what make top tier better?

I actually think this is a very good question! I would encourage people to answer in a way that is not insulting to anyone. It would be nice to hear some intelligent responses....
I am not at this school, but differences in top and mid would be grades, reps, pnms who want "top" houses, awards and honestly---mostly it's those that are traditionally known as "top." Honestly, if you didn't know the "set" tiers, most people could tell just by meeting all the houses who was a top vs mid......

nothing really. the "top" houses have been here longer, and have a strong Mississippi presence. Girls grow up dreaming of being a Chi O or a Tri Delt because that's what their mothers and grandmothers were. Ole Miss is a school deeply rooted in tradition, and when you have families where 20 members have gone to school here, they're all going to follow in their footsteps when it comes to Greek life. These houses are more desirable to those who are from MS and because they make up such a large portion of the student body, they turn project the notion that these are the best houses. Really, the tier system is about who you know. Top tier= you know lots of actives and alum. Middle= you know mostly actives, maybe a few alum. Bottom= generally don't know anyone, often the way OOS girls go bottom tier because they don't know anyone

If you are from Jackson or Memphis, and plan to stay in Jackson or Memphis after graduation, then DDD and XO would probably be considered better for you, especially if you want to be connected from a social and philanthropic standpoint (JL, etc).

However...

If you are from Michigan and want to move to San Francisco after you graduate, quite honestly, the Ole Miss tiers are somewhat meaningless in the traditional sense.

I don't say that to get other alumni all riled up, it's just a true statement.

When you graduate from College, you get to decide how active you choose to be with your Greek organization, and you have access/connections to an international network. Example: There is a DDD alumni chapter in San Francisco, and there is an AOPi alumnae chapter in San Francisco.

As for life on campus, what's important is to be at a house where you feel comfortable. If you can't see yourself hanging out watching tv, in your pajamas, with the girls in a certain house, then look elsewhere. Who wants to spend 4 years feeling uncomfortable or that you're constantly trying to find your place?

This idea that "everybody wants top tier" and only wants 2 or 3 out of 15 chapters on campus and everybody who doesn't get a bid from a top tier house is "settling" is completely stupid, not to mention, insulting. It's basically the same as saying that over 1000 girls can't think for themselves, be individuals, or be confident that their choices are right for them

The mark of top-tier is not getting "hottest babes of TFM" pledge class -- maybe even back-to-back -- and still top-rushes are willing to kill for a bid the following year. Or having drama -- aka DDD -- and it being just a blip in the scheme of things. It may not be "fair". But its Greek life at OM. Deal with it.