<p>I got a letter in the mail saying that I passed a detailed screening and was nominated to join the American Chemical Society based on the criteria they set.</p>
<p>After getting myself excited, I looked more into detail about this and thought that it would be highly abnormal for a high school student to be offerred membership into the ACS. After all, it's America's most prestigious professional society for chemists, with people with Ph.D's clamoring to get in but can't. </p>
<p>Could anyone explain to me this situation? They provided me with everything I needed to finish "Joining" and said that once I fill out the sheet that my application will be "quickly processed" since I've already passed their detailed "screening". I'd be absolutely ejubilated to join but I doubt that I'm worthy enough to.</p>
<p>Are you a junior? I know at my school, they give an award to the junior who is the "best" at Chemistry, and I believe it has something to do with ACS. I'm not positive though...</p>
<p>Yes I'm a Junior and I'm quite good at Chemistry, but this letter was inviting me for membership however, not an award.</p>
<p>bumpppppppppppppppp</p>
<p>I am not sure what you got in the mail, but ACS is an organization that any chemist can join. I am not sure where you got the information that PhDs in chemistry are clamoring to get in but can't. The organization is open to anyone who wants to pay the dues. Just look on their website.</p>
<p>It says you either have to be nominated by two current members or be chosen by some list. It's not a fake organization, it's the most prestigious chemical association in the country for professionals</p>
<p>Hi Infinite_Truth,</p>
<p>I took a year of Inorganic Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis (lecutres, lab, and conference) during my junior year of high school at a nearby college. It totaled 16 credits and was extremely rigorous. At the end of the year, we took a standardized ACS examination. I scored in the 99th percentile among other college students who also took the same exam. Afterwards, I was offered Student Affiliate status in the American Chemical Society, which I accepted. I don't know if I was nominated for it or if it was routinely sent out to all of the students who took the exam. In any event, I enjoy their publications and used my membership (gave me a chance to explain my score) as a perk on my college applications. You should join! </p>
<p>Note: My notification from ACS didn't mention being "pre-screened."</p>
<p>Infinite truth - I am not saying that ACS is not a prestigious group, only that it is not exclusive. If you are a chemist, it is pretty easy to join. If you have been invited, then join. You will likely enjoy their publication.</p>