Question about recruitment
 

Hello! I'm not greek, but was hoping you could answer some questions for me! I will be a second year student transferring to the Univ. of Tulsa this fall. I intend on going through recruitment, but I know it is difficult to get into a sorority as a sophomore at many schools. I only have 22 hours though, so technically I won't really be a sophomore, I am also a bio major so I will probably be in college 4 more years anyway. Will this improve my odds at all? I was also wondering how beneficial letters of recommendation are for rushing a sorority. Many of my friends have offered to write letters for me...does it matter that they are not alums? Any other advice you could give me would be appreciated! I hope you can help me out! Thanks!
Holly

Hi Holly,
Good luck in recruitment - its the best! As for your questions, recs really depend on the school you are going to. At my school, they are really not a big deal at all, unless of course we get one that absolutely does not recomment the woman, which I have never heard of happening! Also, we take women up to Junior year. Try to check with some peopel on campus to feel out what the vibe is at Tulsa. Either way, go in it with your all. The sisters will see that in the end anyway!! Good luck!

Credit Hours, recommendations
 

Holly:

Thanks for the question!

If you are not a Sophomore in the eyes of the University, then you are NOT a Sophomore in the eyes of Panhellenic.

If you are listed as a Freshman by credit hours earned in the University system, then that is what your Recruitment status should be.

You need to make sure that Panhellenic has listed you as a Freshman, and in no way is this "cheating," as you will still need to stay at the U. as long as "traditional" freshmen in order to get your degree.

I had the opposite problem when I went through Recruitment--I had the credits of a first sememster Junior when I was a second semester Freshman (from AP courses in High School, testing out of courses, etc.). As a Junior at my University, I would not have stood a chance during Recruitment, but as a Freshman, I did just fine. But I had to ride Panhellenic pretty hard to recognize that, at 18, I was NOT a Junior, and was a true Freshman.

On the letters of rec front, vukkg has hit the nail right on the head. The importance and weight of these letters varies widely from campus to campus, and even from chapter to chapter. But the rule of thumb is this: a good letter of rec CAN NEVER HURT!!! Better to be safe than sorry, I think.

Hope this is helpful!!

Panhellenically,

imsohappythatiama

Holly:

I don't go to the U. of Tulsa, but I grew up there and know a bunch of people that do. TU's Greek system is pretty small, and I don't think it's as competitive as the other schools in the area. As long as your grades are good and you're not an axe murderer, you probably won't have much trouble getting a bid. :) Good luck, and let us know how your rush goes!