A Bazillion Questions!

[OhIjustdontknow]

Thank you ladies, that was all very helpful! I especially like what a few of you have mentioned about letting them lead the way, I suppose that's the best idea to not push any to write more than they feel comfortable, but give the option.

For clarification, the way my path has worked out is that I'll be classified as a full-fledged junior, with an A.A. already completed before fall. It's not too out of the ordinary, so I guess we'll just see when the paperwork comes out how to mark it. (I'm mostly okay with this because of the new quota and having a much higher college GPA!)

I found a new alumni who I actually know today, which was super exciting! But she has apparently not written any rec's before. (shocking because she's my high school teacher!)

I told her what I would bring in to her once I have it all gathered, and I get the vibe that she doesn't know where to get any forms or whatnot, any suggestions on what to tell her?

And lastly, is it uncommon/unwise to approach these things with friends? I have a few going to my school and a nearby one who are planning on rushing (2 or 3) who knew nothing about rush either! It's a fairly close community, would it be bizarre if we contacted the same women, or asked to meet them together?

I'm not terribly uncomfortable braving it alone but we're all searching high and low to cover all the sororities (10+ with most in common) so do you think it'd be less of an inconvenience to the writers if we all met with them simultaneously? I get the feeling there aren't a lot of girls going after letters from my town, oddly.

I don't want to bombard the alumni with too much information at once, but I was thinking maybe it would give it a relaxed more natural kind of setting if they choose to write personal ones, and all of our rec packets could keep the writer organized afterwards. Am I being crazy here haha, how would you feel if PNM's approached you with this?

Thanks again!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by OhIjustdontknow

I told her what I would bring in to her once I have it all gathered, and I get the vibe that she doesn't know where to get any forms or whatnot, any suggestions on what to tell her?

Tell her that she should be able to find the recommendation form on her sorority's national website. If she can't find it on her own, or if it requires a member number that she doesn't have/forgot, she can call the headquarters and they can help her out.

If you don't actually live in SEC country, it's not unusual for her to not have written a rec before.

As far as your friends...I would not meet with any of the potential rec writers simultaneously. To be blunt, there may be some of you that a sorority alum does want to recommend, and some she doesn't, for whatever reason. To give off the vibe that you are all "in this together" would be extremely awkward, and put her on the spot.

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by OhIjustdontknow

Thank you ladies, that was all very helpful! I especially like what a few of you have mentioned about letting them lead the way, I suppose that's the best idea to not push any to write more than they feel comfortable, but give the option.

For clarification, the way my path has worked out is that I'll be classified as a full-fledged junior, with an A.A. already completed before fall. It's not too out of the ordinary, so I guess we'll just see when the paperwork comes out how to mark it. (I'm mostly okay with this because of the new quota and having a much higher college GPA!)

I found a new alumni who I actually know today, which was super exciting! But she has apparently not written any rec's before. (shocking because she's my high school teacher!)

I told her what I would bring in to her once I have it all gathered, and I get the vibe that she doesn't know where to get any forms or whatnot, any suggestions on what to tell her?

And lastly, is it uncommon/unwise to approach these things with friends? I have a few going to my school and a nearby one who are planning on rushing (2 or 3) who knew nothing about rush either! It's a fairly close community, would it be bizarre if we contacted the same women, or asked to meet them together?

I'm not terribly uncomfortable braving it alone but we're all searching high and low to cover all the sororities (10+ with most in common) so do you think it'd be less of an inconvenience to the writers if we all met with them simultaneously? I get the feeling there aren't a lot of girls going after letters from my town, oddly.

I don't want to bombard the alumni with too much information at once, but I was thinking maybe it would give it a relaxed more natural kind of setting if they choose to write personal ones, and all of our rec packets could keep the writer organized afterwards. Am I being crazy here haha, how would you feel if PNM's approached you with this?

Thanks again!

No-do not give the alumnae you ask for recs. options. They will know their options. You simply should ask if they would consider writing you a recommendation. They will make their decision privately.You are not in the driver's seat-they are. That is why I said they will decide what type of recommendation they want to write for you. You could phrase your request something like this: "Hello Ms. Alumna. My name is Patty PNM. I will be attending SEC University in the fall and will participate in recruitment. Would you consider writing a recommendation to your sorority for me?"

Be sure to ask your HS teacher if she knows of any other HS teachers who are alumnae or if she knows any other alumnae outside school.

I admire your enthusiasm, but you need to chill a bit and you need to do some research here on Greekchat. There are tons of great threads on GC that cover many of the questions you have now, and will have as your recruitment draws closer.

[OhIjustdontknow]

FSUZeta- Oh no, that's what I was meaning to say, to not push them to give a personal one. Sorry if I'm coming off a little too strong, I just want to be prepared and have definitely been researching around here a bit I just wanted to double check from some odd circumstances/ideas.

33Girl- That's definitely another aspect I hadn't thought about! Maybe it's best if I go it alone. It is an SEC school...I think you'd understand if I told you which, but I'll leave it at that I suppose.

Thank y'all so much though!