soooo

The above commenter is correct about the top spirit groups (Spirits, Sweethearts, OJs).

I will add that you have to be an upperclassman to even try out for OJs since they look for accomplished/involved girls on campus who may already be in sororities, leaders of student orgs, SG/Senate, etc. Not much of a social aspect as the other spirit groups but they are pretty well known on campus and have a great alumnae network.

Outside of that top 3 I'd add in Lassos, Darlins, and Lonestars as mid tier. They've been around for a while and, while less recognized than Spirits/Sweethearts/OJs, still have a lot of social events, philanthropy, and cool Round Up swag.

I must say there have been a LOT of new spirit groups pop up in the last few years, for example Royals (2013), Cowgirls (2013?), Angels (2014), Bluebonnets (2014), and most recently the Ladybirds. I'm sure there are some that I've missed but I did notice a trend of a lot of new groups being formed (probably by girls who didn't get into the more established spirit groups?).

In my opinion, if you're wanting to join a spirit group because you weren't happy with recruitment, I'd try for either the top or middle tier spirit groups. There are so many smaller/newer spirit groups and I'm sure they have their own events and opportunities, but they have a while to go before they're established on campus.

Just as a fair warning: if you're one of the girls who dropped recruitment because you only had "low tier" houses left by the end, don't expect that joining a spirit group to fill what you're looking for. The top spirit groups have girls on par with those houses, but without the fraternity connections, houses, national alumni, etc. And spirits and sweethearts can be super selective because they get tons of girls who were probably sorority caliber but just didn't think Greek life was for them. I would still pick any sorority (except SDT) over a "mid tier" spirit group.

Spirits Sweethearts Orange Jackets are filled with sorority women....

Not at all. Most of the girls involved aren't interested in greek life and some of the top spirit groups have girls that could've easily rushed or are in sororities already.

For the top spirit groups, no, not at all. The ones I know are in sororities like Tri Delta and Theta, or they're campus leaders or Business Honors/Plan II/Engineering Honors who never went through recruitment. Honestly, they're probably more respected on campus (especially OJs) than sorority bottom tier.