legacy

for some sororities it helps you get past 1st/2nd round (depending on the sorority) but does not guarantee a bid

No it absolutely does not guarantee a bid! The way it works for my sorority, and most others, is that you must receive a courtesy invite to the second round and if you attend preference round, then you will get a bid as long as you rank us first. With that being said, most legacies will get cut (if you will get cut) after the second day
A lot of sororities here get a lot of legacies going through-especially DG, kappa, and aphi because there are so many old chapters in the Ohio area whose daughters, granddaughters, and sisters go through recruitment. Obviously they can't take all the legacies because it would make up a majority of their pledge class. so keep an open mind
Also, when other sororities ask you about your legacy status, say something like "I know I'm a legacy but I'm still keeping a totally open mind! Just bc xyz was a great fit for my mom doesn't mean it would be for me!" Because sometimes other sororities will cut you when they see you're a legacy so they can make room for other girls they like who don't already have ties to a certain sorority