My parents' worries were set at ease over winter break when my grades came. I earned a 3.0, which was higher than some of my friends' who hadn't pledged. If you are interested in a fraternity or sorority, you should come out during new member recruitment. It takes place during the first few weeks of every semester. Sororities have a formal rush where meetings and events are set up for you to go to and check out each organization.
Fraternities have no formal rush, but they do basically the same thing.
Flyers are posted around campus and e-mails are sent out campus wide. The honors classes are more challenging because of the workload. Also, the Honors Classes completely become what you put into them. Attendance is not taken, and there are no small quizzes or tests to check that you have read for that class. However, you find out in a hurry that coming to class is important and reading is essential.