what is the point of recs?

[violetpretty]

I am assuming you're planning to go through next year, since recruitment is already underway at A&M. Are you a freshman or a HS senior (if a HS senior, are you for sure going to A&M)? Either way, almost a year to find alumnae (or collegians from other chapters in many NPCs) to write you recs. You'd be really surprised how many you might be able to find. Some people to ask:

HS teachers, coaches, staff, activity sponsors
Friends of siblings
Siblings of friends
Friends of parents
Older friends
Women from a place of worship
Co-workers
Families for whom you babysit

Often, when you find one sorority alumna, she might know of others, so do ask. Even if you find an alumna of a sorority that doesn't have a chapter at A&M, she might know of alumnae of sororities that do. Also, men in fraternities may know sorority alumnae/actives from other chapters.

I live in a small rural town of 6,000 and if a PNM talked to me, I could help her find alumnae/actives from 20 of the 26 NPCs from our town, NOT including people I know from UMD.

Do try to put the effort into finding recs. You have plenty of time, so you should be able to find a good amount.

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

I am assuming you're planning to go through next year, since recruitment is already underway at A&M. Are you a freshman or a HS senior (if a HS senior, are you for sure going to A&M)? Either way, almost a year to find alumnae (or collegians from other chapters in many NPCs) to write you recs. You'd be really surprised how many you might be able to find. Some people to ask:

HS teachers, coaches, staff, activity sponsors
Friends of siblings
Siblings of friends
Friends of parents
Older friends
Women from a place of worship
Co-workers
Families for whom you babysit

Often, when you find one sorority alumna, she might know of others, so do ask. Even if you find an alumna of a sorority that doesn't have a chapter at A&M, she might know of alumnae of sororities that do. Also, men in fraternities may know sorority alumnae/actives from other chapters.

I live in a small rural town of 6,000 and if a PNM talked to me, I could help her find alumnae/actives from 20 of the 26 NPCs from our town, NOT including people I know from UMD.

Do try to put the effort into finding recs. You have plenty of time, so you should be able to find a good amount.

If I may, I would also suggest checking with male friends, family, co-workers etc. as well. Some may be in fraternities or if not, know sorority women. As such, they may be able to steer you to their sorority friends who might then be able to assist.

Bottom line is that you may be surprised at how many people know someone in a sorority. Not just the usual suspects.

[exlurker]

Since Texas A&M has been mentioned, I think it's worth adding that a young woman from anyplace in Texas who is planning on going through NPC recruitment anywhere should be aware of the recruitment info sessions put on by Area Alumnae Panhellenics all around Texas.

These sessions almost always have info about highly organized methoda of getting recommendations. Often they will help potential new members get recs. The sessions are usually held in February though early May each year, with different dates in different areas.

Personally, I don't care whether someone likes the idea of recs, does or doesn't see the point of them, or whatever: the fact is, it's obvious that
in Texas, that's the way things are done: recs are either highly encouraged or essential, and the majority of those women who are serious about recruitment will try to get them

Sure, if a girl is from a "prominent family," she'll probably have people offering to write recs. For most ordinary people, though, the Area Alumnae Panhellenic sessions, as well as the tips mentioned in this thread, are excellent resources.

Originally Posted by violetpretty

I am assuming you're planning to go through next year, since recruitment is already underway at A&M. Are you a freshman or a HS senior (if a HS senior, are you for sure going to A&M)? Either way, almost a year to find alumnae (or collegians from other chapters in many NPCs) to write you recs. You'd be really surprised how many you might be able to find. Some people to ask:

HS teachers, coaches, staff, activity sponsors
Friends of siblings
Siblings of friends
Friends of parents
Older friends
Women from a place of worship
Co-workers
Families for whom you babysit

Often, when you find one sorority alumna, she might know of others, so do ask. Even if you find an alumna of a sorority that doesn't have a chapter at A&M, she might know of alumnae of sororities that do. Also, men in fraternities may know sorority alumnae/actives from other chapters.

I live in a small rural town of 6,000 and if a PNM talked to me, I could help her find alumnae/actives from 20 of the 26 NPCs from our town, NOT including people I know from UMD.

Do try to put the effort into finding recs. You have plenty of time, so you should be able to find a good amount.