Do recommendation forms make a difference at all?

I went through Formal Rush and had a recommendation forms for 2 of the 7 sororities on campus. I didn't get bid by either of those sororities.
(I am not a legacy) Someone please tell me what went wrong?

A similar thing happened to me too this past year...I had a letter but I don't think it made much difference. Just wondering if they carry any weight at all.

[SoCalGirl]

Recs do carry weight!

As long as they are recieved from the person who wrote them before rush starts, the chapters will make sure to pay extra attention to you and try to figure out if you'll fit in and make a good member.

However, you still have to do your part. Plus who knows how many other girls had recs or were legs.

All they do is make sure that you get a little more consideration. They DO NOT seal the deal!

at my school, panhel sends out rush info over the summer, saying not to worry about getting recs and that it is the sororities' responsibility to get them if it wants them. this is the official message from panhel. but this is actually not the case w/ my chapter. when we get a rec, we will give that girl extra consideration during rush and make a point of checking her out during the fall before rush. like the last person said, it in no way guarantees that you're in. if the actives think that you wouldn't fit in for whatever reason, you won't get a bid even if you've been recommended. they trust their own judgement over a rec.

here's my advice: even if your school says you don't need recs, all the national sororities will accept them gladly, and they CAN help your chances somewhat. so if you know an alum who can help you out, DO send in those recs before rush. don't just trust what panhel says because certain chapters MAY in fact consider recs. anyhow, it can't hurt to send them in.

[soccerchik]

I have a ?...Do recs have to come from someone who is in a sorority that goes to the school you are attending? Or can you get a rec from a friend who went to a different school?