Are you a PNM wondering what you can do to "improve your chances" at recruitment?

[KD4Me]

Here's a suggestion: If you have not yet sent the sorority alumnae who have written your recommendations a personal, handwritten thank-you note, this is the time to do so.

I am writing a rec for a local girl (I don't know personally) who is going to a school with an extremely competitive recruitment. She sent me a packet a couple of weeks ago that was extremely polished and professional, but not over-the-top. What she could have done, but did not do, was include any sort of personal note or thank you to my attention.

To date, I haven't received a thank-you note, and I'm not holding it against her nor will it affect my recommendation of her. However, I have a lot more "fun" things to do with my time than write recs and a thank-you would be a nice touch. Had I forgotten about it (certainly possible when alumnae have children and are dealing with end-of-the school-year busyness), it would serve as a reminder, and as it is, it might improve my opinion of her and therefore increase the time and effort that I put into writing her rec.

So, if you are a PNM, wondering what to do, write those thank-you notes. It doesn't have to be complicated, and they can all be the same. ("Dear Mrs/Ms. Alumna, I so appreciate you taking time to send a recommendation letter on my behalf to University. I am really looking forward to recruitment! I hope you enjoy your summer. Sincerely, Polly PNM"