"Am I pretty enough rush?"

[33girl]

I'm really confused as to what you're trying to say. If you're pretty you shouldn't pledge a less popular chapter?

That email was less about physical beauty than it was about rules and regulations. My chapter's fb group (let's just say my alma mater was the polar opposite of USC) thought it was awful, until I explained the size of these chapters and this rush. It's honestly more like wearing uniforms at school to keep the focus on academics. I didn't think anything in it was over the top or rude.

[28StGreek]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I'm really confused as to what you're trying to say. If you're pretty you shouldn't pledge a less popular chapter?

That was not what I was trying to say, apologies for not being clear in my original post. What I was trying to say was that sometimes when PNMs to certain schools ask for advice on how to prepare for rush, some advice is missing.

Yes it is imperative to get recs to all the houses as soon as possible; keep your grades up; pick out your clothes ahead of time; and practice speaking confidently. But I also think PNMs, at particular schools, need to be told to seriously take a look in the mirror. I do think, and agree with the Tsm article writer, that when a PN, asks: “Am I good enough to rush?”, or “What are my chances of going through sorority recruitment at ABC State?”; really equates to “Am I pretty enough to rush?”

NB: I do realise that I made a mistake in the thread title, and forgot to include the word 'to'.

And if a PNM possibly does not fit the stereotypical attractiveness as portrayed by the recent trend of sorority tumblr blogs and professionally-made Bid Day videos, then she needs to prepare herself to accept heavy cuts.

And my advice for if the PNM is pretty: she should choose to pledge at the chapter she feels most at home at.

That email was less about physical beauty than it was about rules and regulations.

If that was, the case, then why the emphasis of looking one's best as opposed to 'neat', 'tidy', 'put together' or even 'professional'. On the inclusion of phrases such as:
"[if you wear Spanx] you don't have to worry about sucking in all the time."
"look less beautiful than you actually are"
Or the insistence on exercise.

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Not sure why she quoted irishpipes. I don't think that quote means what 28stgreek thinks it means.

Originally Posted by exlurker

Agree! And by the way, amiblue, excellent allusion to "The Princess Bride."

I am pretty sure I got the meaning of Irishpipes' quote, but I will leave her to correct me if I was mistaken. My interpretation of the quote is that while having XYZ letters on your shirt may bring certain attitudes or remarks as a group in general. On an individual level, your letter do not define you as a person. While you may not be able to change the reputation of your chapter as far as The Row is concerned, you as an individual can change people's expectations of you on a personal level. Essentially, that your personality can shine if you choose to, irrespective of your XYZ letters.

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

This is what confused me the most. 98% of what she said meant one thing, and then the quote she posted to "prove her point" went in a completely different direction.

I quoted Irishpipes to add to my point in the first half of the final paragraph:

"I personally believe the opportunities open to a women who decides to go Greek more than outweighs the social cost of having a 'less successful' rush. Above all, the women who decide to accept their bids and be committed to their choices will more than likely find sisterhood, a wealth of college memories, and brilliant preparation for their futures."

Yes I do think your physical looks greatly influence your success with rush as whole, and yes PNMs need to be realistic and honest with themselves of their expectations. BUT, I still encourage every woman interested in sorority life to 'Go Greek', regardless of what her prospects during rush.

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Tiers are indeed real. They just don't mean that much other than which chapters are most popular during rush and which fraternities they mix with.

I agree with this. However at the schools I am most familiar with, rush and mixing with fraternities is a huge part of sorority life.

Originally Posted by DGTess

ON SOME CAMPUSES.

Precisely why I said: "a certain endemic reality at some campuses".

Originally Posted by 33girl

That's not necessarily true. At some chapters (of all tiers) who you know and your connections trumps "pretty" or "hot" every time. EVERY time.

This is actually a very fair point but in my experience the well-connected, also tend to be within the socially-accepted definitions of "pretty" or "hot".

I hope this follow-up post has clarified my intentions within my first post.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by 28StGreek

I agree with this. However at the schools I am most familiar with, rush and mixing with fraternities is a huge part of sorority life.

My point is that as long as you are getting mixers, it's not a huge difference being in a top tier or a bottom tier. The overall experience of a mixer is pretty much the same whether you are paired with Alpha Beta Popular or Zeta Gamma Mediocre.

Same thing with rush...if you are a chapter that struggles to make quota, yes, it will affect your experience, but a group of new members running toward your chapter on bid day is awesome no matter how many cheerleaders or science geeks you happen to get.

Of course, these things may SEEM like a huge deal to a teenager, but if you drop the comparisons and focus on your own experience, I promise it isn't that different from one chapter to the next.