spirit group rankings

The above commenter is correct about the top spirit groups (Spirits, OJs, but I would add Sweethearts as well).

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 as 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 quite a ways to go.