recruitment

You should do OK, but those numbers aren't exactly what top tier houses are looking for. The good news is that the Greek system here is amazingly strong and there are great mid-tier and lower tier houses where members are happy and feel extremely welcome. Stay positive during rush and you should do fine.

While that's not typically what the top tier look for you can still get into a top tier house. I had roughly the same GPA with a 28 on my ACT and several extra curricular's and got my first choice without knowing anyone or being a legacy. Personality and friendliness is super important!

yeah I mean my GPA and test scores aren't the highest but I have been involved in varsity sports, numerous leadership roles in high school and clubs so I kept very busy. I am just worried I will be left in the dust when it comes to rush! Because I definitely want to be in a decent sorority.

what are typical grade cuts?

get the idea of a "top" house out of your head, the best advice I ever got and you will get is to stay open minded. Also, keep in mind, grades definitely matter but they aren't everything. We look for sisters who will make a difference and will be our friends for a lifetime. My house is considered "top" but it's not a job interview. My first conversation was about bagels and then the next about worldly issues. be yourself and don't panic :)

That's just it: at a top house (Theta, PiPhi, ChiO) you would fall into the "grade exception"category and they would only make an exception if you were outstanding in other areas. They have more than enough women who are smart, beautiful, charismatic with honors and leadership potential without making any exceptions, so you would have to stand out from the crowd (state athletic records, national recognition in something, for example) to be considered for a grade exception. Recs would help, possibly. But the person who said it's not a job interview is right. You are judged most importantly on what you can contribute to the house, and often that's about being warm, friendly, outgoing, caring and concerned -- the qualities of a great sister. So do your best, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with winding up in a house that is not top tier. Some of the best sisterhoods can be found at all levels.