Schools where you absolutely positively need recs

[ComradesTrue]

Texas Schools:
UT, A&M, Tech and Baylor (covered in your Big XII category)
TCU and SMU

Will let others comment on other Texas schools as I am less familiar with their recruitments.

[ThetaPrincess24]

Arent most of the schools in California competitive?

[Jill1228]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

Arent most of the schools in California competitive?

I would think that UC Berkeley, UCLA and USC would require recs (or HIGHLY recommend recs)
Correct me if I am wrong on that

[Pingyang]

Originally Posted by Jill1228

I would think that UC Berkeley, UCLA and USC would require recs (or HIGHLY recommend recs)
Correct me if I am wrong on that

I went through formal recruitment at UC Berkeley as a senior (planning to stay a full 5th year) in 2004 without any recs and didn't get cut from all houses until after 3 rounds; the younger women I knew without recs didn't have a problem, and all were ultimately happy with their houses. Unless things are much different at Cal now, I would think that recs would be incredibly helpful, but not strictly necessary. Maybe the people I knew were just lucky.

[APhiAnna]

Originally Posted by Jill1228

I would think that UC Berkeley, UCLA and USC would require recs (or HIGHLY recommend recs)
Correct me if I am wrong on that

UC Berkeley - Don't even worry about it
UCLA - It would be nice to have them and they are common enough, but not the end of the world if you can't get them
USC - Drop what you are doing and get recs now

[greekmomjo]

USC is super competitive. Recs a plus there.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by greekmomjo

USC is super competitive. Recs a plus there.

I'm not sure which USC you are talking about, but they are both competitive, and they are both already on the list.

[aross]

I know USC is definitely competitive not exactly sure about UCLA though, my best bet is yes.
As for CAL I know they have have the biggest Greek system on the west coast I would say that you will probably want some recs but I don't think they are required. What I do know is that CALs greek like if absolutely amazing, the houses that I have been to are so fun and the people are completely down to earth! GO BEARS!