How to Ask If Someone is Greek

[honeychile]

One opening that someone used with me was something like this:

PNM: "That's a very interesting necklace that you're wearing. Does it have any significance?"

Me (smiling): "Yes, it's my sorority crest."

PNM: "Do you mind me asking which sorority? I plan to go through Recruitment at Monster's University. Is your sorority there?"

Me: "Why, yes, it is - Alpha Delta Pi. Have you started looking for recs yet? You'll need them there."

PNM: "Yes! And I don't have any for ADP (yes, P, not Pi, that's why this stands out!) yet."

Me: "Well, it's ADPi, but if you'd like me to write one for you, just let me know."

This was a young woman who I've known since she was about 4 years old, so it was a pleasure to sit down with her and write a rec. I think most alumnae who are asked in a non-demanding way and are provided with the necessary information are only too glad to help out.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

On another note, please make sure your resume is complete. This year I have gotten several with no academic information, work history, etc. It makes it a lot more difficult for the rec writer.

I have received resumes without phone numbers

[Missouri Ivy]

It definitely pays to be observant. I wear my badge to work on special days, like Founders Day, and always mention my sorority affiliation to my Jr. High students when we discuss Ancient Greece in world history. One student passed the information on to her big sister who was going to college the next fall. I was more than happy to write her a recommendation when she asked.

[DubaiSis]

I'm not a fan of mom doing all the work (and you know there are plenty out there who do the entire process on behalf of special snowflake), but like someone said above, when it's really important, all help is good. BUT, if Friend of Mom has been a lifelong friend and daughter has known FOM her whole life, she should make the contact. It's good practice. And in any case mom can make initial inquiries and daughter can follow up later to actually arrange an interview, send the resume, pics, etc.

Getting ready for rush, like planning a wedding, is definitely a team sport. But the daughter should be the quarterback.

In this particular case, our OP seems to be on top of it and is looking for a strategy. Fantastic. This tells me she's not expecting mommy to just handle it. If FOM in this case isn't someone you know particularly well, let mom take the lead. And also, I don't think you need to be terribly oblique about it. I mean, you don't want to walk up to strangers and ask if they're sorority women, but point blank asking your parents' friends, teachers, your adopted summer parents, etc. (people you know well) makes complete sense to me. They all know you going off to college is a big deal and that it's the epicenter of your life right now