Your roommates are brand new members. Their influence may be severely limited.
You may have been dropped just because of your sophomore status. Your getting a bid last year and turning it down most likely didn't help. The term "blackball" is not used or appropriate regarding NPC recruitment.
You can sign up with the Greek life office if that option is offered. Whether you HAVE to sign up with them to get a bid in the spring depends on your school. Even if there are groups that are just discreetly COBing friends of members and not holding organized rush parties (k_s, that's what she means by "silent bid") you may still have to be signed up at the Greek life office. Call them and ask.
Is it just me or is this almost the same thread?
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=115776