Rush at UIUC Fall/Spring
 

Hey guys!

It's been almost a year since I posted on here :O
I'm an international student who just got accepted to UIUC (U of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)! While I'm waiting for my other university decisions, I'm doing some research on UIUC (academics, social life, job opportunities and all that). I've considered greek life since sophomore year of high school (when I first learnt about it..) and I'd like to know more about the rush process for sororities at UIUC....I did go through their official website which was useful indeed but I have a few specific things I'm curious about -

1) At UIUC, are my chances of getting a bid better in Fall or Spring (informal)? How disadvantageous will it be to rush spring or sophomore year?
2) How are international student perceived during rush? (*ones that intend on staying all four years in the same university*) also, how culturally diverse are the sororities at UIUC? (I'm Indian btw)
3) Lastly, how much do looks come into play while getting a bid? ---> odd question perhaps? just curious so no offense!

1) Very few sororities do spring informal, and the ones that do may only have a few spots. Fall formal is definitely the way the vast majority of women join sororities at U of I. Sophomores do very well at U of I, relatively speaking. It isn't the kiss of death that it can be at some other schools. Some chapters have more of a freshman preference than others.
2) I don't really know how to answer this one. I would just make it clear that you are intending to stay your entire undergraduate career. Recs aren't huge at Illinois but they may be helpful in a case like yours.
3) Looks always matter to some extent. Being beautiful isn't nearly as important as looking put together - well-groomed, fashionable, and polished. People don't tend to be attracted to dumpy hobbits, but every young woman can make the most of what she has by wearing outfits that compliment her attributes, having a nice hair cut and style, and wearing appropriate make up and accessories. None of this needs to be taken to the extreme - just look like a person who cares about herself.

Good luck and Go Illini!

1) UIUC has a VERY high placement rate in formal recruitment, as long as you go through with an open mind, consider all options, etc. This is true for sophomores, and even juniors. Go through formal recruitment.

2) Talk about being excited to live in the house. This implies you will be there for a while.

2b) I don't think being Indian will hurt you in the slightest. The groups are not terribly diverse because the PNM pool isn't, but the women of color who do rush tend to end up spread out pretty evenly among all groups.

3) You will be meeting women for a very short time, and at a disadvantage compared to women who know others from high school, summer camp, etc., so yes, they are making snap judgments about you, and looks are a big part of that. However, you will be making those same snap judgments about the sororities, and in the end, the hope is that you find your home. Again, very high placement rate...you shouldn't worry too much about this, other than presenting yourself well as IP suggests in the post above mine.

As stated above, keep an open mind and don't listen to the gossip that happens during recruitment. Decide for yourself what you feel about the various houses. Good luck!