[PeppyGPhiB]

Like other big, old, "flagship" state universities, UW has a lot of 2nd/3rd/4th generation students. And a lot of legacies to the fraternities and sororities. Recs aren't a must, but they will help. UW isn't a place where the whole pledge class is made up of legacies, but I would imagine that many chapters have legacies every year that pledge.

Keep in mind that the numbers you've read for the women who went through recruitment vs. the number of women who received bids ALSO includes women who dropped out of recruitment along the way. I do believe that the vast majority of women that go through recruitment to the end DO get a bid...but that doesn't mean each one gets invites and a bid to their "favorite" houses, which is why some women drop out. Encourage your daughter to stick with recruitment to the end - a lot of women that drop out do it because their emotions get the better of them...they can't handle the rejection, their feelings are hurt, and they're unwilling to accept that one of the DOZEN other sororities will most likely want to offer her a home.

UW does have a traditional quota/total system, though everyone lives in the house. The houses are huge, and I would imagine they would just add an extra bed or two if they went over total...many houses have sleeping porches, too. Otherwise, some may let some seniors move out, but I'm not sure.

There are some others on this board that know a little bit more than me about UW recruitment in terms of logistics/numbers, but I've had several friends (plus a family member) in the UW greek system. I'm jealous of the beautiful houses. Good luck to your daughter!

ETA: Keep in mind that she'll have 16 choices at UW! She's bound to find several that she'd be very happy with, if she gives them a chance.