Question about Greeklife at University of Illinois
 

I have a specific question- as a transfer student, transfering to U of I for spring of 2008 I would be a second semester sophmore, what are my chances of getting a bid? In formal (fall of 2008) as a Junior, and if offered in spring of 2008 (still as a soph). does U of I even have Spring "informal" rush?

Thanks- and really any info on greek life there would be appreciated.. I know greek life is HUGE there!!

Thanks in advance!

I went to U of I and was in a sorority there. There is no spring rush. Some chapters on campus may do some COB (very limited), and you should check them out, but really formal recruitment is the only way to get a look at all of the chapters. So if you did formal recruitment you would be a junior, right? That won't kill you at U of I, but it won't help you either. Many chapters will still give you a chance, you just may experience heavier cuts than a younger PNM. If you have specific questions, feel free to PM me. Greek life being huge is a massive understatement! What a fun place to be greek - it was a real privilege.

Also, a new sorority may be colonizing next year, and that would be a great opportunity for an upperclassman.

irishpipes, when were you there? In the early years of this decade, they did do a panhellenic-organized spring rush, with an info night and house tours. This way women got to see all the chapters who were doing spring COB. I am unsure if this still happens, but I could find out. I could also wager a pretty good guess at which chapters are doing spring COB.

As far as FR as a junior, you will get cut hard. In the first invitational round, you may not have more than five chapters on your schedule, when other women have up to ten. If you are willing to take a good look at the ones who do invite you back, you have a good chance of getting a bid.

Keep in mind that every year there are a few chapters who don't take quota, so if you are willing to pledge one of those chapters, you have a much better chance of getting a bid. Any chapter would rather take a junior than miss quota.

PM me if you have more questions, or if you want me to do some research.

Thanks to both of you!!! If anyone else has any opionions or info I would greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks!!

I thought there was some speculation that they might be expanding in one of the expansion threads. Usually, during a colonization of a new chapter, they want some variety of ages of members so that the whole group aren't freshman. That might be something to consider if/when that happens at Illinois.

Also, when you do rush, lookfor the smaller houses, as they've probably had problems meeting quota in the past. Many women dismiss the smaller house, but you can find great sisterhood there. Good luck!