How to find last-minute letters of rec?

[bbbruin]

Hi! I recently decided to rush this fall at UCLA. Because I decided to go through recruitment at the last minute, I don't have any letters of recommendation! I'm from an area where Greek life isn't at all prevalent, so I haven't been able to find anyone from my family/school/etc. who was a member of a sorority. Is it even possible for me to get letters of rec this late, and where would I find them? Is it appropriate to ask members of alumnae associations online even if I don't know any of them?

Thank you! I'm new to all of this and really appreciate your help.

[LAblondeGPhi]

Chio Lu is a current advisor and will be a more current resource, but recs were never very common when I was an active member or recruitment advisor for my chapter at UCLA (circa 2000-2010). And by not that common, I mean that typically less than 10% of PNMs had them.

If I were you, I'd focus instead on the following:
-Providing a thoughtful and complete application for recruitment, including a photo. Please don't list every single club membership or minor award - stick to the big activities and accomplishments. Give the chapters some insight into your interests, hobbies and leadership potential.
-Cleaning up social media.
-Reaching out to older women you might know at UCLA (orientation counselor, etc.) and saying that you're interested in recruiting, asking if they have any advise. PLEASE NOTE: if one of these women is Greek, she won't be allowed to talk to you much, if at all. But your reaching out may give them a head's up to look for you during recruitment.
-Getting outfits together (with cute, but comfy shoes).
-Practice conversation when you can.
-Prepping for school in general. The first couple weeks of school will be a whirlwind, especially with recruitment. Spend some time relaxing and try to get a mental handle on diving right into those classes. The 10-week terms move fast!

If you still want to try for them, ask around your family friends, teachers, camp counselors, and any former classmates or team mates who are a year or two older. Have your resume and a headshot ready for each rec writer, and provide a mailing address (or even better - a stamped envelope). Let them know that this is a last-minute request and that recruitment is less than a month away.

[ChioLu]

Excellent advice LAblondeGPhi!

Recs are not that common at UCLA. The majority of women going through Recruitment will be 1st generation Greek and don't know to get them. Last year, my group probably got 3 dozen recs total ... for 1,000+ PNMs!

If you go the extra mile & get recs, that makes me (personally) think that the PNM is serious about being in a sorority (FOR A LIFETIME) and won't drop out after receiving an invitation to join.

Go to youtube and search: how to rush a sorority
You'll find videos about what to wear, conversations, dos & don'ts, etc.
UCLA's Panhellenic website has great info too.

There's a good social resume format for your resume from the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Assn: http://www.houston-panhellenic.org/r...ecruitment.htm
Under RECRUITMENT INFORMATION, click "Format for Social Resume"