[WVU alpha phi]

The college experience is about more than just an education. Yes that's the main reason you're there, but you're also considering social activities and I think that's smart. How unhappy would you be if you were ultra-conservative and went to Berkeley? Or from the deep south and felt out of place at a large northern school? That's why they recommend and conduct campus tours and overnight visits, so you can get a feel for the school and make sure it's a place you'd like to spend your next 4 years.

It sounds like UT is somewhere you'd like to be academically and socially. It's a big accomplishment to get into your first choice school, and you worked hard to get there. Now you have to work hard to find and meet NPC women and line up recs. There is so much good advice for out of staters on GC, take it all into consideration and apply it. And think of the interesting conversations you'll have during rush- when I think upper Midwest, I think of places probably not a lot of people have been to. You'll be telling these girls all about something they've never experienced before! You might stand out as "the girl from Montana" (or wherever) as opposed to one of hundreds of girls from Houston or something.

I also think the guys suggestions are right.. you have about 9 months before you start college, take this time to address some of the 'issues' you feel like are holding you back from a successful rush.