Grad. from HS in Dec.
 

I think that determining when you rush is all dependent on what school you are planning on attending. For many colleges and universities, the formal recruitment is in the Fall with informal or COB in the Spring. Some schools have deferred recruitment in the Winter/Spring, but I don't personally know if there is a minumim number of credit hours that you are required to have under your belt academically before you can go through recruitment. I'm sure there are others ont he board who can help with that question...

In regards to recs, from what the consensus seems to be on GreekChat, the importance of recs varies from school to school. For some of the competitive Southern colleges, they are essential. It is never too early to start looking around and getting people lined up!

Here's my own personal recommendation. Enjoy your first semester and rush in the Fall. Give yourself some time to "smell the roses".....

If the school has deferred recruitment (mine did) they will most likely have a mimimum credit hour requirment. However, they will probably also have informal recruitment in the Fall and you can easily explain why you didn't go through formal recruitment.

If formal is in the Fall, you have a semester to get your feet wet and see college life. You will be more prepared for the recruitment experience. Plus you can get to know women in sororities outside of recruitment.

But as has been said, it all depends on the college you plan to attend.

Congratulations on early graduation too!

Ditto.
Keep in mind that you will have a chance to meet women before rush, something most first-years won't have. You can get to know women so when you go through rush you see some familiar faces. Keep in mind though that what you do they will also see. Have fun and enjoy college, but remember that if you are at a competitive school bad decisions could bite you later. I'm sure you'll be fine and have no need to worry, just something to put in the back of your mind.

Same thing at small schools since everybody knows everybody.

Happy graduation!