1. Do the social reputations of the larger group pair up with their "stronger" national status? Do nationally smaller groups suffer from a "weaker" social reputation?
Sometimes. I would think it varies from campus to campus, and from year to year.
2. When you went through rush was the national strength a big consideration for you? I know that you have to choose where you truly fit, but the national connections and after-graduation sisterhood possibilites can be a valid consideration, too.
In my case, this meant more to my parents than to me. They knew that joining a sorority was a lifelong commitment, and they wanted a sorority that would be strong in the long haul. One of the sororities that I had chosen for the round prior to pref didn't enjoy a strong, national reputation, and I was discouraged from it. Okay, I'll be honest - my parents were horrified!
Luckily for me, the sorority I chose and love has a good, strong national reputation!
honeychile