Longtime College Confidential members have surely seen many threads that warn students and parents to be wary of national “honors” organizations that charge a fee to join and of “invitations” to pricey summer programs that are supposedly sent only to top scholars. But for parents who are just starting to navigate the college admissions maze, I think that these warnings are worth repeating, as the season for such solicitations ramps up.
A fee-based honor society will in no way enhance a child’s acceptance odds at any college. While some of these outfits claim that their fees go toward scholarships for members, there are many more reliable ways to seek scholarship bucks. And, in the past, when I’ve counseled students who have already joined these groups, I advise them to NOT include them on their résumés.
The “selective” summer programs that woo students with snazzy invitations are often well-run opportunities for teenagers to learn about career fields like medicine or law or about “leadership.” Those students who take part usually find them worthwhile (or at least fun). So if your child is interested, and you can afford the cost without flinching, you need not say no. But, as with the “honor” societies, participation in these by-invitation-only programs is NOT a fast track to a top-choice college, and some admission folks will even roll their eyes when they spot them on applications.
So please don’t feel that you are doing a disservice to a hard-working child by not buying into this “recognition.” You’d only be doing a disservice by insisting on it!