University of Minnesota Upperclassman Recruitment

mnpnm · #1 10-03-2011, 01:11 AM

Hey everyone! Does anyone have information on the University of Minnesota recruitment experience? Specifically about going through recruitment as a senior? I know it's not an extremely competitive school, but still competitive nonetheless. Do many seniors typically get bids at the U of M?

Also, recs! I'll call the greek life office about this one, but I was wondering if I could get any additional insight on here. Are recommendations needed at the U of M? Do pnms usually have recs? I really don't know any alumna (at least that I'm aware of) from any of the sororities, so even if I got recs they would be info only. There are only a couple of sororities that list information about recs on their websites, so I'm guessing they're not vital.

I realize that rushing as an upperclassman hurts my chances, so I have made sure to earn a high GPA and be involved at my current college, as well as keeping up my appearance, community service hours, and conversation skills. Also, how important is my high school information since I am a transfer? My HS information is good, but I was just wondering if that will even help.

Thank you so much for any help or advice. I am also calling their greek life office with other questions. I want to be as prepared as possible because I know that due to my age/class status this will be my first and last chance at a successful recruitment process.

DubaiSis · #2 10-03-2011, 01:33 AM

I'm not aware of any Gophers here, so I'll give this a shot and someone can correct me. Minnesota seems to be on a bit of an upswing after a decline in interest in Greek life. That's great, but as you said, does mean it's a bit more competitive than it was a couple years ago. Your class standing is your class standing per your transcript. You can be a freshman and have been going to college for 6 years so that's a moot point. Whatever it says you are, put that on your application form. I would not think being a sophomore would be a huge problem at Minnesota anyway.

As far as recs, I would think they would be appreciated but not mandatory. If you know some women who can provide you recs, I'd go for it, but I wouldn't go through the hassle of getting recs from your local alumnae NPC or anything.

In the meantime, keep your grades up (even at less competitive schools ALL sororities have grade requirements), and get/stay involved in campus activities. This will do 2 things - you'll have good things to put on your application and you'll get to know people, including sorority women. And you might want to look into informal rush in the spring (you're already at Minnesota now, right?). Not every chapter will be participating, but it would mean you can start enjoying the fun sooner if you can find a good match.

mnpnm · #3 10-03-2011, 02:12 AM

Okay, thank you so much! I haven't transferred yet.

DubaiSis · #4 10-03-2011, 03:05 AM

OK, not going there yet - still get/stay involved on your current campus or get involved in some community events. I believe (but please confirm with the Greek life office at UM) that they will use your CC gpa so you'll want to keep that up. We did have a girl here get dinged through rush because she took 1 summer class before college started and didn't get a great grade on it, so just be aware of the rules and consequences of taking any classes. We really aren't kidding about grades - make sure they're good!

Another thing you can do is learn how to talk to strangers. I read here somewhere and I'll repeat - the conversation will only be awkward if YOU'RE awkward. This is definitely a learned skill and needs to be practiced.

lake · #5 10-03-2011, 07:02 PM

I know I'm not the ideal person to talk to, but I originally went thru rush at the U as a sophomore about 20 years ago. I went thru knowing nothing about the Greek system and with NO recs (clueless me), but I ended up having a great rush nonetheless. I ended up dropping out on the last day (after Preffing Tri Delta and another chapter). I know that was a long time ago and more than likely not relevant at all to your upcoming recruitment, but if you want to chat informally feel free to PM me.