picking a sorority...

I would consider both the national & local organization. Your local chapter will be your home for the next 4 years. BUT your letters will be with you for life - that means legacies and alumni chapters.

do not base it on reputation. base it on the conversations you had with the girls. who you felt more comfortable around because reputation won't matter since what will remain are the bonds you create. Also national reputation is something I personally took a bit into consideration because like someone said before, this is not just four years. it is a lifetime and you never know where life will take you so the bigger and more well known the sorority the better chances of meeting women from other chapters.