Schools where you absolutely positively need recs

[HQWest]

Before everyone got all worked up about the websites - remember having good recs from someone that knows you well from each sorority just makes you a BETTER candidate. Not having a rec from a sorority puts you at a disadvantage - it doesn't eliminate you (thanks in part to the hard work behind the scenes of alums like Titchou.)

The other thing to remember might be (especially if you are OOS) that if you are going to a school and you don't know anyone in the sorority and you don't know anyone at home from the sorority that you might really benefit from looking hard at the sororities where you do know someone. It might help later with having friends when you go home for the summer or with networking? Just my 2 cents worth...

[Hartofsec]

Originally Posted by HQWest

Before everyone got all worked up about the websites - remember having good recs from someone that knows you well from each sorority just makes you a BETTER candidate. Not having a rec from a sorority puts you at a disadvantage - it doesn't eliminate you (thanks in part to the hard work behind the scenes of alums like Titchou.)

I actually kind of agree with you.

But that is not what is preached on this absolutely, positively must have a personal rec/what-do-you-not-understand-about-this/ MAKE-or-BREAK thread:

Originally Posted by Titchou

Not to be snarky, but what part of "absolutely positively need" don't you understand????
Yes, they are needed in the spring. And yes, personal recs are needed. Info only doesn't cut it. They can get that same info from your registration form, FB page, school yearbook. The really true reason for the rec is the intangible - your character. And it isn't a recommendation unless the writer recommends you for membership - and an info only one does carry that recommendation.

Regarding rec-writing practices of which girls are unaware -- those questions/points were ignored:

Notwithstanding the eleventh-hour calls just prior to and during rush, regarding girls that a chapter is interested in but who do not have a rec, I don’t totally understand the practice of writing recs on girls who are unaware that this is being done. If you preach to girls that they must have a rec from someone who can vouch for them personally, then why doesn’t the alum writing the rec just call the girl and request the information from her?

At what point do these skate the edge of the “info only” recs that you say are not acceptable?

Also -- if a PNM is unaware that she has a rec -- and knows that a rec is necessary to pledge -- isn't it possible that she may take this into consideration when ranking her invites?

[WCsweet<3]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

I actually kind of agree with you.

But that is not what is preached on this absolutely, positively must have a personal rec/what-do-you-not-understand-about-this/ MAKE-or-BREAK thread:




Regarding rec-writing practices of which girls are unaware -- those questions/points were ignored:

Notwithstanding the eleventh-hour calls just prior to and during rush, regarding girls that a chapter is interested in but who do not have a rec, I don’t totally understand the practice of writing recs on girls who are unaware that this is being done. If you preach to girls that they must have a rec from someone who can vouch for them personally, then why doesn’t the alum writing the rec just call the girl and request the information from her?

At what point do these skate the edge of the “info only” recs that you say are not acceptable?

Also -- if a PNM is unaware that she has a rec -- and knows that a rec is necessary to pledge -- isn't it possible that she may take this into consideration when ranking her invites?

She could hope to be the exception if she falls in love with a house. Think of all the stories we have heard. If she likes it well enough putting it higher with ranking won't necessarily hurt her.

[HQWest]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

I actually kind of agree with you.

But that is not what is preached on this absolutely, positively must have a personal rec/what-do-you-not-understand-about-this/ MAKE-or-BREAK thread:




Regarding rec-writing practices of which girls are unaware -- those questions/points were ignored:

Notwithstanding the eleventh-hour calls just prior to and during rush, regarding girls that a chapter is interested in but who do not have a rec, I don’t totally understand the practice of writing recs on girls who are unaware that this is being done. If you preach to girls that they must have a rec from someone who can vouch for them personally, then why doesn’t the alum writing the rec just call the girl and request the information from her?

At what point do these skate the edge of the “info only” recs that you say are not acceptable?

Also -- if a PNM is unaware that she has a rec -- and knows that a rec is necessary to pledge -- isn't it possible that she may take this into consideration when ranking her invites?

So that if she falls in love with a chapter AND the chapter falls in love with her she can still get a bid.

Think of the "info only" rec like a background check. If a chapter wants to have a good mix of people or wants to build on their existing strengths they might take a chance on someone who is awesome but they just met day one of recruitment.

So Hartofsec - since encouraging young women and promoting your sorority is obviously of interest to you - have you volunteered with a chapter or to help your area Panhellenic?

[brighteyedgirl]

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[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by brighteyedgirl

I know everyone has said that you need them at Indiana, but I had my Rho Gamma meeting last night, and when I brought up the questions, the girls in my group looked pretty confused. My Rho Gamma told me that while I could send them, most girls actually didn't have them and they were only for introduction.


Is this true??

No. What you were told is the standard party line.