First Generation college student at a disadvantage?

[IUgirl95]

I recently decided after becoming friends with people involved in Greek life, and finding that it really interests me. Growing up I didn't know much about sororities or Greek life in general, so when I got to college I became fascinated with it. Living in my dorm with all the girls rushing that are legacies and have lots of Recs I feel like I'm at a disadvantage, especially at a school as competitive as IU. Neither of my parents went to college and the few people in my family that did never went Greek, will this really hurt my chances? I'm also a minority rushing at a majority white school.

[FSUZeta]

Do you have recommendations?

[TriDeltaSallie]

How are your grades?

How is your reputation?

How open are you to joining any of the groups?

[sigmagirl2000]

IndianaSigKap!

[irishpipes]

Originally Posted by IUgirl95

I recently decided after becoming friends with people involved in Greek life, and finding that it really interests me. Growing up I didn't know much about sororities or Greek life in general, so when I got to college I became fascinated with it. Living in my dorm with all the girls rushing that are legacies and have lots of Recs I feel like I'm at a disadvantage, especially at a school as competitive as IU. Neither of my parents went to college and the few people in my family that did never went Greek, will this really hurt my chances? I'm also a minority rushing at a majority white school.

Recommendations can come from any sorority alumnae - not just family members. Ask your high school teachers, friends' moms, coaches - anyone who went to college - if they are sorority alumnae and would be willing to write a rec for you. But, at IU recs aren't usually your ticket to a bid - connections are. Are there friends from your high school in chapters? Are you friends with them?

[IndianaSigKap]

Hi IUgirl95. While technically not a first generation student at IU, I was the first person in my entire extended family to go Greek. My Dad attended Purdue for a semester (we don't tell many people that), IU for a semester and graduated from a branch of IU however my mother did not attend college. There will be other women in your same situation.

Given the date, it is almost too late to submit recs for the chapters at IU. If you can make contact with a few alumnae during your Thanksgiving break, maybe. But by Christmas break, all of the sorority women will also be home from break and will not have time to read the rec before recruitment starts. Please do not be intimidated by the legacy status or recs that other women have. IU is not like the SEC, recs are not required for an invitation to the next round. They cannot hurt you, but if you do not have one it will not be an automatic cut.

There are many minority women in chapters at IU. I am on campus several times a year for sporting events and I see minority women in the Greek system. As you have probably heard, IU recruitment is a numbers game. All you can do is get the highest grades you can, put your best foot forward and be warm and genuine in your interactions with the sorority women.

Best wishes to you from a fellow Hoosier! Go IU!

[IUgirl95]

I have decent grades, around a 3.0. and so far the only girls I know in a house are the ones from my classes. I decided to rush really late like end of October so I thought I was out of time. I will try to see if any of my high school teachers were members of any houses and get the few Recs that I can. Overall I just feel like I have little chance with all these girls who are experienced and ready. But thank you guys for being helpful.

I don't think I have a reputation, I'm pretty cool with all the Greek people I know (except maybe some frat guys I've rejected) I don't go to parties much to get noticed either. I've been to philanthropy events and I was nice to all the girls I met.

And I'm pretty open to any house. I would prefer a housed chapter but overall if I really liked an unhoused chapter I wouldn't be upset.