Sorority Recruitment at USC (California)

[adpiucf]

I recall an international student from the UK on GC a few years back going through recruitment at U of SoCal. She had a great rush and ended up joining a sorority. I forget which one, but she's surely graduated by now. It's been done. Just keep an open mind to the possibility of membership in any of them and have fun.

You can also read through the recruitment stories forum for past USC threads.

[USCTrojanPNM13]

Thank you both DubaiSis and adpiucf.

DubaiSis: Guessing from your username, were you an International Student as well?

adpiucf: Oh, I'm not from the UK! I've found a few threads for USC on What to Wear/Clothes; is that really so important? As for recruitment stories, USC doesn't seem to have many with happy endings!

As for Letters of Recommendation there doesn't seem to be a consensus. Some threads say I will need them; and some say it isn't an issue as long as you can confidently speak about yourself. So are they essential, especially if I am an international student. I don't think that would be too much of a problem if I started asking around now. Should I?

[adpiucf]

Here is a guide for USC recruitment attire. Yes, you want to adhere to their dress code and you should contact USC's Panhellenic Council with questions.

[DubaiSis]

Originally Posted by USCTrojanPNM13

Thank you both DubaiSis and adpiucf.

DubaiSis: Guessing from your username, were you an International Student as well?

I am utterly NOT exotic, having grown up in Iowa. But I lived in Dubai and have a lot of friends from around the world.

Presumably you are not a 3rd culture kid, so you will be experiencing this huge change for the first time. I'm glad to give you some private input about how things are different in Southern California than in Europe or the Middle East.

I haven't been involved in rush at USC so I can't say for sure, but my instinct is that they will like your interesting and different background. If I were you I would expound on that as much as I could on your application. While your school, activities, etc., won't be exactly the same, after reading here on GC, maybe you can find a way to translate it so you can get correct "credit" for being an active involved teenager in another part of the world. I would also make as clear as possible on the application and in person that you intend to complete your education at USC and are not here for a year and then going home. Bids are precious and they don't want to waste one on a girl who can't give a full 4 years to the collegiate chapter.

And (contrary to my typical opinion about recommendations) I would TRY to get some recommendations if you can. Your lack of familiarity with the process could be a hindrance, just because you don't know what you don't know. If you live somewhere with an American Women's Association, I would contact them and see if they could give you some help in preparation with sorority rush. They should be able to find you some members who can help. I can help you connect with them as well, if you like. You can start by going to www.fawco.org, although not all Women's clubs are part of this federation.

[USCTrojanPNM13]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

I recall an international student from the UK on GC a few years back going through recruitment at U of SoCal. She had a great rush and ended up joining a sorority. I forget which one, but she's surely graduated by now. It's been done. Just keep an open mind to the possibility of membership in any of them and have fun.

You can also read through the recruitment stories forum for past USC threads.

Sorry, I forgot to tell you how useful and informative your General Advice thread was.

And thank you everyone else who has contributed an answer to my questions

[Football Fan]

USC has one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation. Many international students enroll and do go through recruitment, particularly from Canada.References are advised. Do try to obtain a reference for Alpha Gamma Delta as they are selecting the women for their colony.

Keep an open mind and try to find the chapter where you feel "at home" and wants YOU as a sister.