Overweight and Competitive Recruitment
 

I've been lurking for a while and I've found some old threads on the topic, but nothing that really helped.

I'm from the northeast, but have my heart set on an SEC school for a multitude of reasons but I also want to join a sorority.

I know being candid on here isn't done often, but I would really appreciate an honest answer. I don't want to do all the work if I have no chance, just like going into recruitment with a 2.8 would never happen.

Do chapters ever take overweight girls (size 16)? Im just like the majority of girls in recruitment with amazing grades, clothes, activities etc... But I worry I don't stand a chance.

A lack of quality recs will be a bigger detriment.

Present yourself in the best possible light, highlight your best attributes (both physical and cerebral) and understand that there WILL be some chapters who have a physical image they aren't likely to stray outside of. But others will, so just be open to the women who do appreciate your greatness. And don't go in assuming which chapters fit into which category. You could inadvertently stab yourself in the foot by assuming the IT girls on campus won't like you.

This goes for all ladies... no matter what your size!

Make sure that you dress neatly in clothes at are flattering.

Make sure that you are well groomed. Hair and nails are neat. This doesn't mean that you need to go out and pay for a manicure, just make sure you don't look sloppy.

Make sure that you are clean--believe it or not some girls come through with horrendous body odor. Don't be that girl. Use deodorant and antiperspirant.

Don't hose yourself down with perfume. A nice body splash (a light clean scent) and lotion works so much better in this kind of situation. You don't want to be the girl that you could smell from 2 miles away.

Focus on your best qualities--(as was said before--physical and cerebral)

Enter the room with a smile and a lot of positive energy. Own it. Don't be cocky, but display confidence that no matter what size you are--you like you, and they should too! So many heavier girls go in with their heads down like they are already defeated. You are just as beautiful and just as valuable. Yes some sororities might not like you--but that's regardless of your size. Be open to the ones who are open to you! Would you want to be in a chapter that wouldn't want you...? Just move on to the ones who do!

I'm actually not worried about recs, I have quite a few Greek women in my family from various chapters (I know legacy guarantees nothing) and they know more Greek women. So I have my recs pretty well covered.

Thank you for all the helpful answers!

The short answer to your question is yes. If you search google images for "(your favorite SEC school) bid day," you will likely find new members and actives in your size range.

Great advice from responses ^above.

All the best to you in finding an SEC and sorority home!

Absolutely
 

I have seen girls that are a size 8 look horrible dressed in clothes that don't fit and girls that are a 16 look adorable because their clothes fit right and are an appropriate length and size.

Just remember that you are one of a kind. It is just my fellow panhellenic sisters have said, go in with an open mind and show them just how unique and beautiful you really are, both inside and out. I would rather have a sister who is a size 16 who really wants to be my sister, than one who is a size 2 who is more interested in just having letters as a status symbol. Good Luck...

This is so true! It is important that your clothes fit well and are flattering to you. If a slightly longer dress/skirt length(I'm talking just above the knees) looks better on you than the trendy short/tight ones do, go with what looks better. Trends be damned!

Hahaha, this phrasing is awesome.

I agree, google some bid day pics from throughout the South and you will see girls of all sizes and looks among the actives and new members. It is a myth that they are all slender and gorgeous, although obviously, many are.

What they do all seem to have in common is a sense of style, grooming and confidence. Cultivate your outer beauty --everyone has fabulous attributes--and cultivate your interior life. Be happy with yourself and it will show.

Also, the number on the tag isn't what you should get hung up on. A 5'1" size 16 is vastly different than a 5'11" size 16.

With what everyone has said about getting clothes that fit you no matter your size, everyone is going to have certain stores/manufacturers that don't work for them no matter how hard they try. Avoid these, they'll do nothing but bum you out.

Confidence goes a long way
 

Every girl going through rush is nervous about something, whether it is their appearance, not knowing anyone, an iffy GPA ,etc. The best thing you can do is put your best foot forward and try to convey a confident (but NOT arrogant) demeanor.
Read up on each national organization and on the local chapter's history. Practice rush conversation with someone- even over the phone.

Every chapter of every sorority has petite to plus sized sisters, either now or in the past. Appearances are very important not the size of your clothes. Grades, attitude, appearance, leadership, recs, and all around confidence are what is considered. If all you are is overweight then yes you don't have a chance. If you have grades, recs, a pleasant personality, and a nice resume then girl you should end up at the right place for you.

As a woman who has been a variety of sizes I will add my two cents. Learn early that if your clothes don't fit perfectly off the rack, it doesn't mean something is wrong with you. Don't settle for something that covers you, it needs to fit and flatter. Fit your toughest area, and tailor from there.

I learned this in my 20s. I had gone shopping with my father, who was looking for a new suit. He stepped into the men's department at Macy's and was greeted within 10 seconds by a salesman. He told the man he wanted a charcoal gray with subtle pinstripe. The guy eyeballed him, picked three suits in his size and had the seamstress waiting for him when Dad stepped out of the dressing room. She marked up the suit, and we were good to go.

That caliber of service has happened for me...never.

It was then that I realized a good seamstress isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.

I'll get off my soapbox.