SEC rush: open vs. fall

[theriver]

I am a freshman at an SEC school. I was not able to rush in the fall. This was contributed to several reasons- primarily being that I agreed before I knew what school I was going to to be a bridesmaid in a wedding that interfered with rush week. I now really wish that I had been able to rush. I have numerous friends in sororities who have been very supportive of me and encouraged me to rush.

One of my closest friends has told me that her sorority will be holding open bidding soon. I am now unsure if I should do this or wait for formal recruitment in the fall. If I do the open bidding, I have a good chance at getting a bid as a second semester freshman. I do like the girls I know in this sorority, but I don't want to cut myself off from other options. The problem with rushing as a sophomore is that my chances of getting a bid significantly decrease. In fact, several sororities do not take sophomores at all regardless of their resume.

I'm looking for some second opinions, so that I can make the best decision possible. Thanks!