[violetpretty]

I'm not familiar with W&M, but I would assume if the word "frequently" was used, PNMs with recs would definitely not be perceived as overeager. The mere mention of recs suggests that they are probably a good idea to have.

This is a guess, so take this with a grain of salt, and anyone correct me if necessary, but despite having a historical southern setting, I don't think the student body is very southern. Though it is public, W&M attracts students from all over the country, not just VA/NC; at schools with a diverse student body (geographically), recs seem to be less important, but they can give you a leg up. Contrast this with large southern state schools (think SEC). Many students are in-state or from a nearby state, each sorority woman knows dozens of people just from her high school going through. Recs are a way to make sure the chapter knows about you. If you don't have a rec for a chapter, why should they keep an unknown when they KNOW hundreds of women from their "feeder" high schools. Recs are vital at such schools. They're not a leg up, just a foot in the door.

Also, how would you know if a PNM had 1-2 recs to every chapter (unless she told you)? Wouldn't you just know if she had a rec for your chapter?