Recs + Low GPA??

[apollo_artemis]

Grade risks (someone who doesn't meet the chapter's GPA requirements) are the exception and not the norm.

I've seen this many places on the site. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but it's hard to "go into rush with an open mind" when my mind is telling me I have limited options available.

Another thing: My mother, who was in a sorority at my school back in the mid 80's, keeps telling me that the chapters "know freshman year is hard for some" and "will be sympathetic because of it". I want to listen to her, but my mind raises a red flag at sympathy from the houses because this is a competitive school where Greek Life is HUGE. I doubt they show much sympathy to someone who's GPA dropped 1.0 point from high school to college, but I don't want to argue against my mom.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by apollo_artemis

I've seen this many places on the site. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but it's hard to "go into rush with an open mind" when my mind is telling me I have limited options available.

Another thing: My mother, who was in a sorority at my school back in the mid 80's, keeps telling me that the chapters "know freshman year is hard for some" and "will be sympathetic because of it". I want to listen to her, but my mind raises a red flag at sympathy from the houses because this is a competitive school where Greek Life is HUGE. I doubt they show much sympathy to someone who's GPA dropped 1.0 point from high school to college, but I don't want to argue against my mom.

You don't have to argue with your mom. Just smile and nod. It's not something you need to fight about; just understand that you might not have the easiest time receiving a bid. Your mom went to school in the 80s.. the 80s! 30 years ago. Times change.

The point of having an open mind is having an open mind as a PNM. The sororities don't have to be as open. You know that you'll probably receive heavy cuts, which means you shouldn't automatically turn your back on a chapter that is willing to give you a chance.

If you want to go through recruitment, then go through recruitment. There's nothing you can do about your grades for the upcoming semester. Worry about the things you CAN change, rather than the things you can't. I know you're probably freaking out, but that won't help you right now. Just do what you can with what you have.

[WCsweet<3]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

The point of having an open mind is having an open mind as a PNM. The sororities don't have to be as open. You know that you'll probably receive heavy cuts, which means you shouldn't automatically turn your back on a chapter that is willing to give you a chance.

If you want to go through recruitment, then go through recruitment. There's nothing you can do about your grades for the upcoming semester. Worry about the things you CAN change, rather than the things you can't. I know you're probably freaking out, but that won't help you right now. Just do what you can with what you have.

I'd also like to add, that while you can assume some chapters won't invite you back because of grades, you can't be sure which ones. Recruitment is a wild card and unexpected things happen. So while you will most like face cuts due to grades, don't count out a chapter and make your best impressions. Greeks talk to each other so make a good impression everywhere you can.

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

The point of having an open mind is having an open mind as a PNM. The sororities don't have to be as open. You know that you'll probably receive heavy cuts, which means you shouldn't automatically turn your back on a chapter that is willing to give you a chance.

This is exactly what we mean when we say to have an open mind. It just means to be open to membership in EVERY chapter that invites you back EVERY day of recruitment. Once you are cut from a chapter, put them out of your head and be open and willing to explore membership with the options that are in front of you. Those chapters still on your invite list have seen something special in you and want to get to know you better. So keeping an open mind means that while you may not get tons of choices like some other PNMs may, you still have options.

A lot of girls drop out in the middle or at the end if they don't like their invite list. Keep things in perspective: this is ONE week of your life, you've only had a few minutes to talk to members in the chapters, and being cut means-- what? Your resume wasn't as flashy and you didn't get to meet every single sister in the chapter because of the limited time allowed by the parties-- you have nothing to lose by sticking it out until the end and getting to know more girls in the chapters who invite you back. Don't get hung up on certain sororities that everyone seems to think are the cool or top chapters. Focus on what is in front of you.

Honestly, if you're a reasonably decent person, as I am sure you are, you could fit in with any chapter at your school. Membership is what you make of it, and while other chapters may seems cooler or more elite than others, I assure you that they all diverse and have their equal share of drama, regrets, fun sisterhood, socials, philanthropy, and friendship. There's no "perfect" chapter where everyone is beautiful and gets along 24/7 and wins all the awards and accolades on campus. It's a big crazy mix no matter where you join. So know that no matter where you end up, you're getting an equivalent experience to the girl across the street.

[AnchorAlumna]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

There's no "perfect" chapter where everyone is beautiful and gets along 24/7 and wins all the awards and accolades on campus. It's a big crazy mix no matter where you join. So know that no matter where you end up, you're getting an equivalent experience to the girl across the street.

THIS needs to be printed on every single sheet of paper handed to a PNM, every day!!!

[pinapple]

Coming from a Big 12 school perspective, GPA is important and releasing girls for not making minimum GPA is a black and white cut.

[Old_Row]

Uh oh. I was bored and got nosy so I looked at which Big 12 schools have 12 sororities. Those schools are on the Greek chat must have recommendations list. They are competitive. Way way competitive. I think you should wait until next year even more now.

[AXOrushadvisor]

Originally Posted by apollo_artemis

I've seen this many places on the site. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but it's hard to "go into rush with an open mind" when my mind is telling me I have limited options available.

Another thing: My mother, who was in a sorority at my school back in the mid 80's, keeps telling me that the chapters "know freshman year is hard for some" and "will be sympathetic because of it". I want to listen to her, but my mind raises a red flag at sympathy from the houses because this is a competitive school where Greek Life is HUGE. I doubt they show much sympathy to someone who's GPA dropped 1.0 point from high school to college, but I don't want to argue against my mom.

I would also like to add that recruitment is incredibly different from when us Mom's went through in the 80's and a lot more competitive.

I think you need to go into recruitment with the mindset that 3 Chapters have a 2.7 GPA requirement from college. Think of a recommendation as a letter of introduction. It MIGHT get you an invite into set 2 but I think your GPA will hold more weight then the recommendation. Just my opinion.

Good luck to you. Maybe one of those 3 house or all will be your favorites and you will find your home.