stand out/make it past the first cut

They pick from people they already know, it's all about who you know.

You have control over the first round of cuts as a PNM. The easiest 3 things to cut for are 1) not having recs, 2) grade risks, and 3) questionable reputation. When a chapter needs to cut hundreds of PNM's at once - and without really knowing them, as you said- grades & no recs are the easiest way to hit the release number. There aren't as many QR's but if you have one, expect big cuts early.

Legacy heavy houses will usually have the heaviest cuts for those who are non-legacy, so don't be worried if you're cut from those houses at the end of the first day! Superficially, some girls who are awkward conversationalists or don't "look the part" will be cut from houses that historically have high return rates.

Like poster 1 said, knowing people in-house helps but there's still plenty of room for new discoveries. If you're a hard worker with good grades and you look nice with a personality that meshes well with the house, not knowing anyone beforehand will not be that much of a problem.

if you don't know at least one person in the chapter you WILL be cut. At least from houses that aren't ADPi or DZ

I got a bid from a top house and didn't know a single person in the house before I joined. If you have good recs, decent grades, were involved in high school, and genuinely connect with the girls in the houses you will be fine. When holding conversations during the first round try to talk about more than just high school, your major, and where you're living...try to stand out so they'll remember you!

I am from out of state and had a great rush. One first day drop but I did most of the narrowing down through the week. Letters of rec are important as I think the house that dropped me day one I didn't have one for. I didn't know a single sole.

Grades, QR, and rec letters are what generally get you cut during the first round. My house unfortunately already knows who to cut due to their GPA/letters. If you don't have good grades we can't take you. ALSO if you're Blinn team, or a really difficult major, you're also going to have a harder time during recruitment. That being said, still rush even if you have these things. It is so worth it and you will end up exactly where you're supposed to be, as long as you maximize your options