Sorority rush at UF

[bettie]

Hi everybody! A friend told me about this site and I have just been looking around at the boards for a little while. I think it is amazing that you all can connect and find so much to talk about and bond over being greek.
I will be going through rush as a freshman at UF in the fall. All of my friends are going to Auburn and Bama and they have seriously freaked me out about rush. I know that those schools are both extremely competitive, but I am so confused when it comes to UF! People have told me so many different things about how formal, competitive, and stressful it is... Some seem to think that it is just fun and relaxed and some are advising me to get multiple recs for every sorority.
Recs... those are the most stressful thing to me. I live in Georgia right now, but I only moved here about two years ago. My parents are yankees and I really don't know any sorority alumnae... believe me, surrounded by my sorority crazed friends I have been looking! How important are they at Florida? Am I likely to be cut without them?
Also, I am wondering about what is worn on bid day. The website gives ideas for attire on all of the other days, but really doesn't even mention Bid Day.
Finally, I am wondering what is most important on our resume. I have not got as many extracurricular activities as I'd like (too many nights spent at football games, too many weekends spent shopping!) but I have got a good GPA and I am a National Merit Scholar. Will this help me at all?
I would really appreciate any advice any one has for me, especially anyone from Florida! Thank you so much and Go Gators!

[PhiMuNursie]

Welcome to Greek Chat!

I just graduated from UF May 2002, but so much has changed even since I went through RUSH back then. At any rate, I'll try to give you a little glimpse from what I know.

Recs never hurt. With as many PNMs as UF has, it's never a bad idea to distinguish yourself from others with a rec or few. This way, sororities know a little something about you before you walk in the door, so you have a little advantage over someone who doesn't have a rec. But at the same time, if you can't find any, then you can always make a lasting impression at the parties with the sorority members. So, find some if you can, but if not then don't think you're gone before you walk in the door.

With DZ now having formal recruitment this year, correct me if I'm wrong about that, I'm not really sure how the numbers will play out and how the cuts will work. Hopefully the numbers will look more favorable all the way around with another great chapter for PNMs to choose, so as far as cuts go, I don't think there's any real way of predicting. Though supposedly with an extra chapter to choose from, membership all around is supposed to rise, so we'll see.

Bid Day attire is sorta up to you, that's why they don't say. For the most part a summery, cute dress is never a bad choice with some sandals. I'd go with something like round 3, but more along the fun lines, instead of formal.

Put whatever extracurricular activities that you did on your application, if they still ask for that stuff. But if you're able to get an Alumna to write a rec for you, then put in all the fun stuff about you, that you're really interested in, like football games. The letter more or less introduces you to the chapter, instead of just seeing you were in FCA or worked at Gap (which it seems like EVERYONE did in high school after looking at all those applications year after year).

I would just say the best thing to do is get recs if you can, I know some women on here offered to write for PNMs, and just be your sparkling self during Recruitment so you make a connection with a sorority (or many sorority) women and find the perfect house for you.

I hope this helps and best of luck. Recruitment is my FAVORITE time of year, so I'm super excited to see everyone as I hold my water tray with the other Alumnae. Have fun and GO GATORS!!!

Tara
I have a Phi Mu castle...

[AUDeltaGam]

I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK to a fellow Marietta-an!

[bettie]

Yes, PSPGirl, East Cobb is where it's at! What hs did you attend?

PhiMuNursie you are so sweet! I can't wait to see you and all these other GC people down in Gainesville!

If anybody has any more advice, please just let me know!

[AUDeltaGam]

Originally posted by bettie
Yes, PSPGirl, East Cobb is where it's at! What hs did you attend?

I went to Pope. I hope you love UF- it's where I want to go for grad school!!!

[dzsaigirl]

Yes, get your recs! If your friends are getting recs, ask them who they can introduce you to, or contact your local panhellenic. Also, ask your friends' moms if they are greek.

Barring major personality flaws or body odor, most chapters will definitely seek out National Merit Scholars. Chapters always want to improve their GPA. I mean, it's not a guarantee, but it will definitely help you...not hurt you at all

Find out as much as you can about rush, find outfits that make you feel great and go in prepared to make lots of friends. I tell people on both sides of rush that when it comes to the rush conversation, all you need to do is make a friend.

[bettie]

I emailed the VP of my local panhellenic but I have not heard back yet... how will that work? will I get to actually meet the women who would write me a rec, or would they just see a resume?

I don't have b.o. and I will work on my incredibly lame personality... just kidding, I'm a fun gal!

I have been doing some shopping.. mostly Lilly. Does anybody have any other ideas of what to wear?

[AXO_MOM_3]

Bettie, I hope you are still going through and will share your story with us! Have a great week!

[GPhiBLtColonel]

I hope Bettie was able to get recs...I am pretty sure the Atlanta Panhel deadline was mid July and they really stick to it -- unlike our Alum Panhel in the southern crescent -- we even did some recs a few days before rush started for some girls -- we just want to help who we can as long as their resume checks out okay etc...


Good Luck Bettie!

[Buttonz]

Good Luck

[Floridagirl]

UF rush is one of the most competitive in the country. Keep an open mind. Don't listen to the comments of the women in your rush group. Make up your own mind. EVERY GROUP IS STRONG
at UF in terms of the number of women they have. Smile, Smile, Smile. Have fun. Be yourself. Don't take it too seriously. Keep us posted!

[breathesgelatin]

*bump*
bettie, we're thinking of you!