Since states have a variety of set-ups, this varies widely from state to state. Where I live, "state university" and "public university" mean the same thing—a university established and supported by the state—and there is no such thing as a "branch" university.

Skimming the thread, this part caught my eye.

If you were to get a bid, what are your feelings on possibly being told you must live in the sorority dorm the next year?

Dorm suites usually don't hold the whole chapter. Plus if it's largely a commuter school, many other rushees are probably in the same boat.

If the school really is as commuter heavy as she says, that may not be the case.

Well hopefully that doesn't happen because I have a rescue chihuahua from the animal shelter where I volunteer, so off-campus housing is a must! :D anyway, like the poster above me said, there isn't much in the way of on-campus housing for upperclassmen as it is. I believe they require freshman to live in so that limits the space available for others. I suppose if it really came down to it and in order to accept the bid I had to commit to living in, then my decision would be made for me. I honestly don't see that happening though!

IMHO
 

An older, upperclassman transfer with a not-so-great g.p.a.? I'd pursue other activities, if I were you.

Yeah thanks, I'm planning on being super involved on campus no matter what the results of recruitment are! :)

Yes, I think it will bother them. Freshmen are uncomfortable around seniors, for example. It may not bother you but that isn't the relevant or deciding factor. Honestly, it sounds like you want to be told to go through and yes, you'll get a bid. We can't tell you that. The only thing for you to do is try, and be prepared for whatever the outcome is. I wish you good luck!

Do be sure to check out GPA requirements for the chapters also. Many times PHAs will say they do not have a GPA requirement to participate in recruitment. However, individual organizations do have required GPAs, and sometimes chapters have even higher cut offs than their national/international organizations require. I don't know how low your GPA is, but if it's below 2.5, your options will be limited.

Noted, thank you :)
I'm definitely not just looking for you all to tell me what you think I want to hear. I am very serious about pursuing this opportunity because I finally have a chance to! I'm not an idiot, I know that there are more things working against me than for me. I'm okay with this. I just want to try because if I DONT try, I'll really won't have the chance ever. I'm confident that I can go in and sell myself and give it all I've got and hope for the best.

Since last night, I've made the final decision to go ahead and register and get my recs sent in and commit to recruitment. Going in with a completely open mind and prepared to not receive a bid had ALWAYS been my plan. I think receiving one would be amazing and a great start to the rest of my college career. If I don't get one, it'll be okay, I'll definitely find my place. I'm going into a creative/artistic programs and I'm positive that there will be clubs and things to do within that, as well as campus wide activities and ways to get involved. So I guess with that all being said, any advice/direction that you ladies feel like giving that relates to my situation would be welcomed and very much appreciated!

And I mean, anything that you all feel like telling me, I'll listen to with an open mind and take it all with a grain of salt. So far I feel like I've gotten some nice feedback, so I thank you all for your replies.

It's definitely not even close to below 2.5! I've worked very hard the last 4 semesters and have pulled it up an entire point from where I started. It exceeds the national minimums for every chapter on campus. I actually just double checked to make sure.

I have nothing more to contribute to this thread, except to say that I hope you either don't know what this phrase means, or that you accidentally used it in the wrong context. Please don't take what everyone here says with a grain of salt! :)

LOL, using phrases in incorrect contexts is definitely a specialty of mine! Wouldn't be the first time. I don't mean that I'm going to take every piece of advice that I'm given skeptically. Not at all. What I mean is that I'm going to hear what everyone has to say and consider it seriously, yet maintain my own thoughts and not let the odd negative comment turn me off from the idea of recruitment. Some of you have been encouraging and some of you haven't, and that's totally okay. I asked for honestly and I'm pleased that I received it! :) My decision to go forward with recruitment wasn't based on the messages that I got here by posting my story. I consider every reply helpful and I only feel better about my decision.

NOW, since I've officially decided! Is there anything that anyone can offer advice-wise about the actual process of recruitment?! I've read countless stories and have been doing research for years, but I know nothing can honestly prepare you for something like this except experiencing it for yourself. Because I'm non-traditional, are there certain things I should/should not say? A certain way I should present myself that is different from what your typical PNM would do? I want to maximize my chances, obviously, so any ideas are greatly appreciated. I've got a mentor (one of my recs actually) who is already helping with outfits and all that jazz. She's been amazing! Anything else?

You need to come up with an answer to why you are going out for recruitment - subtext is they really what to know "OMG! What is a woman your age doing here??????" because that's the way they've already asked themselves. But they'll put it to you ever so politely.

Got it, thanks :)