[violetpretty]

My chapter actually had an exchange student come through this fall (informal). She said she was "just coming to see what it is all about" but it made me think "What if there was an exchange student who actually wanted to join?"

Normally, chapters wouldn't take someone who they know will only be around for a year. However, as an exchange student, you have something very unique to offer a chapter, which could be on your side. I have a friend who joined a chapter at CSU Northridge as a junior, so I don't think your age would work against you. I can't speak for the chapters at the schools to which you are applying, because I have no idea how they would feel about an exchange student, but I say give recruitment a try if it interests you, as long as you won't be crushed if it doesn't work out.