[axidalum]

As others mentioned, Coninuous Open Recruitment may be a good option for you, although you may have to take the initiative on this. It sounds like, on several fronts, it may be a good idea to contact the Panhellenic Recruitment Chair at USA, with a letter of introduction, request for information about formal recruitment and COR, advice about getting recommendations, etc.

Here is prime opportunity for your maturity to come through -- YOU've taken initiative and thought through how to achieve your objective -- skills any chapter would welcome, and you show self confidence, again, score!

In your letter of introduction, paint an honest picture of yourself, while also MANAGING YOUR OWN PRESS! Set the tone for the positives (as others in this thread encouraged) you bring, before others can view them as negatives. Also, ask questions about academics and GPA standings and importance, about philanthropic involvement on the community by the various Sororities, about relationships between Greek life and campus life, administration and the larger town community, about panhellenic involvement and activities and how people get involved, etc. These types of questions show you've researched Greek life, you take it seriously and you want to be involved.

Perhaps you could ask if, when you go for a visit, if you could meet her (Pahel Recruitment) and/or others. Maybe if she might even have any time to give you a tour or to meet you for coffee. Don't be offended if she says "no," and also be clear SHE HAS TO BE NEUTRAL and is NOT the key to a bid.

If you do this, though, and have expressed your interested in COR, you can ask her to make sure the chapters have your name for invites to COR events, and without actually influencing any chapter actual decisions for recruitment, she (at least personally) would be influenced by your committment and could potentially stem any negative tide that might develop from your out-of-state and/or older status. And, hey, now you know a Sorority sister at USA!

For formal (esp.) and even COR, STUDY! Study harder than you even would for exams. KNOW colors and history. KNOW 1-2 famous alums from each group and why you admire them. Turn the questions to the sisters about how proud they must be to have so&so as one of their alums. Are there others they can tell you about?

Good luck.