[kddani]

If recruitment is in September, the pledge period will likely (for most groups) be over or nearly over by November. My school rushed the end of September and my chapter initiated within the first two weeks of November.

One thing that may be of concern is that you MAY be gone for initiation. Because you'll be gone for two weeks, the chapter MAY possibly decide to hold you over and let you initiate the next semester. You wouldn't necessarily be a pledge all over again, but just be initiated then.

Another thing i'd be concerned about is your workload. Missing 2 weeks of college classes is no small thing, particularly if you have professors with attendence requirements. Trying to get back into the swing of classes and getting caught up (school IS more important) and then trying to get caught up with the sorority may be too much to handle.

A free trip to Europe is great, however, as the adage goes "there's no such thing as a free lunch." There is a price to pay, though it may not be monetary. You may not, personally, be able to handle being away for two weeks, catching up with your classes, AND pledging and whatever other responsibilities (i.e. work, family) you may have.

I don't think that it will necessarily affect your ability to get a bid (though I don't know if it's even necessary to bring up during recruitment), but I think that you should seriously consider if you can handle it all, particularly if you will be a freshman. 2 weeks out of classes in November, which is a crucial time when there are papers and tests, is a big deal.