Recruitment at UGA
 

I am a current senior at a large high school in the Midwest. I recently visited the UGA campus, loved it and Athens and have applied for admission for Fall 2013. I learned on my campus visit that only 11% of the student population is from out of state.

I am from a family that has a long Greek history, from siblings, to parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents. I have a strong desire to join Greek life as well. I have excellent grades and test scores, participate in athletics, am involved in community service and leadership opportunities at my high school.

A friend of my mothers living in South Caroline has indicated that rush at UGA might be very difficult for me since I am coming from out of state and not a nearby state. I do not know anyone at UGA so clearly I would be starting the rush process from ground zero, but I am still very interested in possibly attending there.
I would have recommendations representing numerous sororities from alums who know me well...I would be a legacy at two houses.
But I am still really concerned...She also indicated that the informal process actually begins in the spring at some southern schools.

I know that it is not possible to even begin to say that I would find a sorority home, but can anyone give me an honest answer as to whether they think I would even stand a chance considering what I have heard?

Thanks to anyone who might be able to give me an honest opinion!

I think your mother's friend is selling you a bill of goods - in other words, a lot of claptrap. They do have some informal process in the spring for those who begin in spring semester - not unusual at GA - and with those groups who have openings. But formal recruitment is in the fall. And it doesn't matter if they only take 1% from OOS. There is a spot for everyone who meets the membership requirements and maximizes their options in recruitment. You'll do fine. Just get those recs, make sure your resume is stellar, polish your wardrobe and your manners. Smile, relax and have fun. am sure several others from UGA will be chiming in here.

It seems to me that the number of OOS girls in sororities is higher than the general UGA population, especially from states like NC and TX (of course not limited to these). I don't think the state you are from will work against you. It might even work in your favor because you have a clean slate and less chance of someone knowing you from before and possibly not speaking favorably of you. I'm not implying this would be the case with you, I'm just saying it might be a factor. If you are at your best during rush, nobody would consider being out of state a "con."

One girl from my daughter's very small mid-Atlantic school went thru rush at UGA without any problems. See also didn't know anyone and certainly wasn't from a state close by. Good luck to you!!!

LISTEN to Titchou!! She is absolutely correct. Being from OOS is not the "scarlet letter" that it was in SOME places many years ago. Get those letters of rec for every chapter on campus & do your prep. Go into recruitment with an open mind for all chapters & you'll do fine!

Thank you for the replies...sadly there can be the perception that girls who were not raised in the Southern states could possibly have a more difficult time having a successful rush experience at some Southern schools.
I am encouraged to know that those who responded believe that being OOS should not be a detriment.