what is the point of recs?

[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.

[breathesgelatin]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

Why do schools mislead PNMs by deemphasizing the importance of getting recs?

Frankly, I think it's because the idea of recs makes a lot of people who work in student life uncomfortable.

[33girl]

I can relate to that emotion, but the thought of irate parents of bidless daughters calling them up about the misleading info on their website should make them MORE uncomfortable.

[wildcatfan]

Originally Posted by violetpretty

Why do schools mislead PNMs by deemphasizing the importance of getting recs?

I think it is an effort to "level the playing field" for all PNMs. The trouble with that is, the girls who are already on the "inside track" will still get recs. That means the girls who aren't familiar with the system may be FURTHER penalized by not being aware that you need them.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by LSU Mom

My sorority at LSU cannot pledge a girl without a rec. If they really like a girl they will make the effort to find an alum in her hometown to do some research and sponsor her. If they don't fall in love with a girl then they wouldn't take the time and the girl would not be pledged.

But the problem is when they have to make cuts on the first day. They haven't had time to "fall in love" with her, and some girls need to be cut.

[justme920]

i am a hs senior. i made the sat scores for auto admission so i am definently going to a&m, im not even sure im going to apply elsewhere. those confrence things sound really beneficial, i will look into that. i was just put of by the idea of having a stranger write me a rec, it just feels somewhat dishonest. thanks so much for you're help, the website was kinda misleading, the greek life at tamu isnt quite as prominent as some other schools so i thought maybe they were for real when they said they werent necessary. thanks for clearing that up, i guess it makes sense that they have a lot on their plates and dont need more because somebody didnt get a rec on their own... as for asking people that i know, how does that conversation go? it seems like a fantastic opportunity for an akward conversation lol

[Zillini]

Originally Posted by justme920

as for asking people that i know, how does that conversation go? it seems like a fantastic opportunity for an akward conversation lol

"Hi Mrs. Smith! Let me introduce myself, I'm Justme. I heard from Ms. Random Person that you were an ABC at Somewhere University. I plan on attending Somewhere U next fall. I'm really interested in the Greek system there and was wondering if you would be willing to talk to me about your organization and your experiences?"

Then let the conversation flow from there.

[sarahsmilehawk]

I was one of those PNMs who believed Panhellenic when they said I didn't need recs. I couldn't think of any Greek women I knew off the top of my head and I didn't really understand what a rec was. So I forgot about it.

If Panhel had said "Recommendations are not required to participate in recruitment, but some chapters may require them," I would have at least tried.

Of 900ish girls who came through recruitment at my school, about 600 of them had recommendations for my chapter.

[exlurker]

Originally Posted by sarahsmilehawk

. . .
Of 900ish girls who came through recruitment at my school, about 600 of them had recommendations for my chapter.

Thank you sarahsmilehawk. That's helpful info, IMHO: GreekChatters, note this, please: that's about 2/3 with recs at KU (U. of Kansas), a school that people on GC often say is competitive, but not ultra-competitive like the SEC schools.

Sure, each chapter will have slightly different figures on the number having recs to that chapter, but it's likely that all/ almost all chapters are going to be in the same general ballpark.

So . . . when next year rolls around, will it be fair to say, if anyone asks about KU, that around 2 out of 3 potential new members enter recruitment with recs, and it would be a good idea for any PNM to get recs if she can? (Might as well fit in with the substantial majority if possible.)