Question ab rush

Yes and no. They have targets based on girls people in the chapter know, grades, etc. but pledge classes are definitely NOT decided before rush! I came from out of state knowing nobody and ended up in what people would call a “top tier” sorority. Just be your confident self!

From what I know every sorority goes through PNMs and finds girls that they think will be good fits for their chapter (emphasis on think). So many girls look good on paper, but what really solidifies them is the conversation they have with recruiters :)

No they don’t. Some girls may have a stronger starting position based on their resume, but ultimately chapters are looking for someone they can see being a good fit personality wise

No, they have some girls that come in with good resumes, some that know girls in the chapter, and legacies but if they get a bad enough score from a girl or the girls they talk to don’t like them, they’re out.

The top houses have certain standards that they must abide by, such as GPA, ACT score, activities, leadership. If you don't make the cut on paper, it's likely you won't be considered. And then there are legacies, and while different houses deal with them in different ways, that's a factor, too. HOWEVER, there are a few cases in the top houses where someone just blows it out of the water and stands apart from the crowd. And if that person's grades don't quite measure up, and the chapter and alums concur, an exception can be made. As for the other houses, many of them aren't nearly as selective. So don't think you don't have a chance of getting into a house, it might just not be a top house. And while that's fine perhaps for most people, keep in mind that it is the top houses that are on the firmest financial footing and offer more stability. That means the likelihood exists that members won't drop out, fail or leave because they can't keep their grades up or can't afford the dues.