getting this whole mess worked out, but I agree that you should definitely make panhellenic aware of this mistake!!

Did they say why they got the idea that you had a 2.8? Did Panhellic investigate on their own and get that info from somewhere else or did they only get one of your transcripts or what?

SouthernLA_Lady, I'm so sorry you're going through this! Hang in there, and please let us know how it works out.