Updated July 21, 2023
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A sorority letter of recommendation is a document used to support an individual’s application into a specific sorority or women’s fraternity. Some sororities don’t require a letter of recommendation, but those that do expect the letter to be written by an alumna of the specific sorority the applicant wishes to join. Most of the larger sororities provide forms on their website that the collegiate can fill out, otherwise you can imitate the structure below. The intent of this letter of recommendation is to shine a light on the positive attributes and previous accomplishments of the applicant, helping to persuade the admissions committee to consider this new member. The admissions department is looking for women they think will be a good fit in their sorority and valuable addition to the chapter.
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Who to Select?
It is necessary for the writer of a sorority letter of recommendation to be an alumna of the particular chapter the new member wishes to join. If someone close to you has attended one of the sororities you wish to apply for and is willing to vouch for your character, they will be your best option. A close relationship between the alumna and the applicant will allow the writer to go into more detail about the applicant’s desirable characteristics and can provide a more stable recommendation. However, it’s not the end of the world if the applicant does not know any previous members personally.
If you do not have a direct relationship with an alumna and have exhausted your main resources such as friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors, you can search local alumnae chapters or Panhellenic Conferences to find someone willing to write you a letter. You can also try contacting the national offices of the sororities you wish to apply for, but this should only be used as a last resort. In situations where the alumna does not have a strong relationship to the applicant or no relationship at all, the applicant should compile a list of extracurricular activities, volunteer work, awards, scholarships, and any other pertinent personal information so the alumna can write a convincing letter that will help strengthen the candidate’s application.
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How to Write (Format)
A typical sorority recommendation letter should consist of 4-5 paragraphs, including an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The letter must always begin with the salutation “To whom it may concern”.
The introduction paragraph does not need to belong but it should include the author’s name and qualifications, the potential member’s name, the relationship between them (if applicable), and one or two sentences offering a general impression of the individual’s merit.
Example #1
To whom it may concern,
I have known Megan for 8 years and was overjoyed when she approached me asking if I would write a letter of recommendation for her application into the Alpha Pi Phi sorority. I am a member of the Delta chapter of the Alpha Pi Phi sorority and am confident that Megan would be an excellent addition to the Beta. I have watched Megan bloom into an outgoing, talented, funny, and compassionate human being, a perfect example of what a Alpha Pi Phi sister should strive to be.
In the first example, the alumna knows the applicant on a personal level and can vouch for their desirable characteristics.
Example #2
To whom it may concern,
As a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, it is with great pleasure that I write to you on behalf of Rachel’s application into our sorority. In the short period of time that I have known Rachel, it has become apparent that she is a mature, warmhearted individual. I was VP of fraternity development for 3 of the 4 years I was part of Kappa Delta sorority, and can assure you that Rachel is one of the most well-rounded individuals I have ever met. If she is accepted, I am sure her sisters would welcome her with open arms.
In the introduction paragraph above, the alumna does not have a long relationship with the potential member but provides sufficient qualifications that support her ability to write a proper recommendation.
Paragraph 1
The first body paragraph consists of the candidate’s qualifications for sorority membership. This should include the applicant’s interests, hobbies, academic accomplishments, and any other awards that will strengthen their chance of acceptance.
Example #1
Melissa has maintained a 3.82 GPA over her high school career and still managed to play softball, win dance competitions, and volunteer at a daycare. She is dedicated to her studies and passionate about her hobbies, which include dance, horseback riding, and painting. In her senior year, Melissa won the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. In the same year, I was fortunate enough to see her win first place in a very prestigious dance competition.
In the example body paragraph above, the author takes this opportunity to list the candidate’s specific achievements and exhibit their interest in the candidate’s life.
Example #2
Throughout her schooling, Allie has been a star both inside and outside of the classroom. She always received good grades, participated in the classroom, and was a prized addition to the math club. Her teachers wrote outstanding reviews in her report cards and always expressed how lucky they were to have her in their class. Allie is also an accomplished singer and musician. She has been playing piano since the age of 5 and received a full-ride scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. After graduation, Allie went abroad to volunteer in Ecuador for the summer, as part of a program that helped teach children to learn English as a second language. Her commitment and dedication to these children did not go unnoticed. Both the staff and the family she stayed with raved about Allie’s helpfulness, kindness, and relentless work ethic.
This example speaks for the applicant’s excellent work ethic, demonstrating that she can excel in multiple fields and has gained knowledge and experience in the real world through music and volunteering.
Paragraph 2
The second body paragraph(s) should describe the potential member’s positive personality traits. While accomplishments are crucial, it’s very important to show that the applicant is fun, friendly, and well-liked so the sorority can see the value in accepting this particular individual. This section of the letter can be split into 2 paragraphs, depending on how well you know the potential member and how many examples you can provide.
Example #1
Zara has the gift of brightening up any room that she walks into. Her presence is welcomed by everyone and she has a smile that can stop people dead in their tracks. She is a friendly, approachable person who carries herself with grace, dignity, and without a trace of arrogance. She is devoted to her friends and family, and everyone who comes in contact with her feels a sense of warmth and comfort. People speak very highly of Zara, always noting her leadership skills and the high level of enthusiasm she brings to her school work, extracurricular activities, and life outside of school. I know she would make an excellent addition to the Alpha Delta Chi sorority because of her unwavering loyalty and commitment.
The alumna in the first body paragraph above goes into great detail about the applicant’s personality, suggesting that she knows what traits the sorority is looking for in a new member and confirming that the applicant possesses those distinguishing traits.
Example #2
Bianca is probably the most mature and well-rounded eighteen year old I have ever come across. Her charm and beauty never goes unnoticed. Although she is extremely successful at school, and in her extracurricular activities, she’s down-to-earth, very respectful, and is always looking to help others. Whether it’s a family member, good friend, or stranger in need, Bianca is there to lend a hand. Bianca knows when to be serious but knows how to let her hair down and live it up. This is exactly what you want in a Sigma Delta Tau sorority sister.
The example above provides proof that the potential member knows she is talented and successful but does not have an exaggerated self-opinion.
Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph only needs to be 2-4 sentences long. It should wrap up any final thoughts you have about the candidate and include a closing statement that emphasizes your support for her application. It must include a formal or semi-formal sign-off and a signature at the bottom.
Example #1
In my opinion, Lauren is an obvious choice for the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She meets all the requirements of the ideal candidate. She has so much love to give and so many talents to offer that she deserves your close consideration. Any member would be proud to consider her a sister.
Sincerely,
Morgan Paige
This short and concise conclusion expresses the writer’s certainty of the candidate’s qualifications for this particular sorority.
Example #2
I don’t know if the process for accepting girls has changed over the years, but if I was able to become a sister of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, then there is no doubt in my mind that you will accept Sammy with open arms. She is the type of person that will always strive to be the best person she can be, will always be there for her sisters, and will appreciate every moment she gets to spend in this wonderful sorority.
Best Regards,
Annie Greendale
The author in the example above uses her own experience getting into the sorority to confirm her belief that this applicant deserves to be accepted as well.
Sample 1
To whom it may concern,
I am an alumna of Syracuse University in New York and am proud to have been part of the Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity. I know that only intelligent, strong, independent women are accepted into this fraternity and I believe Alexa would be an excellent addition to the sisterhood. Alexa is the daughter of my best friend, and I have had the pleasure of knowing her all her life, watching her grow into a beautiful young woman.
Alexa’s teachers always have positive things to say about her, and she has been an honor student every year as far back as I can remember. Throughout high school, she has been at the top of her classes and was crowned homecoming queen the last three years in a row. Alexa’s teachers, professors, coaches, and mentors can tell right away that they are in the presence of a special student. She is an avid golfer and tennis player, winning local tournaments in both sports. However, her real passion is art. She has been drawing and painting since she was a child and has developed into a very creative and talented artist. In her Junior year, she won the Apocalypse Art Award, a free painting competition that awards $7,000 as a first-place prize.
Ever since she was a little girl, Alexa has been ambitious and has shown relentless determination. She has excellent time-management skills which allow her to succeed in all aspects of her education and life outside of school. Art and sports, which are normally hobbies for most students, are full-time endeavors for Alexa. Her ability to compartmentalize is amazing. Not only that, but she still finds the time to help out her little brother and sister with their school work.
While Alexa’s talents and accomplishments are astonishing, she manages to let loose when the time is right. She is part of many social circles and it’s clear she plays an important role in all of them. She’s fun to be around and is always making sure everyone’s having a good time. At 17 years old, she’s remarkably mature for her age, often seeming like an adult in contrast to her fellow classmates.
The enthusiasm, creativity, and wisdom that this young woman exhibits provide the perfect portrayal of an Alpha Gamma Delta sister. Her charm, grace, and elegance are unparalleled. My experience at SU changed my life for the better, I made friends there that I am still close to today. While Alexa could fit into any sorority, she deserves the same amazing experience I had in the loving sisterhood of Alpha Gam.
Sincerely,
Jenna Wilson
Sample 2
To whom it may concern,
I was ecstatic when I was accepted into the Alpha chapter of the Gamma Alpha Omega sorority because I believe in the continuing development of women into leaders. Amabel shows all the prize characteristics of a Gamma Alpha Omega sister, including honesty, integrity, and leadership. I recommend Amabel to the IOTA chapter of the sorority because she has the ability to improve the lives of the people around her.
Throughout her high school career, Amabel has received excellent reviews from her teachers and coaches. In her senior year, she received the Heidi Claassen Achievement Award and helped her basketball team go on to win the regional championships. Her coach says her never-give-up attitude on the floor should be a lesson to us all. She shows endless determination, supports her teammates through thick and thin, and is a natural-born leader. Amabel seems to do well at everything she tries, but her biggest passion is helping others. She volunteers at an organization that aims to improve the lives of young Latina mothers who have struggled with substance abuse. Her commitment to her volunteer work is inspiring, yet somehow she always manages to keep up in her academic and athletic endeavors.
As such a dedicated and devoted student-athlete, you’d think her social life would fall by the wayside. Amabel relishes the time spent with her friends and her family. She never forgets where her loyalty lies, and she enriches the lives of everyone around her. Amabel’s unselfish attitude is perhaps her most redeeming quality. She is kind, generous, and an incredible humanitarian.
It’s evident to me that Amabel is an excellent candidate for the IOTA chapter of the Gamma Alpha Omega sorority. I am proud to be recommending such an intelligent, determined, dedicated individual to this wonderful sorority. I only hope that you can see what a positive addition Amabel would be to your chapter.
Regards,
Valentina Diaz
Sample 3
To whom it may concern,
I have been working alongside Rosanna for the better part of 2 years and was so excited to learn that she wanted to apply to my former sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. From 2002 to 2006 I attended the University of South Florida and was a member of the Kappa Sigma chapter of ZTA. I am one of the cheerleading instructors at Cypress Bay High School and it is with confidence that I recommend Rosanna for the Gamma Alpha chapter of this amazing sorority.
When Rosanna joined our cheerleading squad, I knew right away she’d be a perfect fit. In her senior year, she became captain and lead our squad to the national cheerleading finals where we won 1st place. Although she is extremely dedicated to cheerleading, she never lets it get in the way of achieving excellent grades in all her classes. She has been one of the top students every year she is more than happy to set aside some of her time to tutor younger students. Rosanna has the talent and willingness to succeed at anything she puts her mind to and therefore was appropriately named valedictorian of her graduating class.
Rosanna is focused, hard-working, and she knows how to bring the spirit. She’s competitive and committed to making herself and her teammates better. She shows tremendous support on the field, as well as in a classroom setting and in her life outside of school. Staying true to yourself is something that’s difficult to do when you’re surrounded by the pressures of high school. Rosanna is able to juggle all the responsibilities of a student while still being a fun, loving, charismatic young woman.
Rosanna’s winning personality and her ability to see the good in everyone are, in my opinion, her most noble traits. If ZTA’s goal is to promote happiness among its members, then Rosanna would be the perfect addition. If she is accepted into the Gamma Alpha chapter, I am certain the other members will find out quickly how fortunate they are to have her as a sister.
Sincerely,
Mary Skonczewski