Rushing Alabama as a Transfer

[elizabethjoy]

Hey! So I graduated last year from high school and now I'm going to a small Christian college in southern california. Next year I am transferring to the University of Alabama and I am very worried about rush next year, especially about getting letters of recommendation and that not being from Alabama will hurt my chances. Three of my best friends rushed this year and are in three different sororities, I liked one of their houses and the girls in it but I'm scared that won't help my chances since I only visited once and probably will not visit again until next year when I rush. They are all sure they can get me into their houses, but I'm obviously not planning on that. They also said they would help me get letters of rec but I don't think I can use their contacts because I have never met them, what do ya'll think? Also any other tips to get some letters would be greatly appreciated and on rushing in general at Alabama and as a transfer. Thank you!

[DubaiSis]

First, we ran numbers on the placement of rushees at Alabama, and more girls from out of state were given bids than in-state. That is not a hindrance in and of itself.
Second, use any resources you can to get letters of recommendation. If you know anyone personally, all the better, but any is better than none.
Third, your friends can help a lot, but you are right to not be putting all your chickens in that basket. Hopeful and enthusiastic is good. Decorating your room in fleur-de-lis and keys this year, not so good.

Rushing as a sophomore is going to be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. Make sure your grades are stellar (high school no longer counts once you have a college GPA), and you have extracurricular activities, including leadership roles. Again, at this point high school isn't going to count for much. This might be a little tricky since you're transferring out and may not want to make a whole lot of commitments and friendships since you're leaving. It would be better if you could start at Bama next semester instead of next fall so your GPA, activities, friendships, etc. would all be related directly, but you'll have to do the best you can with what you have.

Finally, you have miles to go before you sleep. Relax and enjoy your first year of college!

[amIblue?]

You did say that you have friends currently enrolled and that have visited Tuscaloosa, right? I just hope you're ready for the huge culture shock that will be Southern California to Alabama and small Christian college to Alabama.

All that being said, I'm sure your friends will try their best, but when chapters are as large as they are at Alabama, one person can't always get things done for you. You're wise to not put all your eggs in that basket. If you can at all, go visit and try to meet more people (their friends, sorority sisters, etc.). Seriously, this will most likely be your best bet at making yourself known, which is key. Good grades and multiple recs for all groups are a must.

Best of luck to you in this academic year and next year when you go through recruitment!