Craft an impressive sorority recommendation letter to boost your chances of getting into your dream sorority.
Updated June 12, 2024
Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A Sorority Recommendation Letter is a document that serves as a formal endorsement of a Potential New Member (PNM) to a sorority. It is typically written by an alumna member of the specific sorority and plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process.
Many national sorority chapters consider these letters a requisite part of their recruitment, as they provide a detailed insight into the applicant’s character, achievements, and compatibility with the sorority’s values.
A sorority letter of recommendation is essential for several reasons:
A bid in sororities refers to an invitation extended to PNMs by sororities to join their organization. It is a formal offer that PNMs receive during the recruitment process, giving them the opportunity to become members of a specific sorority.
Sorority recruitment, also known as sorority rush, is a process where sororities recruit PNMs to join their chapter of the national sorority. Likewise, potential members use this time to explore various sororities they may be interested in joining.
Depending on the specific sorority, the recruitment process can last from three days to two weeks and typically involves three rounds:
The process will repeat until Bid Day. On Bid Day, sororities host a significant and exciting day-long event where PNMs receive bids from different sororities. This event marks the culmination of the recruitment process and is a pivotal moment for PNMs as they have the chance to accept or decline the invitations extended to them.
If a PNM accepts a bid, they are one step closer to becoming a member of the sorority and may undergo initiation at a later date. Bid Day is a celebratory occasion that is eagerly anticipated by both sororities and PNMs alike.
Ideally, you should seek out an alumna member of the specific sorority you are interested in joining. These individuals can provide the most relevant and impactful endorsements due to their direct connection and experience with the sorority. The alumnae do not have to attend the same college as you.
If you don’t know any alumna of the sorority:
By providing your endorser with the right tools and information, you can secure powerful recommendation letters that enhance your chances of joining your desired sorority.
A strong recommendation letter should contain five essential components:
Use a warm, enthusiastic, and personal tone. Ensure that all sorority-specific formatting guidelines are followed, and meticulously proofread your letter to avoid any grammatical or spelling errors.
Introduce yourself at the beginning of the letter, specifying your name, your relationship with the applicant, and any qualifications that make you a credible endorser.
Mention if you were part of the same sorority, including the chapter name and the years of your membership, especially if you held any notable positions. This establishes a connection and provides context for your endorsement.
The main body of the letter should paint a vivid picture of the PNM’s character and her potential contributions to the sorority. Discuss the PNM’s academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement. Highlight her GPA, honors, and any awards that underline her academic excellence.
Include specific examples and anecdotes that showcase the PNM’s personality traits, potential, and how she aligns with the sorority’s values and mission.
Below is a comprehensive list of focuses in different sororities:
Conclude the letter by reiterating your personal endorsement of the applicant. This should be a concise summary of why you believe the PNM would be a valuable addition to the sorority. Emphasize her unique talents and how her personal qualities make her stand out as an exceptional candidate.
Provide your contact information and sign off the letter professionally to add a touch of formality and sincerity.
Dear Chi Omega Representatives,
My name is Jessica Owen, and I am currently a junior at ABC University, proudly serving as the Vice President of Chi Omega, XYZ Chapter. It is my distinct pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Natalie Newman, a sophomore with whom I have had the honor of working closely over the past year. Her academic prowess and leadership capabilities make her an exemplary candidate for our sisterhood.
In her time at ABC University, Natalie has consistently demonstrated remarkable academic excellence. Maintaining a GPA of 3.9 in the demanding law program, she has been on the Dean’s List every semester since her freshman year. Beyond her impressive grades, Natalie actively pursues intellectual growth, participating in the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund. Her dedication to her studies and her pursuit of knowledge epitomize the high academic standards we uphold in Chi Omega.
Furthermore, Natalie exemplifies leadership and initiative, qualities that are integral to our sorority. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, where she has successfully led several initiatives, including organizing a campus-wide awareness campaign on animal cruelty laws. Her ability to inspire and mobilize her peers has not only brought significant recognition to the organization but has also made a tangible impact on our campus community. Her leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and empathy, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
In summary, Natalie embodies the core values of Chi Omega. Her academic achievements and leadership skills are impressive, but her unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine concern for others truly set her apart. I am confident that she will make a significant and positive contribution to our chapter.
Dear Zeta Tau Alpha Representatives,
My name is Elizabeth Carter, and I am a proud alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha, ABC Chapter, where I served as the Philanthropy Chair from 2010 to 2012. I am writing to enthusiastically recommend my neighbor, Sarah Mitchell, for membership in Zeta Tau Alpha at Zeta University. Having known Sarah since she was a child, I can confidently attest to her exceptional character and dedication to community service.
One of the qualities that stands out most about Sarah is her unwavering commitment to altruism. I have seen firsthand how her efforts have positively impacted our community, particularly through organizing a charity event that raised over $5,000 for new housing materials. Throughout high school and her first year of college, she has volunteered extensively with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, dedicating countless hours to building homes for those in need. Her compassionate nature and genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others align perfectly with Zeta Tau Alpha’s focus on community service and philanthropy.
In addition to her altruistic spirit, Sarah demonstrates remarkable dedication and organizational skills. She recently spearheaded a local fundraising campaign for the Children’s Hospital, raising $10,000 and significantly exceeding the initial goal. Her ability to organize, lead, and motivate others was crucial to the success of this initiative. This dedication is reflective of the values we hold dear in Zeta Tau Alpha, where commitment to philanthropic endeavors is paramount.
In conclusion, Sarah embodies the principles of Zeta Tau Alpha through her compassion, dedication, and outstanding leadership in service to others. I am confident that she will be a valuable addition to your chapter, bringing not only her skills and experience but also her passion for making a positive impact.
Dear Alpha Gamma Delta Representatives,
My name is Laura Bennett, and I am a proud alumna of Alpha Gamma Delta, Beta Chapter, where I served as the Diversity and Inclusion Chair from 2015 to 2017. I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Emma Johnson for membership in Alpha Gamma Delta at XYZ University. Having known Emma since she was in high school, I can confidently attest to her exceptional character and her potential to contribute meaningfully to Alpha Gamma Delta.
One of the qualities that stands out most about Emma is her profound commitment to cultural awareness and diversity. During her time at Riverview High School, Emma was a key member of the Cultural Awareness Club, where she organized events celebrating different cultural heritages and traditions. She also initiated a “Cultural Exchange Day,” which encouraged students to share their backgrounds and learn from one another, fostering a more inclusive environment.
In addition to her cultural awareness, Emma has shown a remarkable dedication to inclusivity and advocacy. As president of the Equality Now Club, she led campaigns advocating for social justice issues, including gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. She organized workshops and discussions that created a safe space for students to express their views and learn about important social issues. Emma’s ability to promote an inclusive environment and her active support for advocacy are reflective of the core principles of Alpha Gamma Delta.
In conclusion, Emma embodies the principles of Alpha Gamma Delta through her cultural awareness, inclusivity, and advocacy. I am confident that she will be a valuable addition to your chapter, bringing not only her skills and experience but also her passion for making a positive impact.
Laura Bennett
Former Member, Alpha Gamma Delta, Beta Chapter
Copy our free sample or download a customizable letter of recommendation template below.
___________________ [Recommender’s name]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s address]
___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email]
___________________ [Recipient’s name]
___________________ [Recipient’s organization]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s address]
___________________ [Recipient’s phone or email]
Dear ________________________ [Recipient’s name],
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically support ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s application for membership in ___________________ [Sorority applied for]. As a ☐ current member ☐ proud alumna of ___________________ [Sorority applied for], I have had the pleasure of knowing ___________________ [Applicant’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to applicant] for _______________ [Time]. Engaging closely with them, I have been impressed by their contribution to the community and believe they truly embody the principles and ideals that ___________________ [Sorority applied for] stands for.
A standout moment under ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s ___________________ [Personal trait] was their involvement in _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s achievement]. As a result of their commendable effort, _________________________________________________ [Result of achievement].
___________________ [Applicant’s Name] further showcased their ___________________ [Personal trait] by playing a pivotal role in __________________________________________________________ [Applicant’s achievement]. Thanks to them, _________________________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Additionally, ________________________ [Applicant’s name] made a significant contribution to _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s achievement], highlighting their ___________________ [Personal trait]. Because of ___________________ [Applicant’s name], ________________________________________________________ [Result of achievement]. ________________________ [Applicant name]’s accomplishments have not only underscored their natural ability to connect with others and maintain a harmonious working environment but also demonstrated their suitability for ________________________ [Sorority applied for].
I wholeheartedly endorse ________________________ [Applicant name]’s application for membership in ___________________ [Sorority applied for]. I have no doubt that they will bring honor and dedication to the Sorority, just as they have in our community.
Should you have any further questions or wish to discuss ________________________ [Applicant name]’s application in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
________________________ [Recommender’s name]
