Legacy Question

Greek_Girl · #1 07-13-2001, 10:29 PM

I did a search on legacies before I posted this message, but I didn't find what I was looking for. I found out yesterday that my cousin was a Pi Beta Phi(?? I talked to her mom and her mom couldn't remember if that was the name for it-she thought it was

). My question is if my cousin was a member of this sorority should I put it down on my application. This isn't a sorority at my school, but could the fact that I have a cousin in a sorority help me out during rush (even though her sorority doesn't have a chapter at my school)? I'm so confused

idahovandal · #2 07-13-2001, 10:33 PM

Probably not if that chapter isn't at your school. But, what do I know, I haven't even rushed yet. Maybe somebody else can offer better help.

Sue_XO · #3 07-13-2001, 11:01 PM

PUT IT DOWN ... Girl!!!

I did on my application (that my mom ... the best mom ever!!!) is a Sigma Kappa- everyone took note of it and it really helped me with rush! Trust me - list ALL greeks in your family!

HeidiHo · #4 07-13-2001, 11:14 PM

I don't know if it made any difference, but when I filled out my application the only person I put down was my grandmother who was in a local at another school. I always wondered if the people who read it thought I was loony when they read "Delta Delta Pi". LOL. Oh well.
I found out the night before skits that I have a Theta cousin, a KD cousin and another not-on-my-campus cousin (DG & DZ are the only orgs on her campus that aren't on mine, but she graduated about 10 years ago.) I wish I had known when I was filling out the paper, it looked so empty. Do you research now, and find out if you have any greek reletives even if you won't be a legacy. I'd imagine that it gives something to talk about, and you have a connection to the girls. I was kicking myself when I realized that I have a lot of greeks in my family and never even new it.

Heidi

rolltidesoon · #5 07-16-2001, 06:57 PM

I almost feel stupid asking this question because I just don't see why it would be important, BUT I'm going to ask anyway!!! One alum that was writing a rec for me needed to know my father's fraternity. I put my relatives who were in sororities on my resume, but I would never have thought to put male relatives in fraternities on there. Is this something that I should do? And just out of curiousity, why would they need to know this??

33girl · #6 07-16-2001, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rolltidesoon:
I almost feel stupid asking this question because I just don't see why it would be important, BUT I'm going to ask anyway!!! One alum that was writing a rec for me needed to know my father's fraternity. I put my relatives who were in sororities on my resume, but I would never have thought to put male relatives in fraternities on there. Is this something that I should do? And just out of curiousity, why would they need to know this??

The more Greek connections you have the better, even if they are groups that have never set foot on your campus.

Sue_XO · #7 07-16-2001, 11:28 PM

It helps with name recognition. One girl (during the Chi O rush) knew from my application that my mom was a Sigma Kappa and so was her mom so she made the extra effort to meet and get to know me. Same with a Fraternity- if someone's dad is a Pike and your dad is a Pike- that will stick out in their mind and they will probably seek you out- [but- i come from a rush where only 70-75 girls were "cap" for the whole sorority- I don't know about the sororities that have 200-250 members-I admire those chapters - a lot of information so they must be really organized!!

[This message has been edited by Sue_XO (edited July 16, 2001).]

DeltaBetaBaby · #8 07-17-2001, 04:06 AM

When I registered for rush, I only put down my mother on my application. However, when I met the actives, I usually mentioned that both my father and my brother are Greek.

Pledging requires that you support your chapter with both time and money. If your parents are Greek, they are more likely to be supportive of your Greek experience.

When a PNR mentions that a parent or sibling is Greek, it is often interpreted to mean that she knows more than the average PNR. Of course, this is desirable to the chapter because we are looking for women who are ready to commit themselves.

One caveat: It is best not to mention that you are a legacy to another chapter on the campus. This may be taken as a sign you are not interested in the chapter you are rushing. If you mention your mother is Greek, be sure to follow it up with a comment like "It's really too bad her GLO isn't an option for me, because we will never have the opportunity to share that bond." This works whether your mother's chapter isn't on campus, or if you have just chosen (as I did) that it wasn't for me.

Also, if you have brothers who are actives or recent alums, you may wish to shy away from naming their chapter. If it turns out the chapter you are at hates that fraternity, it may reflect poorly on you.

As an initiated member, I was terrified that my rush crush would go to the chapter at which she was a double legacy (mom and older sister). When she told me at pref party that her mom had encouraged her to do what was best for her, and she was going her own way, I knew she would be my sister.

The bottom line is to make your Greek connections known, but don't mention specific chapters unless you are certain you will follow in the footsteps of your relatives.

(As it happened, the sorority I joined had Bid Day with my brother's fraternity when I was a freshman and he was a senior. Cute, huh?)

Dianne · #9 07-17-2001, 01:04 PM

I don't know how it is at your school, but at my school we filled out one application, and copies were sent to each sorority. I didn't have a choice to put different things on different apps. If you are any type of legacy, put it! As a Zeta, when I see an app for a girl who is a triple legacy for Tri-Delt, it brings out my competitive spirit. We're like, "She looks good. Make it a point to meet her. We'll steal her from Tri-Delt!" And just b/c she's a triple leg, doesn't necessarily mean she wants that sorority. The girls her mom called sister may be a lot different from the Tri-Delts at the school she's rushing at, and she may not even like them. (I do not intend to offend any Tri-Delts. I was just using you as an example!) Also, my older sister was in a local sorority. I still put her down. It shows that you have a pretty good working knowledge of the Greek system and what is involved with being in a sorority (i.e. financial and time commitment, etc). I say put it. It can't hurt. And good luck with rush!

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"Seek the noblest."
Zeta Love! <3

Greek_Girl · #10 07-17-2001, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone. I really wasn't sure if I should send it in with my application or not since we don't have a Pi Beta Phi at my school. Now, I know I should. Thanks!!

Tom Earp · #11 07-18-2001, 05:11 PM

Take your chances if no Soroity for a legacy at your school! Or do like I did and start my own local and Affiliated with LXA.

Remember, Flounder was a legacy Of DTX!
I always feel there should be more Greeks on campus no matter how we vie against each other, we will always be there to help a fellow Greek!!!!!

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Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)

Tom Earp · #12 07-18-2001, 05:15 PM

Take your chances if no Soroity for a legacy at your school! Or do like I did and start my own local and Affiliated with LXA.

Remember, Flounder was a legacy Of DTX!
I always feel there should be more Greeks on campus no matter how we vie against each other, we will always be there to help a fellow Greek!!!!!

------------------
Tom Earp LX Z#1
Pittsburg State U. (Kansas)