Recommendations at Indiana University

[IndianaSigKap]

As an IU alum with friends who are recruitment advisors on our campus. IU is NOT a campus where you absolutely have to have recs. I can assure you that they majority of girls at IU do not have recs or have one or two. Personal connections and high school connections are more important than recs. Two years ago, I helped a group of girls from my hometown plus one of their roommates. One had no recs at all, but was a legacy to one chapter. She had a full schedule each round, highly desirable chapters and chose her legacy chapter. The roommate had two recs and was a legacy to a chapter. All three cut her after first round. She ended up a great chapter for her. One had 6 or 7 recs and was cut first round from all of them and chose one of the unhoused chapters. The last girl had the same 6 or 7 recs as the previous girl, was cut from all and dropped out of recruitment. IU is unpredictable. Bottom line, recs cannot hurt you. But there is also no definitive evidence they are truly helpful. Do not expect the cursory next round invitation just because you have a rec to a chapter.

PS...those of you saying recs are a must at IU, did any of you or your relatives go through IU recruitment?

[cinder1965]

Bottom line, recs cannot hurt you. But there is also no definitive evidence they are truly helpful. Do not expect the cursory next round invitation just because you have a rec to a chapter.


THIS.

Two years ago, my step daughter went through IU rush and pledged a house she loves. I ran around and secured 7 rec letters for different houses. The rec letters led to invites to two pre rush events (which I understand is no longer permitted except for legacies). At least 2 houses dropped her right after first round despite the rec letter. At least 2 more dropped her after second round. However, one of the pre rush events she attended ended up being the house she pledged. She completely connected with a sister at this event and all through rush this sister made sure more sisters met my step daughter. Without the rec letter, she would not have met this sister, etc. Who knows, maybe she would have ended up there anyway, as it is a perfect house for her.

So, while the recs didn't hurt one bit and it made me feel better to help her in some way, clearly some chapters didn't pay a bit attention to them!

Based on my experience with my step daughter, my SK sister is on point regarding rec letters at IU.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by IndianaSigKap

PS...those of you saying recs are a must at IU, did any of you or your relatives go through IU recruitment?

Mea culpa. I was going off of what I'd heard from friends there back when I was in college, but my information is certainly not as up-to-date as yours.