When?
 

I've looked but I couldn't find the answer to this so Im sorry if youve answered it a billion times :(

but how long before Rush should I ask for a recommendation? I plan on going through formal recruitment in the spring so about mid January-when should i send out those "please help me!!" (but nicer) e-mails?? :confused:

NOW OR SOONER. At least have the people get started, then they can update around Fall Break, and you'll be ready to go.

Ahhh NOW?!? haha i had no idea that soon!! Im so happy i asked! I only have three people in mind so i'll go ahead and ask them while i find the others :)
I would also like your advice on how to contact the people i have in mind:
One is my guy friend from high school's mom - I'm thinking just an e-mail? I would have to ask my friend for her e-mail though

The second is my cousin's girlfriend who graduated from the school i currently go to-we are friends on facebook and she is really nice so im thinking a really sweet facebook message? Is that ok?

The third is one of my other guy friend's mom who i have never met but know she is in the sorority. Should I e-mail her?

Okay, really, I was just kinda being a smartass, however, when you are asking someone to do you a favor, giving them as much notice as humanly possible is the proper thing to do. Starting now can only help you in the long run. As the deadline approaches, your rec-writers might get busy (holiday time), and if they've already got yours mostly done, they are more likely to finish in time.

I would say that email should be fine, however, remember that it is more or less a formal business communication, and not a text message.

I think that email is an acceptable form of first communication for someone who you don't know well. Introduce yourself, let them know that so-and-so referred you. Tell them that you are going through recruitment at State U, and would like to hear about their experiences. Ask them for their number. (I think that email is impersonal, if you are asking someone you don't know well).

When you talk to them, be sincere. Ask questions like where they went to school, what recruitment was like, etc. Ask them if they would be interested in helping you secure Recs, and if they wouldn't mind meeting with you in person (this way, you are more than a resume and a photo. They get to see how smart and friendly you are!). It's also a good opportunity to ask if she knows women in other sororities that are at your school.

If it's someone you know well, why not call them personally?

When asking for a Rec, you're essentially asking a woman to go to bat for you. She's the one giving a stamp of approval. Making a personal connection helps. It's much easier for someone to write about someone they've actually met, versus just going off a piece of paper and a picture.

I'm sure that there will be other answers. That's just my suggestion.

Be sure and ask them, once they agree to do a form for you, if they know women in the other groups on that campus that you still need recs for.

:o oops, thats embarrassing. but i will start figuring out what i want to say in my e-mails now as to give them time like you said.

Thank you all!!

for an april recruitment, i think you could wait to get your info. to the sorority alumnae after you receive your grades in december.

an initial email to briefly introduce yourself and state that you are going to be participating in spring recruitment at alpha university and are trying to line up recommendations would be fine. Be sure to offer to meet the ladies in person at a neutral site-some alumnae will prefer to meet you before they will agree to write you a rec.

Good advice so far!
When you meet with the alum, be sure to have your packet of resume, transcript and photos ready to hand to her. ;)
I believe the OP said recruitment was mid-January, so recs should go in as soon as school starts. That way sorority members will be looking for you all the first semester.

I think you can find some good info about approaching alums for recs, etc if you do some searches - maybe even in the stickied threads? I am not too sure.

For a mid Jan rush, I would think early fall (Sept) would be a good time but I defer to someone more familiar with second semester rush.