As a person who went through rush and pledged in the early 70's and has a daughter who pledged two weeks ago, I would like to comment. We all know that a big part of sorority membership is service, grades and all the other stuff that is enduring. When I went through rush on both ends I always hated the superficial aspect. It was as hard to choose new sisters as to pick a group for yourself. But when you do not have deferred rush and a chance to get to know people ahead of time, face it, unfortunately our human nature is to go on first impressions. Appearance is a big part of that.Like a few mentioned, for teenage girls going to college for the first time, they want to wear the right thing and make the right impression. Even though my daughter is extremely confident and had a great rush experience, got no cuts at all, I know she was nervous. She went to Texas from California and her clothes and appearance were a little different. Luckily, she used that as an asset, and also both her prefs have pretty good GPA's on campus and good philanthropies.
Anyway, I agree that inner qualities should be considered more than outer ones. I don't think anyone would dispute that. But, as in the job market, or other social situations, it is a fact that first impressions count.
I would also add that I have done extensive alumni advising over the years and alums during rush do stress the "big picture" when it comes to choosing sisters.
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