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All right, I'll take a shot at answering your questions. :)

First, all the DZ actives in my chapter, or that I ever met, for that matter, were undergrad. I don't believe DZ allows grad students to remain active (correct me if I'm wrong...I'm sure KillarneyRose would know this, since she knows all things DZ ;)). However, if you are still an undergrad, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be eligible for a bid.

Second, if the DZ chapter at your school didn't have a very big pledge class last time, I assume there's a possibility they might take more women than, say, other chapters who had larger classes, if they are under total. (If they are participating in COB, then they are under total.) But here's the thing--they may have more extra spots than other chapters, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will give out enough bids to fill all of them. COB is usually more relaxed than formal recruitment, but chapters are no less picky. :p

Third, recs always help! I didn't think this was true, especially since my school states in the rush brochure that recs are NOT required and that individual chapters must secure them if they are needed. However, this is a load of...well, bull. Even if your school doesn't generally make a big deal of recs, I'd get one anyway. You never know. It might make you stand out a little more.

Hope I helped! :) Good luck!

If you're worried about your age, don't be! I'm 27 and recently joined DZ last semester and I was welcomed with open arms!

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Amalia-
Go back! I know as a 25 year old, hanging out with 18- 20 y.o.'s can seem weird...but if you like them, and they like you, don't let age be a barrier! Do you feel too old b/c of the general maturity level of the group, or because they are just typically younger? Did something happen that made you feel out of place?

Besides, and I can't stress this enough-the undergrad sorority experience is only a fraction of what you get by joining a national sorority...it is for life. If you think you can enjoy yourself w/the undergrad group, go for it. On the other hand, if you just feel too weird, there's no point in putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation! Anyway, my .02 is to give it another shot, and do what Pixell said too...

If that doesn't work, there's always alum initiation.... In fact, I remember one year at Tarleton, a non-trad student went through formal recruitment--she was in her 40's, had almost grown children, and was just coming back to finish her degree. Everyone loved her, but she didn't get a bid b/c she wasn't high enough on the bid list, BUT the alum group recognized what a great woman she was, and swooped in and asked her if she would be interested in initiation as an alum-and she was-and the rest is history! Since you already have an undergrad degree, I believe you are eligible for alum initiation, provided there is an alum chapter nearby willing to petition for you....think about that.

Keep us posted!

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I'm 23 and sometimes I wish I was still active, even though I would be old as the hills by my chapter's standards (most are between the ages of 18 and 21). :p Don't worry!

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I'm so sorry...seems kind of unfair, doesn't it? I think it all depends on the chapter; if the one at your school has mostly younger members, that's probably why...I know my chapter probably would not give a bid to a 25-year-old, but then, I know other DZ chapters that would. It just depends. I think that by saying you're too old, they probably meant that you're older than most of the members and therefore they're concerned about you fitting in. At least in this case you know it wasn't a personality "flaw" or anything, even though I know that probably doesn't make you feel better. If you're really set on DZ, perhaps alumna initiation might be for you?