So Many Questions

[Barbie's_Rush]

Originally Posted by JadeScrambled

I don't know guys. I'm trying to keep my hopes up. You're not helping with that lol. I was kind of hoping that there was a way to meet with someone so that I could get a rec that's not info only. I realize that neither of you know me, but if you have any better ideas that would be appreciated. I was just thinking that it couldn't hurt to try.

We're not trying to be discouraging meanies, we're just trying to give you realistic expectations.

Even if you meet with someone, it will still be an info-only rec. That person doesn't know you like someone who has been involved with your life would. Any rec may help keep you with some chapters for an extra round, depending on the school, individual chapters etc. but it will not be something that will change things significantly on its own.

Do you have a superb GPA now? Have you formed real and meaningful friendships with sorority women? Have you been ultra involved in campus since your last recruitment? Have you significantly improved your appearance or conversation skills if those were lacking last time? These are the things that can possibly impact your re-rushing experience as a sophomore.

[JadeScrambled]

Originally Posted by Barbie's_Rush

We're not trying to be discouraging meanies, we're just trying to give you realistic expectations.

Even if you meet with someone, it will still be an info-only rec. That person doesn't know you like someone who has been involved with your life would. Any rec may help keep you with some chapters for an extra round, depending on the school, individual chapters etc. but it will not be something that will change things significantly on its own.

Do you have a superb GPA now? Have you formed real and meaningful friendships with sorority women? Have you been ultra involved in campus since your last recruitment? Have you significantly improved your appearance or conversation skills if those were lacking last time? These are the things that can possibly impact your re-rushing experience as a sophomore.

It's the internet. You can be a discouraging meanie if you want . Kidding, I really do appreciate the help.

I suppose even if a info rec letter will help a little I should try it. My gpa is great but it was last year as well. I am friends with a few sorority women, but its a large school so i'm not sure if that can help me at all. I feel more confident around new people now after going to a MUCH bigger school than my high school, maybe that will help. My appearence has changed a little, whether it's good or bad i'm not sure. Oh and another thing is that there is a new sorority at my campus this year and I'm hoping that I could have a better chance there.

Thanks!

[ChioLu]

At some schools (UCLA for example), if a sophomore goes thru Recruitment again, after declining a bid freshman year, Panhellenic gives the PNM the choice of whether or not to attend the party of the chapter they turned down. Saves the potential for awkwardness and stress.

Go thru Recruitment (get those Rec's, create a Rush Resume, practice your convo skills) and if the outcome isn't what you hoped for, then a colonizing chapter may be a great place for you to shine and be a part of a new & exciting chapter!

[JadeScrambled]

Originally Posted by ChioLu

At some schools (UCLA for example), if a sophomore goes thru Recruitment again, after declining a bid freshman year, Panhellenic gives the PNM the choice of whether or not to attend the party of the chapter they turned down. Saves the potential for awkwardness and stress.

Go thru Recruitment (get those Rec's, create a Rush Resume, practice your convo skills) and if the outcome isn't what you hoped for, then a colonizing chapter may be a great place for you to shine and be a part of a new & exciting chapter!

That would be a smart idea on the schools part! And the chapter is actually already colonized, they did it right after recruitment last year. I just couldn't participate in that because I recieved a bid to a house during recruitment. But I would love the idea of being a part of a group that is still new and working out how they do things!

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by ChioLu

At some schools (UCLA for example), if a sophomore goes thru Recruitment again, after declining a bid freshman year, Panhellenic gives the PNM the choice of whether or not to attend the party of the chapter they turned down. Saves the potential for awkwardness and stress.

Go thru Recruitment (get those Rec's, create a Rush Resume, practice your convo skills) and if the outcome isn't what you hoped for, then a colonizing chapter may be a great place for you to shine and be a part of a new & exciting chapter!

I know you mean well (and I am NOT being condescending, so don't take umbrage), and you're relatively new to GC; you possibly haven't seen or read previous discussions about failed recruitments and colonies. Generally speaking it is unwise to hold out the hope of a colonizing chapter to PNMs as a "consolation prize" or another chance if formal recruitment (for this OP, the second time through) doesn't work out the way the PNM wanted it to. Last fall there were at least two PNMs who posted about their unsuccessful recruitments AND their subsequent unsuccessful attempts to join colonies.

Colonies are seeking the very best members in order to be competitive with established chapters as soon as possible. Often those qualities that the PNMs presented in formal recruitment with established chapters will also exclude them from a colony.

[ChioLu]

No, it was meant for PNM's to keep an open mind and not close doors prematurely. A colony is not a consolation prize. It can be an opportunity. Obviously, to explore a colonizing group, it would have to be after Formal Rush.

I know several women who went thru formal Recruitment, didn't feel connected to the final choices that were available, then joined a colonizing sorority. They were able to make an impact quickly in the new organization by having leadership roles that may not have been available as early with an established house.

Even though I'm a new poster (lurked for awhile), it doesn't mean I lack background on this topic. Actually, I've been an Advisor at two universities (18 yrs exp) where colonization has taken place and went to a university when a new sorority colonized (& 6 of my friends joined the new group -- all as sophomores who had previously gone thru Formal Rush). Just because some PNM's didn't have a good experience on joining a colony after not pledging in FR, doesn't mean everyone will.

And not taking umbrage, as I'm well aware that upperclassmen have more of a challenge and am not trying to give anyone false hope, but if a PNM makes improvements (grades, activities, rec's, Greek contacts, etc.) for the 2nd time around, it would be unfair to give them NO hope.

Though, as the OP has now stated, the new house colonized last year and will be in Formal Recruitment this fall, so it doesn't apply in her case.