recs

Honestly I went through recruitment and it is pretty true. I did not do recs for any sororities and I got in a middle to lower tier one. It was still a great group of girls but I think I would have had a better chance if I had recs because I was even told that by my top choice sorority.
I had connections, money, cute outfits, good conversations but still recs was what I was missing when it came down to it.
I have been told sororities can acquire them from an alumnae if they really want you, but that's still a big IF.
If you haven't gotten any still go through recruitment and see what happens. You really never know! Just be yourself and be at your best and if it doesn't work out then try rushing again the next time with recs!

really help your chances with any chapter

Thanks for the advice!

Get the recs and letters of support. Many sororities use a points system. You get points for good GPA, points for recs, etc. Everyone goes into a database and ranked by their points. If nothing else, the recs will help you get a full schedule of parties each day. It's not the ONLY thing that matters, but why not give yourself the best chance possible?

it's true that they are not "required" per se, as in not required to go through rush. To have a successful recruitment, however, that is a different story.