Northern girl going to Alabama! Help!

[MissEmm]

So I am from up north and I am not use to the whole southern sorority thing. I am transferring to Alabama next year and would really like to rush. I hear it is a big deal and I would love to hear any advice I can get because I am so nervous!!

If I get 2 recs is that okay?

Will being a sophomore hurt me?

Should I go to the Panhellenic Preview Day?

Thanks!!

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by MissEmm

So I am from up north and I am not use to the whole southern sorority thing. I am transferring to Alabama next year and would really like to rush. I hear it is a big deal and I would love to hear any advice I can get because I am so nervous!!

If I get 2 recs is that okay?

Will being a sophomore hurt me?

Should I go to the Panhellenic Preview Day?

Thanks!!

Yes to all of the above, but you can only worry about things you have control of... your attitude, your preparation and your openness to all groups despite the tent talk.

[Bamamom13]

2 recs per house would be great. There is a separate quota for upperclassmen, which is sophomores and up. Yes, go to Panhellenic Weekend. It will give you a chance to see all the houses and meet a few women from each house and get any questions that you may have answered. Alabama is not only a great greek school, but a wonderful university as well. Good Luck!

[KSUViolet06]

Being from out of state and a sophomore will present a challenge.

I do know that Bama has an upperclassman quota, which does allow them to take on a certain number of soph, junior, and senior PNMs without them counting against the regular quota.

This is NOT saying that EVERY upperclassman who rushes gets a bid, but it does allow the Bama sororities to take on a few non-freshman girls. For example, the upperclassman quota at Bama last recruitment was 8, compared to like 70 for freshmen.

Going to Panhellenic Weekend would be beneficial, as I always feel that upperclassman PNMs should take every available opportunity to meet women in the chapters there.

[Benzgirl]

If I remember right, you can Google Search the bidday lists from Bama. You might be able to scan the lists to see if there are girls from your state in each house and hopefully make a connection.

If you PM me with your email address, I saved the 2008 list and can send it.

[MissEmm]

Thanks so much for your help! Would it be inappropriate to talk to girls from my area before I go to the Panhellenic weekend?

[Benzgirl]

As long as you are not in the "silence" period, do all of the networking you can. Panhel at Bama will specifically give you the date when silence begins.

[rolltider17]

I went through rush as a sophomore at UA this year, as did a few of my friends. We all had a great experience and got out top choices. However, we did have the advantage of a year to make connections on campus.

That being said, I met several girls who transferred, went through rush this year, and enjoyed it a lot! I would definitely recommend going to Panhellenic weekend, and don't be afraid to contact girls from your area. Chances are they don't know a lot of girls from their hometowns coming through (you're out of state, correct?) and would love to help out!

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by rolltider17

(you're out of state, correct?)

She's probably out of state unless Bama moved a thousand some miles into Yankee territory.

[Zillini]

If possible I strongly suggest attending Alabama's Panhellenic Weekend. It is a great way for a PNM, particularly out of state, to get on everyone's "radar".

[Zillini]

Originally Posted by MissEmm

So I am from up north and I am not use to the whole southern sorority thing. I am transferring to Alabama next year and would really like to rush. I hear it is a big deal and I would love to hear any advice I can get because I am so nervous!!

If I get 2 recs is that okay?

Will being a sophomore hurt me?

Should I go to the Panhellenic Preview Day?

Thanks!!

As already said there is an upperclassmen quota. However it is still very competitive. A strong resume is vital and not just stuff from high school. That means having been active on campus and in the community.

Recs are critical for all PNMs, regardless of the year in school. While every chapter has different requirements, in general I suggest that 1 per chapter is a minimum. 2-3 is even better. More than that probably isn't necessary unless they are exceptionally strong recs, i.e. alums who have known you very well for a long time.

An upperclassmen must have earned good grades while at college. A stellar HS GPA won't means squat if the college grades aren't there. A good rule of thumb is at least the Panhellenic average. Fall '08 Panhellenic GPA was 3.17. Obviously we don't know yet what spring's will be, but you still have time to hit the books -- hard.

[Bamamom13]

I think those dates are from last year. The Panhellenic website has not been updated.

[Fawn Liebowitz]

Panhellenic Weekend is April 25.

[Zillini]

Oops, my bad.

[rolltider17]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

She's probably out of state unless Bama moved a thousand some miles into Yankee territory.

Just checking People have some interesting perceptions of what constitutes being from the North down here!