What is the rationale for recruiting a "type"?

[gebbie]

Originally Posted by Kay416

This is what I am scared about.... I am a newly enrolled freshmen and would love to rush. ALL my college friends who are in sororities tell me I would love it. I am just scared I will not fit in. I listen to rock, I am not bleach blonde and do not have loads of money. I have always been outgoing. Volunteering and caring for others is my passion. I am 5'10 and a curvy size 8 psychology major. I fill like I would be the fish out of water...

I can assure you that not all sorority girls are bleach blondes with tons of cash. Honestly the majority of sorority women I know do NOT fit the stereotypical archetype... If you go through recruitment you will soon see that there isn't ONE type of girl who goes through rush, or ONE type of girl who makes up a chapter. This thread probably doesn't ease your concerns at all-- maybe try looking through Recruitment Stories. There are loads of posts from girls who "weren't the sorority type," or "never in a million years thought they would fit in." Also, glance through the chapter websites at your school-- in addition to pictures, there are usually involvement lists. It might help you get a sense for how different each member is.
Good Luck! Go Greek!

[justgo_withit]

Originally Posted by Kay416

This is what I am scared about.... I am a newly enrolled freshmen and would love to rush. ALL my college friends who are in sororities tell me I would love it. I am just scared I will not fit in. I listen to rock, I am not bleach blonde and do not have loads of money. I have always been outgoing. Volunteering and caring for others is my passion. I am 5'10 and a curvy size 8 psychology major. I fill like I would be the fish out of water...

Meet the women before you start freaking out, and if you hear gossip about who's supposedly what type then make a real effort to keep an open mind. Often, a handful of members from wealthy families turns into "the snobby rich girls" or a couple girls who enjoy sports becomes "the athletes," which obviously doesn't apply to the chapter as a whole at all. If you make an honest effort to get to know the actives, they'll surprise you

(and the obligatory "I'm an example of someone who doesn't fit the stereotype" comment, I'm sitting here in an Air Force jacket and a Doctor Who t-shirt )

[Greek_or_Geek?]

Originally Posted by Kay416

This is what I am scared about.... I am a newly enrolled freshmen and would love to rush. ALL my college friends who are in sororities tell me I would love it. I am just scared I will not fit in. I listen to rock, I am not bleach blonde and do not have loads of money. I have always been outgoing. Volunteering and caring for others is my passion. I am 5'10 and a curvy size 8 psychology major. I fill like I would be the fish out of water...

So is this what all your college friends who are in sororities are like? Where would you get such an antiquated stereotype?