Ouch. That smarts but it happened to mine too. He got into his second choice and we are fairly certain his ex gf was the reason that he didn’t get into his top choice. Apparently, it has to be 100% majority yes vote by all members. He decided not to join Greek, he felt down for a bit but he never looked back. I am sure your son won’t either. He’ll find his people and will be just fine. This too shall pass mama bear.
How is your S doing, conmama?
The milk is now spilt, but when going through rush you simply must not concentrate all your efforts on only a few houses. It’s just like a college search, in which you have a few dream houses, a few that you think you can get in, and one or two “safeties,” which are houses where you think you can be happy even if you don’t think they are a perfect fit.
To the OP, may I suggest that her son visit the office of Greek life. Sometimes fraternities don’t get the yield that they they their are going to get and need to add to their pledge class. They don’t advertise this, but quietly give bids for a few days or weeks after the rush process ends. This might be an opportunity for her son. I suggest he at least make the visit to the Greek office to talk things over.