what qualities usually make up a “top girl”

to be honest, "top girls" aren't necessarily the most popular, smartest, most involved girls. Usually, they're girls that are pretty average in those categories, but they're someone's high school best friend, a sister, a camp friend, etc. You can't make yourself a top girl, you just are. Someone could be a top girl for one house and completely off the radar of another house. However, it is completely possible to end up in a great house even if you aren't a top girl. I would say that having a Rec letter, looking put together, having at least a 3.5 GPA, being relatively involved, and having a good reputation will get you pretty far. Good conversation will carry you the rest of the way and land you on a desirable house's bid day bus.