what changes the rankings?

Personally I think it's more of a Mississippi/Memphis rivalry that determines the tiers. The 'top' tiers tend to be more a continuation of some Mississippi/Memphis high school's popular girls. So for the Mississippi/Memphis girls it's a way to continue a level of prestige. It's a really big deal for them. I don't see that ever changing, it's been going on for several generations now. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing - it is very important to them. Their entire lives could be based on their membership, it could determine the Mississippi boy they will marry, and what part of Mississippi they will live in and where they will raise their Mississippi babies. There may eventually be a shift as Ole Miss grows and there is a need for another strong 'Mississippi' sorority, so there may be another top tier in the near future.

I personally think that the "rankings" are already changing - the trouble is that the so-called top tier can't understand that what is top-tier and the best fit for Mississippi girls might not be right for girls coming from Chicago or new york or Denver. Nor can they understand that it's not a threat or insult to them if they say that other houses are fantastic.

So let's play devil's advocate here for a moment. And I'm going to use ADPi as my example, because it fits the points I'm going to make.

So let's say in 5 years from now, ADPi is the house with the highest GPA, is raising the most money for their philathropy, and are really visible all over campus - rebelettes, most beautiful, SAA, etc. They have their new(ish - at that point) house. They are a southern sorority with ole miss roots, so they are attractive to southern girls, but because they aren't tied into the memphis/jackson thing, they are also really appealing to OOS girls.

Does that make them top tier? Upper middle tier? For those that are tied to south and tradition, they hit those poitns. Who those who are coming from out of state, it works there too? Or are they still considered "bottom tier" why?

I don't mean to get all philosophical here, I just think this is an interesting conversation. Certainly better than "when should I get my recs together" repeat posts, or a debate on whether or not I'm a troll. :)

I absolutely love the way you guys speak about finding YOUR home and what YOUR top house is. It's very positive and a great way to look at recruitment. Looking at this I kinda of wish State's greek life was like that. I honestly just wish we had more sororities so that out of state girls could find their place better. KD and Chi O at state tend to be mississippi girls and are considered top tier. Our Zeta often takes a lot of out of state girls since it is more popular in higher up north states. I just hate how we aren't very welcoming to new chapters such as ADPI. Because I would love to see our greek life grow because its so much more fun that way!!