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I am a newbie - I am a mom who has never been in a sorority and really had no clue about the process until recently. My daughter is a freshman at IU and just went through rush. I have a lot of thoughts (good and bad) about the Greek system at IU. While being selective can be a good thing, the system at IU seems very broken to me. I have read back through YEARS of posts calling for IU to improve the recruitment process. Either no one is listening or no one cares. It seems to me that adding live-in space for houses is a no-brainer. Supply and demand. Could it be that IU would miss out on revenue from housing? Just a thought...
Some background: My daughter transferred to IU this semester, so while she transferred in with a 3.25 GPA, I don't think the houses could see it. I believe the GPA info was given to her RG as "above" the requirement. She came from high school with a 3.4 GPA, four year cheerleader, student council, various clubs. As students at IU go, I think she's on par with the norm. Being an IU student has been her goal for several years. Being in a sorority was a huge part of the picture for her.
Recruitment went like this:
22 round - some clear favorites; had two rec letters for one house
16 round - only received eight houses: three very promising possibilities, one "wait and see", and three "un-housed"
9 round - received four houses; one she felt a connection with and (again) the same three un-housed
Preference - received three (again the un-housed)
Bid - who knows? Bids come tonight.
I have been up and down with her emotionally through this process. As I have been reading though this thread, I see some criticism of girls who get bids but choose not to pledge. After talking with my daughter and trying to help her explore her options, I believe that is the route she will take. Ultimately it is her decision, but her words to me were "I shouldn't pledge to a house that I don't feel comfortable in. It wouldn't be right." I am supporting her decision, whatever it may be. Part of maturing is making your own decisions and living with the consequences, good and bad.
She says she will try recruitment again, and she has a plan of action (raise GPA, find activities and groups on campus to join, ask for more rec letters, etc.) If it were me, I don't think I'd have the strength to do it again. I applaud her for not giving up on her goal. I am so proud of her.
Thanks to all who post their stories here, it's nice to know that she's not alone. Best of luck to all the PNMs, with or without bids. And thanks for letting me vent!
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