Hopeful 2011 SEC PNM from "The North"

[blondieee3]

Hiiii Everyone!

I've been a lurker for some time now but never got around to creating an account or posting, but have been lucky enough to learn/absorb as much information as possible thanks to greekchat! I'm about to begin my senior year of high school and just finished up my tour of college visits, so I thought it would be as good a time as any to start to ask my own questions and create my own plan that would help in having a successful recruitment next fall! After my visits, I narrowed my list down to two schools that are both in the SEC and host amongst the most competitive recruitments in the country, South Carolina and Alabama! But the edge definitely goes to the Crimson Tide.

I'm from Northern Virginia. (but even though my state lies South of the mason-dixon line, FEW would consiter where I live "southern", especially those in the deep south) I know this puts me at a disadvantage already due to lack of connections, Alabama high school social scene, ect. This worries me because I've heard a great way for OOS girls to get involved is through the Panhellenic Preview Weekend Bama holds but I'm confused as to if it on an invite only basis?

My only non-active Greek connection is my cousin who was a very very active member of her organization's chapter at UF and is more than willing to write me rec in addition to recs from some of her sisters I've met through her. I know that getting recs for every chapter is a crucial must in SEC recruitment, but this is only one house out of the 17 (I might be off? lol) at Alabama. In this same house is a girl from my home town I'm acquaintances with through mutual friends but is pretty much the only girl I know involved in greek life at the university. I'm not sure where to get the some 16 other recs I need. While I've seen others receive suggestions to find a local alumnae group, I have heard that there aren't any in my area =/ Does anyone know where I could find these additional recs?

I have a strong resume filled with athletics, coaching, volunteer work, and leadership. My grades however, are just average I suppose. I have around a 3.3 in one of the most competitive/challenging school systems in the nation barring a difficult course load. But the highlight of my academic resume would be my SAT/ACT scores with a 1920 and 28 composite. Could this off-set my lightly lower GPA? Do the chapters even see them?

I'm sorry for such a long post but any feedback at all would be very greatly appreciated! And if you'd like to send me a PM that's fine too! Thank you all so much in advance!

[SthrnZeta]

I don't know much firsthand about SEC recruitment but it sounds like you're at least aware of how competitive recruitment is there so you're starting out on a better footing than some.

I saw you were from NoVa so I had to send a virtual wave your way - I went to GMU and went to a couple different high schools up there so I'm very familiar with the area.

I'll let some gals in the SEC know post some advice for you - good luck and keep us all updated next year when you go through recruitment!

[blondieee3]

SthrnZeta, I'm glad I'm not the only NoVa girl on here I was actually going to see if I could possibly find some Mason alumnae for recs. And updates to come for sure!

Thank you for those threads KSUViolet, definitely cleared up my issue with the Preview Weekend.

And thank you for your luck jennyj!

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by blondieee3

Hiiii Everyone!

I've been a lurker for some time now but never got around to creating an account or posting, but have been lucky enough to learn/absorb as much information as possible thanks to greekchat! I'm about to begin my senior year of high school and just finished up my tour of college visits, so I thought it would be as good a time as any to start to ask my own questions and create my own plan that would help in having a successful recruitment next fall! After my visits, I narrowed my list down to two schools that are both in the SEC and host amongst the most competitive recruitments in the country, South Carolina and Alabama! But the edge definitely goes to the Crimson Tide.

I'm from Northern Virginia. (but even though my state lies South of the mason-dixon line, FEW would consiter where I live "southern", especially those in the deep south) I know this puts me at a disadvantage already due to lack of connections, Alabama high school social scene, ect. This worries me because I've heard a great way for OOS girls to get involved is through the Panhellenic Preview Weekend Bama holds but I'm confused as to if it on an invite only basis?

My only non-active Greek connection is my cousin who was a very very active member of her organization's chapter at UF and is more than willing to write me rec in addition to recs from some of her sisters I've met through her. I know that getting recs for every chapter is a crucial must in SEC recruitment, but this is only one house out of the 17 (I might be off? lol) at Alabama. In this same house is a girl from my home town I'm acquaintances with through mutual friends but is pretty much the only girl I know involved in greek life at the university. I'm not sure where to get the some 16 other recs I need. While I've seen others receive suggestions to find a local alumnae group, I have heard that there aren't any in my area =/ Does anyone know where I could find these additional recs?

I have a strong resume filled with athletics, coaching, volunteer work, and leadership. My grades however, are just average I suppose. I have around a 3.3 in one of the most competitive/challenging school systems in the nation barring a difficult course load. But the highlight of my academic resume would be my SAT/ACT scores with a 1920 and 28 composite. Could this off-set my lightly lower GPA? Do the chapters even see them?

I'm sorry for such a long post but any feedback at all would be very greatly appreciated! And if you'd like to send me a PM that's fine too! Thank you all so much in advance!

Some good Bama related threads to read:

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...hlight=Alabama

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...hlight=Alabama

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...hlight=Alabama

[jennyj87]

good luck.



side note, can we ban the term 'lurker'?

[aephi alum]

Originally Posted by jennyj87

side note, can we ban the term 'lurker'?

Why? It's a time-honored term going back to the ancient days of Usenet.

To the OP: It's not too early to start seeking out recs, but first you have to be accepted to Bama and/or USC before you can rush there. As I'm sure you know, your current GPA, SAT, and ACT scores will go on your college applications. At recruitment time, chapters will be able to verify your final HS GPA, so keep your senior-year grades up. Good luck!

[violetpretty]

Blondieee3, the good news is that you're already aware that you need recs! Instead of showing up in July and being like, "OMG I need recs would any GCers write me one kthxbye", you have plenty of time to find alumnae or actives. Ideally, you would have recs from alumnae who already know you. I bet you know people who are Greek---you just don't know it. Ask:

teachers/coaches/school staff/activity sponsors
older friends
siblings' friends/friends' siblings
parents' friends/friends' parents
babysitters/people who you babysit for
women from your place of worship
coworkers/boss
extended family

Remember that when you find one greek woman, she may know of others. Ask guys too, as they may know greek women. Many (but not all) NPC sororities allow collegians from other chapters to write recommendations, so they don't all have to come from alumnae.

Only after you've exhausted your personal contacts should you ask women from the NoVa APH for recs. The NoVa APH is pretty active, so they should be helpful. Since they're still pretty far north, I doubt they are inundated with rec requests like the APHs in the Deep South.

Originally Posted by aephi alum

To the OP: It's not too early to start seeking out recs, but first you have to be accepted to Bama and/or USC before you can rush there.

Ah yes, but it won't hurt her to find rec writers now, and then once she knows for sure where she is going, let the ones she needs know to write the rec.

[blondieee3]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

Blondieee3, the good news is that you're already aware that you need recs! Instead of showing up in July and being like, "OMG I need recs would any GCers write me one kthxbye", you have plenty of time to find alumnae or actives. Ideally, you would have recs from alumnae who already know you. I bet you know people who are Greek---you just don't know it. Ask:

teachers/coaches/school staff/activity sponsors
older friends
siblings' friends/friends' siblings
parents' friends/friends' parents
babysitters/people who you babysit for
women from your place of worship
coworkers/boss
extended family

Remember that when you find one greek woman, she may know of others. Ask guys too, as they may know greek women. Many (but not all) NPC sororities allow collegians from other chapters to write recommendations, so they don't all have to come from alumnae.

Only after you've exhausted your personal contacts should you ask women from the NoVa APH for recs. The NoVa APH is pretty active, so they should be helpful. Since they're still pretty far north, I doubt they are inundated with rec requests like the APHs in the Deep South.

Ah yes, but it won't hurt her to find rec writers now, and then once she knows for sure where she is going, let the ones she needs know to write the rec.

Haha yes I'm trying to get as much of my college business completed ASAP because I have a very busy senior year planned! And thank you for all those suggestions of ladies to ask! Living "so far north" hahaha I still don't go back to school for another week but I figured I'd start there and by asking my counselor if she know's of any sorority women on campus. I looked up most of the alumnae chapters in my area and while some haven't been updated in maaaany months, others have volunteer events right aroud the corner! I'm really interested in a few and would like to participate in them as well. Not affiliated ofcourse, but would that be too much to request information and what not?

Also, you're both right, I have not been accepted to either university yet but have sent applications, transcripts, scores ect. and I know Alabama uses rolling admission so fingers crossed, I'll hear back soon!

Thank you again for all you're imput

[groovypq]

Originally Posted by blondieee3

I'm from Northern Virginia. (but even though my state lies South of the mason-dixon line, FEW would consiter where I live "southern", especially those in the deep south)

I just had to chuckle at this. I used to live in NoVa, and my southern (i.e. North Carolinian) friends swore up and down to me that I did NOT live in "the south!" Being from Pennsylvania, I didn't get it at first - I thought anything below the Mason-Dixon line was the south. But I learned.

Anyway, blondieee3, you're off to a good start, and you've gotten some good advice here. Good luck!

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by groovypq

I just had to chuckle at this. I used to live in NoVa, and my southern (i.e. North Carolinian) friends swore up and down to me that I did NOT live in "the south!" Being from Pennsylvania, I didn't get it at first - I thought anything below the Mason-Dixon line was the south. But I learned.

Anyway, blondieee3, you're off to a good start, and you've gotten some good advice here. Good luck!

Depending on where in North Carolina, they might not be "Southern" either. Charlotte is one of those places, much like Florida, which may physically be in the south, but aren't really "Southern". Cary, NC also falls into this category.

[groovypq]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Depending on where in North Carolina, they might not be "Southern" either. Charlotte is one of those places, much like Florida, which may physically be in the south, but aren't really "Southern". Cary, NC also falls into this category.

You mean Containment Area for Relocated Yankees??

My best friend lives outside Charlotte now, but he grew up in the middle-of-nowhere, NC. And went to App State. He complains all the time about the Yankees who move down there and want to change everything to "how it was back in New Jersey/New York." I-95 goes both ways, ya know...

On the flip side, I have friends who are originally from Ohio and just moved to the Raleigh-Durham area from Long Island. They're sort of those Yankees my NC friend complains about. But they said most people they meet down there are originally from up North, so they feel at home. LOL

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by groovypq

You mean Containment Area for Relocated Yankees??

My best friend lives outside Charlotte now, but he grew up in the middle-of-nowhere, NC. And went to App State. He complains all the time about the Yankees who move down there and want to change everything to "how it was back in New Jersey/New York." I-95 goes both ways, ya know...

On the flip side, I have friends who are originally from Ohio and just moved to the Raleigh-Durham area from Long Island. They're sort of those Yankees my NC friend complains about. But they said most people they meet down there are originally from up North, so they feel at home. LOL

It would be nice to have a road actually run north-south or east-west and not change names half a dozen times.

[blondieee3]

Originally Posted by groovypq

I just had to chuckle at this. I used to live in NoVa, and my southern (i.e. North Carolinian) friends swore up and down to me that I did NOT live in "the south!" Being from Pennsylvania, I didn't get it at first - I thought anything below the Mason-Dixon line was the south. But I learned.

Anyway, blondieee3, you're off to a good start, and you've gotten some good advice here. Good luck!

Haha that's so funny! It's actually pretty crazy that within the same state, you can go from big city "yankee" life, to tiny little farms with confederate flags. Same goes for North and even parts of South Carolina. I think what strips NoVa of it's right to remain Southern would be the diversity and number of transplants. I live near Fairfax but what many consiter the D.C. suburbs and almost everyone I know's parents work for the Government in some way or the Military. Few few people have lived here their whole lives and even fewer have parents native to the area. My parents were both in the Navy with my mom originally being from Northbrook, Illinois and my father from Southern California. And when retired from the service, now work for the Gov. Hahaha typical "DMV" lifestyle I guess.

[Katmandu]

Good luck! When getting recs, begin with who you know and move out in expanding circles. Your cousin probably had friends or classmates in other sororities at UF. Ask her if she can contact people. Those friends may have friends as well.

As others have said, you probably know more sorority women than you think. Some of your teachers are greek, some of your parents' friends are greek. Some of your friends' older sisters or parents are greek. If you know a fraternity man, (father's business associate, golf partner, etc.) he probably knows a sorority woman--perhaps his wife or daughter.

My best advice for a great recruitment next year? Enjoy THIS year. Try something new and challenging. Study hard and maintain or improve your grades. Practice being a great conversationalist. Make graciousness a habit. Meet new people and take a genuine interest in their activities and thoughts. This will make your senior year so full and rich that you will enter recruitment with a great spirit and attitude.

[southbymidwest]

Originally Posted by Katmandu

Good luck! When getting recs, begin with who you know and move out in expanding circles. Your cousin probably had friends or classmates in other sororities at UF. Ask her if she can contact people. Those friends may have friends as well.

As others have said, you probably know more sorority women than you think. Some of your teachers are greek, some of your parents' friends are greek. Some of your friends' older sisters or parents are greek. If you know a fraternity man, (father's business associate, golf partner, etc.) he probably knows a sorority woman--perhaps his wife or daughter.

My best advice for a great recruitment next year? Enjoy THIS year. Try something new and challenging. Study hard and maintain or improve your grades. Practice being a great conversationalist. Make graciousness a habit. Meet new people and take a genuine interest in their activities and thoughts. This will make your senior year so full and rich that you will enter recruitment with a great spirit and attitude.

DING! Katmandu is right on. As a fellow NoVAite, (and yes, we are considered Northerners, you aren't Southern until you hit Richmond!) I can tell you that there are a lot of SEC/ACC/Big 12 grads in this area who "get" the importance of recs. (Not to disparage those from other areas of the country, but recs aren't always of such importance elsewhere in the US.) Starting off asking your friends' moms and older sisters, your mom's friends, your favorite teachers if they are sorority members and would be willing to write a rec for you is a good first step. You could even connect with other girls in your class that are thinking about joining a sorority in college and help each other find women who would be willing to write recs for the girls in your future sorority member group. Ask nicely, be gracious, and give them enough time to write them!

Keep those grades up. I know, there are so many other things to distract you during Senior year, and you are feeling burned out, but still... keep 'em up. GPAs count. Is your GPA based on the old 94-100 A scale, or the new one?

Southern schools have become increasingly popular with NoVA kids. So. Carolina and Alabama, along with Clemson, seem to be popular schools at my daughters' high school. I know girls that have had successful recruitments at both universities, and are very happy. Good luck and have a wonderful senior year! I am assuming you are a ram, bruin or bulldog?