rec letters

I had letters to 4 sororities and didnt end up in any of those houses. I think they really only matter if you get one from someone who was a part of that particular chapter, especially someone who may be known among the current members.

i am not exactly sure. i am from out of state so all of my letters were from people in my home state. i think that if it was someone from the oregon chapter that they would have to be graduated from the sorority and no longer collegiate members

They are useless, especially if they are written by an alum, and especially if they are for XO. They don't value their legacies.

Depends on the chapter. They definitely mean more coming from alums of UO chapters. Some chapters let active collegiate members write them, some don't. Bottom line, they will never hurt you so if you have someone willing to write one you might as well take them up on the offer. It is still up to you to make a great impression on members during recruitment but getting your name out to chapters early can help you stand out.

does it automatically bump you to philanthropy day in most houses?

No they don't. Most chapters guarntee legacies an invitation to philanthropy round, but will try to make a decision about you early so you have time to get to know other chapters. Non-legacies with letters of rec don't get the same guarantees.

I had a letter of rec to a house and I was a legacy there and didn't end up there because they cut me before pref night so honestly anything can happen. don't rest on your laurels with any house because you don't know how things will turn out and you want as many good options for yourself as possible.

Letters of rec (out of state or not) really only mean that chapters will give you a "second look" but it's best if you're a legacy. Some chapters have to contact their nationals to drop legacies while others do not. Letters of rec won't hurt your chances at all but you're definitely fine without them. Houses will make the decision based on how you act during recruitment and a letter will only supplement that, but if the chapter does not like you during recruitment the letter means nothing.