Of the number who started recruitment this year, more than 90% got bids on bid day. That number has been true for the past several years. Most of the ones released - not all, but most - had borderline or lower grades. Anyone can sign up and go through recruitment - Panhellenic does not restrict anyone because of grades…BUT…individual sororities DO have their own grade floors. Panhel does warn that those with a 3.0 or less run a real chance of being released early.
No, you don’t HAVE to get recs. You don’t HAVE to study for an exam, or wear nice clothes. But to give yourself the best chance, why wouldn’t you prepare the best you can?