Originally Posted by baci
It is extremely tough to hand out general information to PNM's on this board, but we all do try. Some information will be correct and some not so. As a PNM you just have to soak it all up and decide how to utilize the information to assist "you" the most. I can tell you that at a very large, competitive SEC school in Florida and from my experiences:
1)Being a junior is still extremely difficult to gain an invitation. It can happen and does, but it is a challenge in and of itself. (even more than your weight)
2)Weight is always a factor. When you have 1500-1800 PNMS you have a very large pool to choose from. At UF, nearly all of the young women have amazing GPAs, top SAT or ACT scores, and amazing resumes. They would not have been accepted to UF, if they did not have this behind them. Weight/size is very important to a number of chapters at UF. They don't advertise this, but it is known. Just as you know to line up your recs, you know that certain groups are looking for a certain appearance when it comes to the size of a young woman. With weight as a factor, certain goups may just decline you for that alone. Remember, they don't have a great deal of time to truly get to know you.
3) How one looks also comes into play. Some of us just have that look that various groups are seeking out and some of us don't. It really sounds silly and it is, but that will never change. Much of that we don't have control over because we are who we are and that is our genetic make-up. What we can do is present a super neat, well groomed appearance. We can enhance our super features and downplay our not so good features. (so many people have stated this much better than I ever could)
4) Clothing is definitely looked at by some groups. When I look back, it is a bit silly, but certain groups want their members in certain clothing. This may just be a factor when deciding about a pnm based on what clothing you presented yourself in.
That includes shoes and jewelry as well.
5) I have said this before and I will say it again - what city you are from, the school you attended, who you know, and possibly what your parents do for a living can come into play. I have my opinions on this as well, but I am not going to say it doesn't come up.
It is wonderful to be a part of recruitment, but there will be many ups and downs. You need to hang on for the ride as you do not know what to expect in your individual situation. You have to remember that very young women (your peers) are making decisions about you and this process is private. All you can do is your very best and go into the process with a positive attitude. It will not turn out bright for some ladies, but it always turns out in the end and the semester moves on. Everyone has to accept it regardless of how it turns out.
Life does go on and you are in control of how your time at college turns out from that point on. It is what you make of it. An invitation to a sorority is amazing and I say that from experience. You have four short years and they will fly by so fast, so make the most of it no matter what happens during recruitment. Whatever sorority you do pledge, the alum experience can also be extremely rewarding for the remainder of your lifetime. There is a great deal to look forward to as you graduate.
I like to look on the whole experience in a positive notion. I could easily state the negatives and dwell on them, but I choose not to do so. Life is too short and college is too much fun!
Best of luck to all PNMs and go forward with a positive attitude. I wish you all the very best. This is a really exciting time of the year for Greeks.
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