[LAblondeGPhi]

Well, I happen to know a thing or two about UCLA, since I'm an alumna. Quite a bit has changed since I graduated several years ago, but I am also pretty familiar with the current set-up.

First - I suggest staying away from JuicyCampus, because it's not very productive, and you get a lot of vindicitive people airing their own issues on there. And let's be honest, everyone's trying to hype their own chapter and rag on the others.

Second - It's my understanding that 7 chapters will be participating in UCLA's semi-formal Spring Recruitment, and the other 4 are currently at total (or have, maybe, A spot open). By signing up with the Panhellenic office, you automatically get to attend all 7 chapters' first-round recruitment events. Is there any reason you aren't interested in participating?

Third - If you really do only want to consider chapters that aren't participating in this process, then you can at least use Panhellenic's Spring Recruitment as a conversation starter with your friends. Mention that you're thinking about signing up and ask what their recruitment experiences were, if they have advice, etc. That should be enough to signal that you're interested in rushing, and (normally) the chapter members will jump at the chance to invite you to a COB event. I wouldn't suggest being too pushy about it, though, because that can get awkward fast.

Fourth - It sounds like you know a good variety of women in each chapter, so I wouldn't worry. As long as these women are somewhat active in their chapter, they'll be able to give you a good word. As a general rule, the more active and better respected the member, the more others will listen to her opinion.

Good luck!