Take the Time to Prep!
by Leslie Cunningham | Contributor
Graduating high school and heading off to college is an exciting time. Now that you know where you will be for the next four years, you have to decide what organizations you want to get involved with. Sororities are a great place to start because they offer an immediate close circle of friends, leadership opportunities, and involvement in philanthropy and service. But preparing for the recruitment process can be intimidating! Many girls wonder how to stand out among the crowd. Here’s how to put your personal best forward:
1. Keep in mind each sorority has specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Also, registrations and fees must be completed before you can participate in sorority recruitment.
2. You will most likely be asked to provide your recruitment packet—this usually consists of a social resume, academic transcript, test scores and photos. Additionally, your recruitment packet should be prepared in both paper and digital format.
3. Your social resume provides a snapshot of your involvement during high school. It should be informative, organized and personal. It should include your GPA, achievements and awards, leadership, community involvement, hobbies and interest, parents’ names and any family Greek affiliations. It’s important to quantify information and provide clear details about involvement.
4. Photos are important because they provide a visual representation of your personality. Your packet should include a headshot, a quarter-length shot and a full body shot. Again, you want your personal best to be shown, so photos should not include pets or boyfriends or be a selfie.
5. You also need a recommendation, written by sorority alumna. The recommendation is your first introduction to the chapter members and is required by most sororities, particularly in Texas and the South.
6. You may also hear about letters of support. A letter of support is written by an alumna of a sorority to encourage you becoming a member of her organization. Chapters that receive letters of support appreciate them because they usually are more personal than the recommendation form. However, letters of support are not necessary, so it’s important to focus on recommendations first.
7. If you are missing an alumna contact for an organization on your campus, be sure to check out your local alumnae Panhellenic association for recommendation help. Or if you need more support navigating the sorority recruitment process and how best to represent yourself, there is personalized help available!
Congratulations on deciding to go through sorority recruitment—it’s one of the best decisions you can make!
Editor’s Note: For more information, contact Leslie at Sorority Prep, 214.244.2844 or www.sororityprep.com.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Guy Photography. Contact her at Lauren@LaurenGuyPhotography.com.
