Wow, I cannot believe that I did not reply to this back in 2001 when I was a wannabe!
I joined DST via an alumnae chapter. In undergrad I attended events, volunteered with the chapter and went to rush but I did not submit an application. Although I think a "collegiate" experience would have been great, I would not change an ounce of my journey to DeltaLand.
After graduating college in 1998, Delta was still very much in my heart. I went to grad school and learned as much as I could about the chapter in my area. I continued to support their events and meet people in the chapter.
Fortunately I did not have friends who were getting membership while I was still waiting. I made many friends online via Greek Chat and Deltanet (one of which is my LS...Salience, I miss you!)
I would say, if Delta is truly in your heart, yourwill continue to pursue membership until you have it. I wanted to be a Delta since my senior year of high school it took from 1994 to 2002 for my dream to become reality.
I would also say, be able to truthfully answer why you want to be a Delta. It is important to know the 22 founders and the history of the organization, but it is more important to know why Delta is in your heart. If you reasons are material and/or artificial, then you need to begin soul searching before pursuing membership.
Good Luck!