conversation ability

Conversations are very important. If you don't have a personality during the conversation, expect to be cut. Not because you aren't an awesome girl but because there are hundreds of other girls rushing with great resumes, GPA, and conversation. Just shine your personality through and I promise you will be fine.

Of course conversations are important! How else would someone get to know you?
Think of things you like to do - your summer job - movies you've liked - that's the type of thing you talk to your rusher about. Keep a list all summer and jot down things when you think of them.
I also like to recommend a little book - "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie. You might find it at the library or a used bookstore. It's a really old book, but the advice is still very, very useful. It's pretty short and full of anecdotes, so it's easy to read.
Do they write your name down if they like you?
Well....yes. They need to remember who they talked to so they can help decide about inviting you back for the next round. They also write down the names of girls they DON'T like! They won't write in front of you, though. Usually they have a tiny pen and pad in a pocket or squirreled about somewhere so they can jot between parties.
You can do that, too! It will help you remember who is who, because at the end of the day you're so tired you can't remember anything.