From what I've seen in real life and on GC, there is a continuum regarding letters of reference/recommendation (whatever they're calling them now) - ranging from "Anyone without at least 2 recs gets cut after round 1" to "WTF is a rec?" (My school falls near the "WTF is a rec?" end of the spectrum.)
At schools with highly competitive rushes, whether or not you have a rec can be the determining factor as to whether you're invited back after round 1. Sororities have to make quick decisions based on very little information, and a rec or two can tip the balance.
At schools with more laid-back rushes, where most women don't come in with a sheaf of recs, a rec still sends the message that "hey, she has some great qualities, don't overlook her" as well as the message that the PNM proactively went out and sought recommendations and information about the sororities at the school she'll be attending.
Bottom line: It's never wrong to get a rec.
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