rec letters

Over half the sororities at UTK require recs. The ones that don't still recommend you get them. There's specific info at the Panhellenic site under Sorority Chapter Info. Based on that, consider them important and don't risk automatic drops because of missing recs. At some SEC schools, PNMs will for sure get dropped after first round if they don't have recs. I don't know if that applies at UTK, but it's an SEC school and a competitive recruitment with a lot of PNMs wanting bids as much as you do. The majority will have recs and many will have more than one per chapter. Cover your bases and get recs to every sorority, not just ones you already like. You need to have an open mind.

Alumnae provide and send in recs. Ask every woman you know who went to a four year school if she has an NPC sorority affiliation. Good possibilities are teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends' relatives, parent's friends/co-workers, ladies you've gone to church with, babysat for, volunteered with, worked for and anyone else you know. If you know other PNMs (planning to rush at any school, but especially competitive ones), ask them who they got their recs from. It might be someone you know as well; if not, they might talk with you and agree to give you one. Anyone who does a rec for you might know alumnae in other sororities and put you in touch. Alumnae don't need to be from the sorority's UTK chapter. They could have gone to school anywhere. Really try to get recs to every sorority and good luck!

Another idea is to check with your local panhellenic alumnae association. Many have websites that list their process/contacts for helping potential new members secure recommendations from the greek alumnae organizations that are members of their local panhellenic association. I am checking into this myself. Be prepared for a request of resume and photo (electronic or paper). This is a great service offered by alumnae volunteers to help level the playing field and help everyone put their best foot forward. Be sure to follow-up with a thank you and offer to send stamped self-addressed envelope to person sending in information if sending by mail. If alumna is completing online, send link to chapter they are writing to so they will know where to email the information. Alumnae can get forms from their national sorority headquarters website (alumnae and active chapters often have links redirecting alumnae to national site). This a process worth doing and it will make a difference. Be persistent, follow-up and good luck!!!