Exactly how disadvantaged am I in respect to rushing at an SEC school?

[ANiceChianti]

I fully understand that there are "no guarantees" when it comes to determining whether or not someone is a likely candidate for being given a bid at an SEC school, but I'd just like some form of guidance in regards to the issue of my rushing. Also, I'd prefer to err on the side of "snowball's chance in hell" as opposed to arbitrarily hearing "Just give it a go; you'll be fine!"

I currently attend a Big East university, and will be transfering to an SEC school (not Alabama/Ole Miss in relation to “tier,” but also not Kentucky/Mississippi State either) in the spring of 2009. I will be transfering there as a sophomore and, unfortunately, I just so happen to be from Connecticut. From what I've gleaned in my short time on this website, the three biggest "shortcomings" when aiming to receive a bid at an SEC school are being a sophomore, a transfer student, or an out-of-stater. Luckily for me, I'm flawed in all three of the aforementioned areas. To top things off, I intend on rushing in the spring semester, as opposed to waiting until fall and rushing as a junior.

Simply put, what are my rough odds of getting into a desirable fraternity? I'd ideally be shooting for what I've gathered to be the top 5 or 6 fraternities on the school's campus, which may prove to be a rather lofty ambition for someone with my disposition. I know that appearances aren't everything in fraternity recruitment, but I'm at least fairly good-looking and typically dress to the nines in Ralph Lauren/Thomas Pink/Vineyard Vines/Ferragamo and all the other "it-labels" of the fratty world. Unlike most from my delightfully-blue state, I'm probably the most staunch conservative you'll ever meet, which is particularly why I have such a penchant for the SEC and southern life in general. I'd have no worries whatsoever if I were a resident of the state rushing fraternities as an incoming freshman, but my situation has me more than a little worried because my style and the way in which I carry myself probably wouldn't lend itself well to the "GDI" ongoings at an SEC school.

Any words of advice or helpful anecdotes are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Blue Skies]

...and modest, too?

If you're from Fairfield County, etc., then being a Republican isn't remarkable. But drinking Chianti would be, LOL.

I'm just playin' with ya'. I hope things go your way. If you present yourself half as nicely as you write, then you've done everything you can do. But personally, I would rush in the fall if that's when most of the guys go through. Why delay?

[Elephant Walk]

What the fuck is Ferragamo?

Sounds like some Eastern European club-trash.

[nittanyalum]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

What the fuck is Ferragamo?

Sounds like some Eastern European club-trash.

They're fabulous, expensive Italian leather shoes.

Did you miss that whole flap with McCain wearing his Ferragamos on the campaign trail? http://www.mysimon.com/9063-10929_8-9662882.html

[CrackerBarrel]

Your "tiers" of schools left a big gap. At Florida you would have a good shot at the good houses, particularly in the spring, because while it has a strong Greek system its a less "southern" atmosphere than most of the rest of the SEC and I think that a lot of their top houses have a few out of state guys. At Vandy you would probably be ok because a lot of the school is out-of-state. At schools like UGA or Auburn it would be tougher, but if you dress right (sounds like you do), can carry on a good conversation, and know how to behave in social situations you would probably get a bid somewhere decent, just the top few houses would be tougher.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

They're fabulous, expensive Italian leather shoes.

Did you miss that whole flap with McCain wearing his Ferragamos on the campaign trail? http://www.mysimon.com/9063-10929_8-9662882.html

I don't pay attention to political news, because it's kind of like watching E!...which is why there was a flap about McCain wearing shitty italian shoes.

I like political theory.

Anyways, just because he dresses fine doesn't really mean much. If you're rushing spring, does that mean Vandy? That's the only big formal rush in the SEC. If so, then it's not nearly so competitive. If you're not attending Vandy, then you will be at an extreme disadvantage during Spring because Springs usually already know which house they're going to by the start of the Spring...that's given that some houses are even taking springs (which many don't.) Springs already know people and the house that they're going to, generally. To be spring and just now be meeting people is not so good.

But give it a shot.

[FSUZeta]

just present yourself well, be friendly, act interested, and give it a shot. if you are not satisfied with your choices, you do not have to accept a bid and can take your chances as a junior in the fall. good luck.

[joproper]

i agree in florida you would have a good chance, especially spring

[dreamseeker]

the bump makes me wonder how the OP did...

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by dreamseeker

the bump makes me wonder how the OP did...

I hope he either didn't make it because he sounds like a douche or wound up in EW's frat, not that EW would care, but I would. And I'd laugh and laugh.

[dreamseeker]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I hope he either didn't make it because he sounds like a douche or wound up in EW's frat, not that EW would care, but I would. And I'd laugh and laugh.

lol. what fraternity is EW in?

[IHeartUGA]

I'm so sick of this question. We don't have a secret formula that will give you a "rough percentage" of what your chances are. The only people who know what your chances are are the girls who MEET you WHEN THEY RUSH YOU.

[FSUZeta]

........old thread bumped by a spammer.

[Beryana]

And an old thread about a GUY rushing a FRATERNITY . . . .

I too would be interested to see how he did.

[LatinaAlumna]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

I hope he either didn't make it because he sounds like a douche

THIS! Exactly what I thought as I read (and laughed) at his post.