Recruitment Help

STL94 · #1 10-12-2013, 06:53 PM

Hello all! I'm a new transfer sophomore at a large state school in the midwest. I didn't think I would like to rush and didn't freshman year. However, I fell in love with a recolonizing chapter at my school and decided to rush them. Unfortunately, I wasn't given a bid at the end of the day. Does anyone happen to know if most recolonized chapters do spring rush? I was thinking about trying to go through recruitment for them again if they did spring. I'm uncertain whether I should go through spring rush, if any chapters even do it at my school, or wait and do rush as a junior (which is very undesirable to houses since my school is a large greek school). Any advice?

Titchou · #2 10-13-2013, 08:27 AM

We have no clue what they will do. You need to call the Greek Life office and talk with the Adviser there. She can make sure that you are on the COB list for any chapter with may be recruiting at that time. As a sophomore you will need a stellar GPA and solid activities to be considered. And recs will probably be a real plus...

LAblondeGPhi · #3 10-13-2013, 11:41 AM

I assume that if they do COB next semester, then the new sisters will be doing membership selection, whereas these founding members were probably chosen by alumni. This could change some factors, and you'll have to keep in mind that now the chapter is real entity with a personality all its own, whereas before it was the promise of that. There will be subtle changes to both how you assess the chapter, and what the chapter is looking for in membership: they will likely look more heavily at personality fit with the existing members, and may be looking for specific things they have found they're now weak in (leadership, sophomores, bakers, dancers, whatever - it can be random).

You *might* be able to have a conversation with a member of their advisory/leadership consultant team as to what COB options will take place next semester and see if they have any particular advice for you. She won't tell you why you didn't get a bid, but sometimes an alumna will have some nice perspectives on how you're presenting yourself in general.

Also keep in mind that there are fixable reasons why they may not have invited you into membership, and unfixable reasons. Fixable include a short-term GPA issue or missing a mandatory meeting/paperwork/whatever. Very occasionally, this category also includes not having shown enough interest/dedication/personality/leadership potential that you otherwise do possess.

Unfixable concerns are those that can't be addressed in the time frame you have (the next semester or two). A really low GPA, a poor reputation for whatever reason, or a cultural fit issue - meaning they just couldn't see you meshing with the chapter on the basis of personality.

If you ask for feedback, you have to be willing to take constructive criticism and use it constructively. You also may need to read between the lines - many people feel uncomfortable giving any kind of bad news or negative feedback, no matter how benign.

Just do your best to use all the information you have at your disposal to make yourself a better student, young woman, and candidate for membership next semester. Even if you don't get a bid, you will have spent your time in the valuable pursuit of self improvement.

Good luck!

STL94 · #4 10-13-2013, 07:29 PM

Thank you for your responses! I actually think I was way too over enthusiastic when I was in my interview, which probably contributed to why I wasn't picked. My GPA is almost a 4.0 so I know that's not the problem. I'm going to go into COB with an open mind though, so hopefully I'll be successfull.