Definitely go for it. I'm a member of my colonizing class, and from what I can recall, we had 3 seniors (this was the spring semester) about 13 juniors then the rest were sophomores and freshman. Our pledge class was 65 girls. As for not be matched during formal, neither was I, but I still ended up in the right place! It can't hurt to look!

To answer your original question and ditto everyone else: YES! Definitely do it! It's such a different experience to be a charter member than to take part in a chapter that's been around for decades already.

It differs for each org, but from my experience, it would be more of an interview format. You would interview with some national representatives (regional staff, etc.), and probably the local chapter advisor and resident consultant. They will be looking for women who meet their membership criteria and will ask you questions based on that.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

I am currently going through the colonization process, It's a lot of hard work but i def learn a lot. I'm a sophmore and i have awesome positions it's a great leadership oppurtunity.

Perhaps your chapter could implement Spelling 101 into your chapter programming. :)

L. O. L.

Oh yeah, I'll second the comment about it being a lot of hard work! Charter members have to be officers at the same time as they're new members. You have to learn about the structure and rules & regulations of your organization as you're living it. Regardless, being a charter member is an amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Honestly, I can think of no reason for you not to give it a try. Good luck!

Don't hide the fact that you went through formal recruitment and were cut. The fact that you were a junior is probably the big reason. I wouldn't go in trumpeting that fact, but don't deny it.
You have a very good chance of being asked to join. A lot of times the people making the decision are part of an expansion team...with input and recommendations from your hometown alumnae.

Ditto that! But despite all the hard work it is such an amazing opportunity!!! I thankful everyday that I did it!

Being a part of a colony
 

Many moons ago, I was an International Rush Consultant for my organization and I worked with new colonies. It was such a wonderful and exciting time. I would encourage you to participate for all of the reasons mentioned above AND it is such a once in a lifetime opportunity to set new trends and learn about yourself and develop incredible leadership skills.

I guess my question would be what is causing you to be hesitant? Is it because it is different? You may want to list your specific concerns , if you are comfortable. or PM me.

Best wishes~ !! :)
Merry

Well, I wasn't sure if I was too old, since I thought my age might have been a factor in me not matching during formal recruitment. I'm also nervous because not matching during formal recruitment was pretty upsetting for me -- I started crying and called my mom after I got the call from my Rho Chi, as lame as that sounds -- so I'm a little reluctant to make myself vulnerable to rejection again, if that makes any sense?

You've got to put yourself out there - rejection is tough, but when you apply for a job, go on a first date, or any one of a hundred other worthwhile ventures, you have to risk it. Colonization could be an incredible experience for you - the WORST that could happen is they say no - and as you know, life goes on after "no". On the other hand, they could say YES - and you could be part of an amazing sisterhood. I say, go for it! As I look back on my life, there are only a few things I regret doing, but LOTS of opportunities I wish I had not let slip by. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined ".- Thoreau

As SWTXBelle said, the worst case scenario is that you are exactly where you are today. Best case, you will be in a new sorority with all kinds of leadership opportunities! Go For It!

*golf clap*
I always liked that quote, it got me through a lot of anxiety about moving abroad.

I'd say go for it, If you never go, you'll never get in. If you go, you still might get rejected, but you've given yourself the opportunity to succeed. Good luck, knock 'em dead!