is rush stressful?

I'm in a sorority here (let me qualify: I absolutely love it and would encourage you to join one) and unfortunately rush is stressful. It's an unavoidable component of the process. It's much better here than at other schools, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't stressful to walk in to rush rooms, to get your invite cards, etc. That being said, it is ENTIRELY worth it. Even if the process doesn't turn out as you expect and you end up in a sorority that wasn't necessarily your first choice, you'll forget all about the stress when you have the love and support of a group of women who wanted you so much that they gave you a bid and decided to call you their sister. Some of the girls I know who didn't end up in their first choice sorority are some of the happiest and most enthusiastic greek women I know, so it really does all work out in the end.

In answer to your question, it's not a walk in the park, but it's very, very worth it.

It depends on your priorities. Sorority affiliation will make you acquainted with more people, it's a plus. If you don't get into any of the top sororities, your self esteem will suffer and you might feel inferior, it's a minus. You will be able to socialize with guys you'd never talk to otherwise, it's a plus. But you might feel bitter that they ignore your beautiful self in favour of mediocre girls from higher ranking sororities. It's a minus. You can get best friends for life in your sorority but you most definitely will be exposed to drama, gossip, rivalry and cliquiness if you join Greek life. Pick your poison.

Some girls got suicidal from rush last year, and many more had major blows to their self esteem. so as an outsider, yes it does appear at least mildly stressful, and almost entirely based on looks.

True story, it sounds dumb, but before I rushed, I thought I was hot, and then I rushed, and now I know I'm ugzzzzz