Rushing southern school as a sophomore/junior?

[heyo]

Hi! I just want honest answers and feedback. I am currently a sophomore at community college around Chicago transferring to Texas A&M as an engineering major (so I do have a pretty decent college GPA).
With the way my credits transfer, I will academically be a sophomore again, class of '24. However, I am of junior age.

1. Will I be considered a sophomore or junior?
2. How hard is it to rush as a sophomore at schools like A&M? Is it even worth it?
3. Will a ton of houses drop me just because of my age?
4. Will they cut me some slack since I'm transferring from community college? (Since its not like I chose not to rush.. I didn't even have the opportunity)
5. I don't know anyone in a sorority at A&M, is this gonna hurt me?
6. I also don't know many alumni for letters of rec.. will getting letters of rec from my local alumni association be enough?

I know southern sororities can be more cutthroat (than the ones up here) and if I'm gonna do it, I might as well do it right and be prepared!! All my friends went to school right away and are in sororities and they love it. I don't want to feel like just because I went a different path that I can't still be apart of it.