sorority rush

This isn't Indiana, UIUC, Kansas or Mizzou, schools with very competitive rush processes and lots of rushees. Rush here is relatively easy and laid back, you just need to stick with the week long process and attend all the parties. Also, as long as you are attractive, well put together and can carry on a conversation, you won't have a problem getting into any house. Don't be intimidated by the whole "top tier" thing. It's not any harder to get into those houses than the ones at the bottom of the rankings. Just be yourself and you'll do fine and end up where you belong.

I was not a leg to any house on our campus, but did have recs. Honestly, I don't think the recs helped me because the people who wrote them weren't current members and I did get cut from some of my rec houses. But, overall, I had a good rush experience and received a bid from my #1 choice from the first day of rush on. There were legs in my pledge class, but I also know legs who got cut. I think legacy status can help or hurt you. For many houses, if they invite a leg back to second round or pref (the "rules" vary from organization to organization), they have to put you at the top of their bid list. So, sometimes, if they are unsure about a leg, they'll cut them early so they aren't (potentially) stuck with a girl that they don't think would be a good fit in the sorority. But, if they like you and you're a leg? You pretty much don't have anything to worry about, regardless of the organization. Just my observation, as this year will be the first year I will be on "the other side" of rush.

I came in as a legacy and with quite a few references. I agree what someone said about a legacy potentially hurting you because it definitely puts you under the spotlight, but I wouldn't shy away from it either! Houses are usually really hoping to like legacies, so if you click with that house, it'll make your chances even better! As for references, like said above, they're totally not necessary, so don't freak out if you don't have a lot/any! However, references really help houses beforehand in getting a sense of who you are so they can help you have a better experience at their house! I would say just ask around your family/family friends/friends' moms and see if any of them were in sororities that have chapters at UW! If so, go for it! References may not help that much but they definitely don't hurt!