new member and potential pnm

[Sciencewoman]

Along with what FSUZeta said, I'm going to make an assumption that the same chapters that may be open to recruiting juniors next fall would tend to be the same chapters that are recruiting this winter.

Typically, strong recruiting chapters with high retention are going to be at total (and not able to participate in winter recruitment) and they will also be the same chapters who will be less willing to give a bid to a junior next fall. Per RFM, they will be required to make larger cuts early on, and as a junior who won't be around as long, you may be an easy initial cut. I just wouldn't assume that formal recruitment will realistically present you with a larger menu of chapter options.

By joining this winter, you make yourself available to live in the house next year -- an attractive prospect to chapters. I know nothing about Georgia Southern's housing situation, so I'm throwing that out there as another possible reason to join this winter, and one that would possibly enhance your appeal.

Therefore, my advice would be to go through this winter, because I don't think you will have wider options this fall, and you'd be losing out on a semester of membership activities.