Why are recs absolutely necessary at some schools, while not expected at others?

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

I guess my overall question might be -- how different is the end result (pledge class) of the XYZ chapter at Big Southern University, where recs are absolutely necessary, from the XYZ chapter at Northern U, where recs are not the norm?

None. The chapter gets the girls it wants either way. I don't think the recs make a lick of difference. At the end of the day, the chapter will pledge well qualified women with great resumes whose personalities are compatible with the chapter. The recommendation has outlived its usefulness because it is no longer a true recommendation. It's an under the table prereq to try to avoid disqualification, and that is surely not how they were intended by our organizations. It's now just a nuisance for the collegians to process and for PNMs to fuss over. I think it has lasted this long because it is the only significant thing linking massive numbers of alumnae to sorority life.

I still believe recommendations can be valuable when they are made by someone who knows a PNM well, and there should be some type of alumnae vetting prior to initiation. However, with respect to rec-heavy schools, even they have to agree the situation is out of control and lends itself to added hype and hysteria.