how is this determined

Every house does it differently, and the different methods are not discussed publicly, but ultimately it is a chapter decision. Each pnm is given attention. The actives who talk to pnm's definitely weigh in and actives try to make a case for pnm's they feel strongly about one way or the other. There are votes or rankings or small group determinations and other various methods at the different chapters but they are all efficient and fair. The chapter as a whole definitely knows who their most desirable pnm's are and that vote is a quick gimme, but everyone else needs a little more consideration. The pool of pnm's is a giant bell curve, with a small amount of most desirable on the far left, a small amount of least desirable on the far right, but the vast majority spread out in the middle of the bell. In other words, most pnm's are just fine! Each bell curve is different at each chapter depending on what 'desirable' means to them, the the bell curve composition obviously changes each round. But the chapter membership as a whole does not know the final lists of cuts and invites that are submitted for the next round. That is put together by rush committee/exec. You have to remember that RFM numbers play a big part in this too. Cuts must be made and there's a final, definite number that is the bottom line. Individual actives are absolutely crushed when their favorite girls don't come back, just like pnm's are crushed when they don't get their favorite houses back.

Membership selection specifics are a secret for each house. Don’t know what sorority the above poster is in but she is right on. I was crushed when my favorite girl got dropped.

Girls going through rush don’t realize that actives are just as crushed when their favorites are dropped/not on the list. I have actually cried a couple times because a girl didn’t make the list. Not because we didn’t want her, but because sometimes its just a numbers game.