transfer student rushing

This has been addressed so many times, but the quick answer is that probably everyone at one point during rush wonders if it is worth it. You should give it a chance, there's no way to know the answer unless you go through it.

You mention that you'll be considered a freshman academically, which means you'll likely be at Ole Miss for four years. I think this is a crucial piece of information to share with the sororities. I'd see if you can rush as a freshman, seeing as you technically are one. If that's not possible, I'd see if your recommenders could mention that tidbit in their letters and if I were you, I'd definitely mention it in person at the houses. Transfers have a harder time at rush because nationals want members who will be dues paying for all four years. Good luck and welcome to Ole Miss! I hope you will be very happy here.

You should definitely go through recruitment even if you're technically a freshman, but registered as a sophomore (that's how I understand your post).

It would be tough even if you came here as a true freshman given that you have no connections and are from out of the region (I think that's harder than if you're OOS from the South). If you really want to be in a sorority, go for it, you'll never know what "could have been" if you don't.

I agree with another poster that you could mention during parties that you're technically a freshman, but I wouldn't be all serious about it. That would just seem weird - you'd be "the girl that can't stop letting us know that she's actually a freshman".

However you handle it, you should be aware of how tough OM recruitment is. I find most girls from out of the region have no idea how hard it is, so they are stunned when they rush. Be prepared (get recs, meet actives when school starts, etc), try to relax about it, and try to have fun.