Second Semester Greek Life "Rush", good thing or bad thing?

For all freshman interested in Greek life, "rush" is a highly anticipated process that can be nerve wracking. This is especially true for girls. Is it better to have this process before school actually starts like most big state schools do, or is it better to do it second semester like we do here at SMU?
Having the process after Christmas break instead of in August gives people the chance to truly get to know one another. Many of my friends who go to state schools went through first semester rush. Their feelings were that the results were based on not just first impressions only, since they didn't have time to really get to know each other, but also on rumors heard through the grapevine. This could be perfectly fine for some, but potentially bad for others. Second semester rush gives people the chance to establish their identity in college before people start, in a sense, judging them. It also helps not only the sorority (and fraternity, not trying to leave you out guys) members get a real feel for its potential pledges, it also gives the potential pledges time to feel where they really fit in.
I wholly agree with second semester rush. However, I know some people don't agree with it. I would like to ask for the opinion of others. Maybe I will change my mind!