Rush Timeline
 

Hi I am a senior in high school and very interested in going through rush in the fall at LSU. I know an Alpha Gam alum very well, but she went to a different school (UAB) where rushing is slightly more relaxed, so I know a little about sororities, but she won't be able to write me a recommendation. I was wondering what kind of timeline is there for meeting alums to write me recommendations, getting those sent off, and so forth? I realize now is a quite early, but I figure it can't hurt at all.
I live in Alabama, by the way, so it's a little harder to meet alums. I would love if someone would answer some of my questions and help me out a little bit; I have a good GPA and ACT and SAT scores and am pretty active at my school, but it seems like LSU is really, really competitive so I am scared!! You can private message me if you wouldn't mind helping me out. Thank you soo much ahead of time, and I hope I am not making anyone mad by asking such dumb questions! :)

Is your Alpha Gam friend a member of her local Alumnae Panhellenic chapter? If so, perhaps she can introduce you to ladies whose sororities have chapters at LSU?

I'm speaking for myself here, but I've always been against securing recs online from strangers. Normally I'd suggest that you contact your local Alumnae Panhellenic chapter first. I know there are tons of those in Alabama. You can get more information at http://www.npcwomen.org . It's been done -- GCers writing recs for PNMs they don't know, but it's always been my personal opinion that you should at least make an attempt to contact your local alums first.

Now, speaking as an alumna who writes recs for PNMs every year, I like to get to know the PNM first. If I'm going to recommend this girl for membership in my Fraternity, she can't just look good on paper. She has to be well rounded and worthy of wearing my Badge. On the Alpha Gam RIF form, it asks the question of how well I know this PNM. I'd like to think that "I've known this woman/her family for x number of years/she was recommended to me by this person" pulls more weight than "I do not know this woman personally".

There isn't an AGD chapter at LSU, is there? I doubt if an AGD alum could help you with a rec at LSU if not.

Birmingham has tons of alum clubs, probably one for every sorority in Baton Rouge.

You're right, we haven't had an AGD chapter there for quite some time now, and I *THINK* our Theta Alpha chapter there closed in the 1980s? I know some of the alums here would know for sure. Come to think of it, I don't think we even have a chapter anywhere in Louisiana anymore. :(

surely birmingham has a city-wide alumnae panhellenic organization. check with the birmingham chamber of commerce to see if they have a phone number listed. they may hold an information session in the spring for college bound seniors. if they do, go!

you have over half a year to find some recs. that is plenty of time. ask your present teachers and your former teachers. some of your friends moms might be sorority members. friends of your parents, ladies at your church, ladies that you babysit for, etc.

you will need recs. at lsu. you can find them with a little leg work.

Unfortunately, that's true. Theta Alpha closed in 1985 and Gamma Chi (Nicholls State) closed in 1983. Just a bit of trivia, Theta Alpha was the first AGD chapter to charter with over 100 members.

After reading through here for a few days, I really think I understand the whole rush process better. What about LSU makes it so competitive? Do ya'll know where I can find the percentage of girls who actually get bids compared to how many girls rush? Does anyone here know LSU rush firsthand and could tell me a little more about each house?

I am an LSU alumna and my neighbor is a collegiate member in a chapter there now. I also have a friend who is a chapter advisor.

Part of what makes LSU competitive is that some PMs go into it with blinders. “I am going to be an XYZ or nothing at all.” That spreads to their peer group and artificially limits them. Another thing is that the sororities have to release many girls early on so as not to create false hope. It can be an ego blow to only have 3 events to attend when friends may be attending more. Unfortunately, those PMs may decide to withdraw. You can read about that in the NPC Quota, Release Figure thread.

As far as chapter “personalities” go, your best bet is to look at the chapter web sites. Most of the groups have them, even Sigma Alpha; although, SA doesn’t participate in Formal Recruitment. If you can’t find what you need there, just wait for recruitment and see for yourself!

Good luck and GEAUX TIGERS!

I tried to search for the numbers, but people always say that they "include the girls who didn't show up to the beginning of recruitment and who dropped out" or such. I guess I am wondering- how many girls that keep an open mind and stay for duration of rush don't get a bid? I read.. I think it was LSUgrrl or something back in the archives who got a bid from Kappa Alpha Theta, but then turned it down, then wanted to rush again the next year but couldn't because of the "cut once, cut forever" rule.
Simply, I setting myself up for disappointment for rush? How likely is it that I will get cut from all ten houses? MAN I am scared! lol
By the way, thank you for your responses! I really appreciate it how nice ya'll are!

I guess I am wondering- how many girls that keep an open mind and stay for duration of rush don't get a bid?

It is probably less than 1% of those signing cards after preference.

I read.. I think it was LSUgrrl or something back in the archives who got a bid from Kappa Alpha Theta, but then turned it down, then wanted to rush again the next year but couldn't because of the "cut once, cut forever" rule.

Actually, it was another poster that received the bid and there was more to the story.

Simply, I setting myself up for disappointment for rush?

Maybe, maybe not.

How likely is it that I will get cut from all ten houses?

It’s possible but I wouldn’t dwell on it. You have from now until mid-August to work on the liabilities and enhance the assets. For example, if you are shy, make a sincere effort to get to know people with whom you don’t regularly associate. That way conversation is likely to come a little easier. Things like that.

MAN I am scared! Don’t be scared. Everyone gets nervous.

wonderful advice, aopirose!!

the only CERTAIN thing is that if you don't go thru recruitment, you will not get a bid!