Do certain recommenders carry more weight than others?
 

Hi, everyone!

I'm in the midst procuring recs right now for the upcoming school year (a little late, I know). This got me wondering if certain recommenders carry more weight than others. For example, would it be easier for the girls reading them to relate more to something written by a fellow sister of their own age at a different school rather than someone who has not been in college for decades? And I guess another question I have is about recent graduates from the same sorority and school. I have talked to a few who are more than eager to write me recs, but now I am wondering if that could potentially backfire if there was ever any drama with sisters who still attend the school. So I guess, besides, the two scenarios I presented, I was also wondering, from those of you with much more experience, what kind of recommender do you think would be the "ideal" recommender?

Thank you!

Some organizations prefer not to receive recs from active members.

A rec from someone who has known/your family personally for a number of years goes to the top of the list. Depending on the writer's relationship/history with the chapter (Mrs. Vatal's girls ALWAYS pledge her group), that can have an impact as well.

I think you should be appreciative and positive toward any recent alumnae of chapters at your school -- don't rebuff anyone who actually knows the current actives. They can vouch for you, or just as easily tell their sisters that you said "no, thanks" to a rec offer. If anyone is eagerly offering, take them up on it graciously.

A rec writer who is a high level alumnae officer or a trusted advisor attracts attention, when they're submitted on behalf of PNMs who are well known to the officer.

I wouldn't try to "shop around" for the "best" rec writers -- accept all offers. If you have more than one for a group, that's fine and even common at many competitive campuses.