rushing for Fall 2008 questions :)
 

I'm currently a freshman at the University of Florida. I'm very interested in rushing for Fall 2008. How crucial is it that I waited until my sophomore year to rush? How can I make up for it (or try to)? I want to begin looking for recommendations now so that I'm fully prepared come fall. How could I go about securing positive recommendations? It would be lovely to be able to gain insight and guidance into Greek life. Thank you very much in advance for anyone willing to help me.:)


I have already contacted some of the local alumnae panhellenic groups near me in order to meet up with an alum. I have not gotten any responses yet, but will keep watching for some!

You should really try to solicit recs outside of GC. Go to www.npcwomen.org to find the Alumnae Panhellenic group nearest to your hometown to secure recs.

Make the effort to get yourself out there instead of soliciting for recs here. If you read the threads about Recommendations stickied at the top of the Recruitment forums, you'll see why a lot of GCers frown on asking for help here.

GC's a great resource when it comes to general recruitment info but sometimes you need to take that effort outside of these boards.

Also, since you're rushing, you might want to leave out any personal contact info...including email addresses.

Best of luck.

Thank you! I contacted some that are in my area. Hopefully, I will get a response. Sorry if there was any inconvenience.

No inconvenience at all...

One more thing if you haven't already done so -- do you have any family members, former teachers/coaches, women you know from church (etc.) who are in sororities? If their sorority's at UF, they also can write a rec for you!

May I also recommend that you get involved on campus. Many sororities will look at non-freshmen and ask what they can bring to the table that makes them more desirable than a freshman. If you can list activities on campus that you participate in (don't just sign your name on a sheet of paper), you will be much more attractive in that area. Find out what groups are there for people in your major and join other special interest clubs as well. The more people you know, the greater your chances of forming a relationship with someone already in a sorority!

HOWEVER - please note that I am not suggesting that you just run rampant and join organizations to build your resume. That could backfire on you if you go into recruitment and start talking about all you do with the basket-weaving club and the girl you happen to be talking to is the President. So get involved in things that you actually like and want to do - the rest will come naturally.

Thank you for the advice!

PM me with where you are in Fl :)

don't give up on the alumnae chapters-many take a break after christmas and reconvene in february or march.

several alumnae panhellenics will hold recruitment information sessions for h.s. seniors in the spring. these are generic informational meetings where recruitment process is explained. they may have flyers for each of the colleges and universities in florida that have greek life, listing the sororoities present on that particular campus, as well as the addresses where recs. need to be mailed. maybe one near your hometown will hold one too.

everyone has shared great advice, particularly jwright. good luck to you!