<p>Our hs, which sends perhaps 25-35 percent of each graduating class to USNews top tier schools, and 5-10 kids annually to top 10 schools, has 3 honor societies, and each seems somewhat credible. NHS here requires at least a B-plus average, and there’s an application packet requiring an essay, recommendations from 2 teachers, a listing of ECs and hours with contact numbers so the info can be verified, etc. It’s fairly good practice for the college app process. </p>
<p>Of course, because some of the NHS criteria are subjective - particularly leadership and character - each year there are kids who get in who shouldn’t and kids left out who shouldn’t be, because the committee is score-settling or making examples out of nonconformist kids or whatever else it is they’re up to. Believe me, you couldn’t pay me enough to be a GC at our school when the NHS membership is announced every spring - it falls to each GC to inform the parents about whether their kids are in or out. Not a happy time in the old Counseling Center. </p>
<p>And each year some kids who qualify don’t bother to submit applications, and it’s generally acknowledged that this has no impact whatsoever on their college prospects. When my oldest d was a senior, the class val hadn’t applied and had great options in April nevertheless. She caused some audience mumbling when she got up to make her graduation speech and wasn’t wearing the gold braid. ;)</p>
<p>The other two honor societies at our school are the science and music honor societies. Each requires a certain GPA in that subject matter and continued service/activities in the group.</p>
<p>When I first clicked on the thread, I thought it was going to be about the definition of “honors” classes, which is another thorny topic. :)</p>