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

[HQWest]

At the end of the day - given the choice of two groups that are both great at the university, isn't it better to have alum connections to go home to? If you really are OOS and cant find a soul around to write a note about you, wouldnt it be better to go with the group that is established in your area? Presumably, that likes you enough to help get your foot in the door?

Not having rec letters for every chapter wont prevent you from getting a bid, it just means you might not get as many invites in the early rounds.
Again, you only need one

[Old_Row]

Originally Posted by HQWest

My chapter's recruitment already takes 10 days from move in to Bid Day. Rec letters help us to take a chance on an out of state girl or someone that no one knows ahead of time. Otherwise - I think our alternative would be to only take girls that are legacies or those with whom the chapter women have a prior relationship. I cant think of how else to do some prescreening on 1200-1400 women.
The other chapter I was at - recruiment was later, in October, and only 800 women went through, but there was a MUCH higher recruitment drop out rate.

I also think recs benefit the unknown out of state PNM the most. It's more than a "check mark" for them.

Originally Posted by HQWest

At the end of the day - given the choice of two groups that are both great at the university, isn't it better to have alum connections to go home to? If you really are OOS and cant find a soul around to write a note about you, wouldnt it be better to go with the group that is established in your area? Presumably, that likes you enough to help get your foot in the door?

Not having rec letters for every chapter wont prevent you from getting a bid, it just means you might not get as many invites in the early rounds.
Again, you only need one

I always wonder this too. It would be really sad to join a house that was strong in a region and a great fit for you. You get to have a great college experience then graduate and go home to be the only ABC within a zillion miles. One of my own real sisters is going to be in about the same situation.

[Titchou]

Originally Posted by Old_Row

I always wonder this too. It would be really sad to join a house that was strong in a region and a great fit for you. You get to have a great college experience then graduate and go home to be the only ABC within a zillion miles. One of my own real sisters is going to be in about the same situation.

I think it would be a great opportunity (if she did, in fact, go back home as many don't) to get her group known in that community and maybe add to their growth. Look at the upside!