UT Austin rush

[SparkleBerry]

I went through rush at UT almost 30 years ago, and everything said on this thread was true then and is true now — with the exception of meteoric rise of APhi out of the ashes. Many of the "top tier" sororities recruit almost exclusively from the wealthiest areas of Texas (almost all of those girls live in SRD and Hardin House) and have their fave PNMs picked out long before rush even begins. They come from the same areas, attended the same summer camps, etc. Don't even get me started on the number of legacies. Brace yourself — you'll be one among thousands. Look and feel your best and KEEP AN OPEN MIND and you should be just fine!

[OrangeJacket]

Sparkleberry, as a UT Alpha Phi, I couldn't be more proud of my chapter and am so tickled at your noting how we "rose out of the ashes." I went through rush in the early 90s when the rules in place did not foster equality among the chapters. I think, especially with the new RFM policies in place, there is truly not a weak chapter at UT Austin. That being said, if I were your mother, dear SarahE (and I have a sophomore daughter who is an ADPi at another school in Texas), I would advise you to wait a year. I know that Greek life is very, very fun and rewarding, but preparing for rush takes time. You are in for about a month of high level stress. I guess if you know that going in and have made your peace with it, that's okay. But I really don't think you'd have a disadvantage going through recruitment as a sophomore. And you'd have a year to get to know sorority women and to be known by them--that can only help you as an OOS student. Best wishes whatever you decide to do!