Rushing at Alabama as int. transfer

[Going.South]

Hi everyone! As the title says, I’m wanting to rush at University of Alabama this coming fall. There is a problem though.. I know Alabama is quite competitive which by itself makes it difficult, but the main problem is that I am transferring as an international student. I will have 30 semester hours which as far as I understand will officially classify me as a Sophomore. To my knowledge this is going to make me less likely to receive bids. However, I am starting from scratch as a freshman because not all my classes are transferrable and I’m also switching major, so I will attend Bama for 4 years. Does that change anything at all, or does it not matter?

I am also having a hard time securing reccomendation letters, which I know is a must for rushing at Alabama. We don’t have greek life in Norway where I am from, so naturally I don’t personally know anyone that could write me recs, nor do I know anyone who do. I have read that many get their recs from people who are strangers really, so I guess I’ll just have to turn to the internet for this one: is there anyone who is able and willing (or know someone who is) to write me reccomendation letters for any of the sororities at University of Alabama?

I desperately want to get the full experience while I go to an American college, and would hate it if the fact that I’m Norwegian and therefore without a legacy or ties to the greek life is going to stop that. Someone has to be the first, right? I have a good GPA, I do community service, work my butt of during the summers and have been involved in extracurricular activities during high school. I just don’t have any connections to sororities, and there’s really not much I can do about it, so this is my only hope.

I would appreciate any help and advice I could get. Thank you.

[Titchou]

Originally Posted by Going.South

Hi everyone! As the title says, I’m wanting to rush at University of Alabama this coming fall. There is a problem though.. I know Alabama is quite competitive which by itself makes it difficult, but the main problem is that I am transferring as an international student. I will have 30 semester hours which as far as I understand will officially classify me as a Sophomore. To my knowledge this is going to make me less likely to receive bids. However, I am starting from scratch as a freshman because not all my classes are transferrable and I’m also switching major, so I will attend Bama for 4 years. Does that change anything at all, or does it not matter?

I am also having a hard time securing reccomendation letters, which I know is a must for rushing at Alabama. We don’t have greek life in Norway where I am from, so naturally I don’t personally know anyone that could write me recs, nor do I know anyone who do. I have read that many get their recs from people who are strangers really, so I guess I’ll just have to turn to the internet for this one: is there anyone who is able and willing (or know someone who is) to write me reccomendation letters for any of the sororities at University of Alabama?

I desperately want to get the full experience while I go to an American college, and would hate it if the fact that I’m Norwegian and therefore without a legacy or ties to the greek life is going to stop that. Someone has to be the first, right? I have a good GPA, I do community service, work my butt of during the summers and have been involved in extracurricular activities during high school. I just don’t have any connections to sororities, and there’s really not much I can do about it, so this is my only hope.

I would appreciate any help and advice I could get. Thank you.

First of all, Alabama has an upperclass quota separate from the freshman quota so class standing should not be an issue.

As for the recs, yes, that's an issue. You sound like you may have spent some time in the US or may have relatives here. Networking those connections is your best bet. Also, some of the US sororities have alumnae groups overseas. Mine has 2-3 in Europe. You might check the national web sites of the chapters at Alabama for alumnae groups in Europe. Also, any connection you have to a US citizen (friend, parents' friends, employers, etc) are also good places to start. I'm sure others will have suggestions as well.

[NoDak]

If you send me a personal message and I will work with you on getting one secured for my organization. (Click on my user name NoDak and a new window will open and you will see where you can click on 'send message').

[DubaiSis]

There is probably an American Women's Association in Stockholm, if not another city in Norway. I would reach out to them. My AWA in Dubai had 5 or 6 sororities represented.

Make sure when you are talking about yourself to them that you make sure to make clear this isn't an exchange student situation and that you intend to complete your 4 years at Bama. That will impact your success at least as much as anything else.

To be clear, Bama has excellent placement rates. You need to understand that the concept of competition where it applies here means it is very difficult to get into any particular sorority. But if you keep an open mind and accept all of your invitations you should be able to match with SOME sorority. As a foreign student with limited understanding of the very involved histories with certain sororities, certain home towns, schools, camps, etc., you would be particularly foolish to pre-select which sororities are right for you. But with good grades, as many recs as possible and a great attitude, I have high hopes for you.

Best of luck. If you need help making contact with the AWA, send me a private. I know people who know people.

[Tulip86]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

There is probably an American Women's Association in Stockholm, if not another city in Norway. I would reach out to them. My AWA in Dubai had 5 or 6 sororities represented.

I don't know about Stockholm but Oslo has one

http://www.awcoslo.org/

[AnchorAlumna]

I agree that finding sorority alumnae to write recommendations is imperative. There may have been 10 or 15 non-American citizens going through last year - out of 2200, that was a very low percentage. Most sororities may attempt to find a rec for you, but there are just too many going through and with the added challenge of being from overseas....frankly, many may release you rather than make the effort.

BUT that means you shouldn't even try. As Titchou said, if you have any American connections, start by asking them. Women, yes, but also men - they may have wives, daughters, mothers, sisters who are sorority alumnae. And once you find one, ask her if she knows women in other sororities.

Be sure to state in your resume that you plan to spend your entire undergraduate career at Alabama, so that they can convey that to their chapter. You will also get a chance to include that info when you register for recruitment. All the sororities will have access to your info.

Good luck - Roll Tide!