Letter of Recommendation?
 

I'll be rushing a private university in the Texas next year and was wondering if my dad's friend was a member of a fraternity at a school but I'm going to a different school, could he still write me a letter for the same fraternity at my school? Also, could someone just go over the basics of how these letters work? Is it like I ask him and give him an address to send it to for the fraternity, when should he send it, etc? Thanks for any information.

Is this school competitive for recruitment? Is the chapter at this school one you really want to pursue membership in? Are you an incoming freshman or are you transferring?

Generally, recs aren't as big of a deal for fraternities as they are with sororities at competitive schools, since the rush process is much different.

Any member of the organization can write you a rec letter, he does not have to be related to you.

Rec Letters contain basic information about you and why you would be a good member at the chapter. I should be sent to the chapter before rush (if chapters on this campus have summer rush parties though, I have no idea and someone else can chime in on that). Mail the form (or see if the chapter has an electronic form online).

If you are going to TCU or SMU, it's going to be competitive. I would sit down with your dad's friend and ask him to contact the rush captain on your behalf too. That will give you some extra attention and also should get you on the summer party invite list.

I am an active in a fraternity at TCU and on the rush team. Generally, recommendations are not needed and are rarely used. That being said, I have seen a few each year. It definitely won't hurt your chances, but best case scenario it will you get a call from a rush captain/chair to attend a rush event. Getting a bid will largely depend on how you present yourself when you go to rush events. Hang out as many times with as many fraternities as possible. That will give you the best idea of where you fit in. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me, and I'll be glad to help.