Another Clemson question

[DGTess]

For those in the know, I'm curious. I am also only a bystander to this.

I have a niece attending Clemson in the fall. For various reasons, I don't know her well; I know of her accomplishments and her resume makes her seem competitive. Beauty queen, state-level office in a national organization, good grades, solid career plans, etc.

When I asked my (half) sister if niece was going to rush, I learned she has not yet prepared, but is sorta kinda interested. She doesn't know anything, apparently, which makes me think her circle of friends is not among those who have been raised for sorority rush.

Given that it's already mid-July, and she's just considering, is she so far behind the power curve that she'd have to make it her life's work to be ready in time? Not having a big-school rush experience, I don't know. My instinct tells me to let her see what school is all about first, but it is Clemson, so first-semester freshman rush may be her best chance. If she goes through with only those recs she can find last-minute, but is open, I'm sure she'd be okay, but I'd like to be able to advise a bit more than that.

Interestingly, in reviewing Clemson's rush FAQ, I note how clearly they state that getting recs is not a rushee's primary concern - they seem to go out of their way to downplay it. Yet it's on the "OMG you MUST have recs to think about rush here" list.