Good thread!
1) Would you be more likely to show interest in an organization with more established chapters as opposed to one with fewer?
No, not really. Each organization is different on each campus, and when I went through Rush, I didn't know anything about the national makeup of any group we had. Even if I went through now, knowing what I do, it wouldn't be a factor in my decision.
2) Would you show more interest in an organization with large numbers as opposed to one with small numbers?
This would depend on my mood, I think.
I know that's a weird answer, but, sometimes smaller is better because you get to know everyone. My sorority, when I was in college, was always at or above total, which was 55. We were one of the larger sororities on campus. I have friends who went to big schools who were in groups with totals of 150 or more. How would you know everyone? You would see girls wearing your letters and not know who they were (or at least, this is my perception), so, numbers really wouldn't matter in my decision either.
3) Would you prefer to join an organization that has been around for longer but had few chapters?
Um, again, this wouldn't really apply to my decision, so I can't answer the question.
4) Did the organization’s colors or website affect your interest level?
Nope. Websites weren't really as big as they are now when I went through rush. Colors did a little bit - I was turned off by Alpha Chi's red/green thing - too much like Christmas (no offense - I just wouldn't want to look at that all the time!), but I dropped them from my list for other reasons.
5) What was it about the organization that you chose that interested you?
The group that I chose was the group where I found that I fit in the best on my campus. They were the most welcoming, friendly, outgoing girls, and they all seemed like they had similar personalities to me. Most importantly - the quality/reputation of the girls was the best!!! Sometimes I think that if I had gone through Rush at a different school, I might have joined a different group. But I'm VERY VERY happy with my decision!!!
I actually went through the recruitment process to join a different sorority (I knew 2 or 3 of the girls). Then I saw the rest of them, and I just didn't feel like I belonged there.