Quote:
Originally Posted by lrdavis5
I have heard recently from individuals currently active in 2 different big 10 school sororities (large) that rec letters can hurt a PNM. The word is that if they have ANY doubts about the rushee who has a rec letter, she is cut after the first round and actually gets more scrutiny than if she had no letter. This sounds like if she had not had a letter she may have gotten past first round and possibly gotten a bid later. Also, there are stories that the current members will make fun of the letters written as they review them. I'm sure that is understandable given human nature, but the letters don't seem to be taken seriously at all. Current members have commented that each girl should have an "equal chance," and that the rec letters are somehow "cheating." Maybe the nationals should re-educate current members about the value of loyalty through the legacy system. I know that a given legacy may not necessarily fit into a given chapter and should be cut, but to make it a disadvantage is not right. There are many alums who thoughtfully write letters for the purpose of helping the rushees, but maybe they should re-think this "help."
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From what I've seen on this board it really all depends where you go to school. Some school you need them and others no one cares if you do or don't.
A rec letter is different from a legacy though. Different rules apply when someone is a legacy to XYZ than when they just have a rec letter from a family friend for XYZ. Or at least thats the impression I got.
I can't say its a bad idea for everyone to have an equal chance because it'd be a shame for Susie-no-rec not to get an equal chance just because she's the first to go greek in her family and doesn't know anyone who could write her a letter. But at the same time, a rec letter could be a big help if you're at a big school and only have 20 minutes to get to know each of 1000 girls.