Beware of Pay to Play "Honors"

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!

These don’t even end after you get into college. There are even programs of this sort for college faculty - The Oxford Round Table comes to mind.

Do not let teacher recommendations sway you. Eons ago I recall such stuff. Years ago while in middle school son could have gotten one of those “awards”, other chances to be listed in “Who’s Who” publications with a so and so teacher recommended him. Teachers can innocently give out a name of a deserving student for consideration for meaningless junk. They want you to buy the book you’re in. If you know your child is worthy of awards they will come with no strings like these. You never pay for them.

Thank you OP for reminding parents. When it comes to summer programs remember to sign your kids for their benefit, not to look good on a resume. There are many great programs out there including regional talent searches.

Great and evergreen warning. I cringe when I see those bumperstickers citing one of these “honors” for a child at home. For those in the know, this is actually a negative and does the child NO favors at all.