Advice for Sophomore Rush at UF!
 

Hi everyone! So I've been reading this site pretty heavily the past few days, trying to get more information about what to expect during rush this fall, and I'm both very excited and nervous about it!

I do have a few questions though...as the title of this post suggests, I am a sophomore at the University of Florida, I am a biology major, and I currently have a 3.3 cumulative GPA. I am not sure if this is competitive or not, and would definitely appreciate input on this. My GPA out of high school was significantly higher, and I have high SAT scores as well...but does any of that matter anymore? I was involved in several organizations this past year, and I am taking 2 classes and engaging in volunteer work this summer.

My main question is, if I do well in my summer classes, my GPA will be raised...so should I wait to register for recruitment after I receive my grades? The recruitment deadline is August 17th, and classes end August 5th.

And in terms of letters of recommendation, can I have those sent out at any point this summer, or do I have to wait until after I am formally registered?

I'm sure you've seen these questions in some form before, I'm just so nervous as is, any feedback (about general rush advice as well) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! :)

No one here can tell you your "chances," but we can tell you this:
since you've completed one year of college already, high school grades and scores don't matter (unless someone specifically asks for them).

Rec letters can be sent before you've officially registered for recruitment. Personally, I would wait to get my final summer grades before registering just so you can get a bump in the GPA. But take the advice of someone better qualified than I (someone more familiar with the UF process).

Then do a search for UF/Florida and you'll see lots of related threads. Good luck!

I'd go on and register and get the recs sent. UF recruitment is huge and you don't want to get lost in the last minute influx.

yes. go ahead and have the rec. writers send in the recs.

as to the gpa dilemma, call the greek life office and get their input on when would be the best time to register.

Thank you all for the help! I will contact the Office of Greek Life and then make the decision of when to register. Does my 3.3 GPA alone put me at risk of first round cuts though? Or is that a standard that varies with each sorority?

it varies.

As a sophomore, a GPA BELOW a 3.0 would put you on shaky ground. If you have a hard major (like engineering), then a 3.3 looks awesome.

Does anyone know if Florida has an upperclass quota?

Florida just adopted an upperclassman quota for this year. It will include all years except Freshmen. I'm very excited it was put in!

Make sure to get letters of rec in as soon as you can!!

Go Gators!

No quota gurantees a bid for any class or group of people. It only guarantees the opportunity for a bid. And as an upperclassman, an upperclass quota is better than having to find a place in an overall quota.

Thanks everyone for the additional info! I do have another question though. I've been working on recs, but I'm having a hard time finding some. I've really searched my brain trying to find more sources for recs, but I'm coming up completely empty on some. Any suggestions?

Don't forget to ask the MEN in your life! They often know sorority women.

Have you contacted a local Alumnae Panhellenic group?

Again, if you search GC, you'll see a lot of suggestions on how to obtain recommendations. It's something you have to work at, but it usually falls into place unless you are living in a very remote area (and even then, it's not impossible).

Remember that we can't comment on membership selection, and no one here knows how your recruitment will go. Just maximize your chances and good luck!

The women who are doing recs for you. Have you asked them if they know someone in the remaining groups? Have you asked all your teachers, counselors -they went to college and know people. Folks you worked with, volunteeered with, went to church with, SS teachers. All sorts of places to look.

I know that it doesn't guarantee a bid - I know just by reading GC posts that nothing could ever 'guarantee' a bid :)

But they just added an upperclassmen quota at FSU also, and since I am going to be a sophomore rushing, can someone explain what exactly that means for us? Thanks :)