so you didn't get the sorority you wanted...

You're heartbroken. You really, REALLY wanted ABC, but that wasn't the bid you got. You got a bid from XYZ, but they were your "safety" sorority, at the bottom of your list, not in the tier you wanted, etc, etc. You may now cry on my shoulder for a bit.

OK, now let's back up and look at this objectively - which is hard. Believe me, I know.

If you didn't get a bid from ABC, that means that they didn't want you enough to have you at the top of their bid list. On the other hand, XYZ DID want you - A LOT. Otherwise you would never have gotten a bid from them. And that means a lot. Why yearn for a sorority that was iffy about you and not accept a bid from a sorority that will welcome you with open arms? THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of sorority life is the sisterhood. That's what carries you through the tough times and continues after graduation. Not the reputation for being "top tier" or "hot" or a great party girl or parties with the "top" frats or any of that. It's all about the sisterhood.

So, you may want to think twice about rejecting that bid from XYZ. They've invited you into their sisterhood, which is no small thing. And maybe - just maybe - you'll be the one who rises to a position of leadership and helps XYZ shine at Northwestern.