[violetpretty]

According to the Purdue Panhellenic website, there are 16 NPC chapters and 5 sororities that are associate members of Panhellenic. SDT (according to their website) and the 5 associate chapters do not participate in formal recruitment. Quota last year at Purdue was 36. 36 x 15 chapters participating in formal recruitment = around 540 women got bids, depending how many chapters made quota/how close they came/if there were quota additions. So no, you're not up against "thousands". Around 800 registered last year, but keep in mind, the vast majority of the women who go through recruitment and end up bidless do so because they dropped out.

Re: attractiveness. Different chapters emphasize looks differently. I seriously doubt a chapter would cut you for being too pretty (because, shallow as it sounds, it makes them look good in the eyes of frat boys to have good looking sisters--but if your looks are all you have to offer, you won't be successful), but check your "don't be jealous of my hotness" attitude, or THAT could get you cut.

Having good grades puts you in a good position. You said you are smart. I don't know if that translates into a good GPA or not.

I don't think most chapters would frown upon not drinking. They might frown upon being antisocial if that applies to you. Still, even if you like to stay in, there should be a place for you, especially with as many chapters as Purdue has.