<p>In case the OP would still like some information on sororities at Vanderbilt - my d (an alum) was on Panhellenic at Vanderbilt and had recruitment responsibilities. Vandy’s recruitment is less intense than at other SEC schools, and the office of Greek Life provides a lot of worthwhile info. It may not get you into a sorority, top or otherwise, but it’s worth paying attention to the suggestions they give in the 1st semester informational meetings and their recruitment brochure.</p>
<p>My d said that there were essentially 4 ways to insure a disappointing outcome: screw up academically during 1st semester (there’s a minimum GPA to rush, and each chapter takes its average GPA seriously); make a fool of yourself socially during 1st semester (alcohol infraction, being out-of-control at a party or elsewhere); cheating with a sorority member’s boyfriend; and deciding that you’ve got to belong to a “top” chapter. Other than that, she said that if someone is smart enough to be at Vanderbilt, decides that Greek Life is for her (it is not for everyone), makes a reasonable effort during recruitment, and considers all houses, she should get a bid.</p>
<p>Many SEC school chapters, including at Vanderbilt, still look for letters of recommendation from alumnae for prospective members, though I don’t know how much good they do. They aren’t necessary but don’t hurt.</p>
<p>Thanks frazzled1! That was really helpful information and I will definately follow that advice. It gave me a really positive otlook on greek life and that was some good advice to follow.</p>
<p>^Not sure when Frazzled’s D graduated but just commenting to say her advice is still very accurate. To emphasize, GPA is very important to sororities.</p>
<p>I think recommendations are important, too, especially to get through the first few rounds when there are so many girls going through in a short amount of time. I’ve also heard that the sorority girls look at the Facebook profile photos of incoming freshman to identify girls that look cute and fun, so make sure you have a good photo up (nothing crazy or unflattering).</p>
<p>frazzled1’s advice is so spot on! My D and her D are members of the same pledge class. My D served as a Greek Ambassador her senior year and saw instances of disappointment among her group as recruitment progressed when things didn’t play out as the girls had envisioned. The Greek process works differently and you have to be open to the possibilities. S was independent, so I can say a Vandy student can thrive regardless of whether they choose Greek life. D graduated in '09, but lives in Nashville and currently serves as an alum advisor to her house. I’m under the impression that the Commons experience has slightly de-emphasized Greek life, as was intended when the concept was developed.</p>
<p>Hi, 2VU0609 - glad to see your post! 2009 seems a long time ago now, doesn’t it? I completely agree that, Greek or not, the school and campus offer so much to the student body; and the opportunities seem to increase every year. My d’s Greek experience was very positive but by no means the best thing about being at Vandy.</p>
<p>When hundreds of girls go through the first round of rush and visit each house for only a few minutes, it’s impossible not to make some judgments on a superficial basis. Sorority girls naturally looks for people who will fit in with their group, and checking out FB photos is one way to get a hint about both the looks and personalities of people. The photo you choose as a profile photo says a lot about you. Some sororities will look negatively on, for example, photos showing girls who appear to be drinking underage or doing other unbecoming things. On the other hand, if a girl’s profile picture is nice and the girl looks friendly and fun, she might be worth a close look during the first round of rush.</p>
<p>Something like 40% go Greek. And yes, sororities definitely check your Facebook. Its really important for sororities to maintain a good and clean image, so they don’t like to recruit girls who have a bad public image. For example, no sorority girl may drink alcohol while wearing her sorority’s letters.</p>