I’ve met the qualifications for it, but I was not inducted. Top 10% of the class with well over the amount of volunteer hours and such, but I cannot put it on my app. Is there anywhere on the UC app where I could explain myself? And how will this make or break my application?
I don’t think it will be a problem for you. As long as your application is well rounded with grades, scores, E.C.s etc. you are fine. I wouldn’t mention it anywhere on the application. In my opinion, it’s kind of like when you go on a job interview - you talk about your strengths and don’t bring up any weaknesses. It definitely won’t break your application. No worries.
You should be fine. Don’t explain it anywhere. Colleges don’t often put a lot of weight on NHS. This is because the criteria for admission into NHS varies by each high school. Colleges realize this so it’s not going to make or break your app.
Just curious, as NHS moderator: if you met all the qualifications, why aren’t you in?
Given that the Common App limits the number of activities/awards you can list, a college might just assume you left it off because it did not make the cut when you prioritized your list of activities/awards.
I also echo the above poster–NHS is a nice honor, and it recognizes you at your high school for superior academic achievement, but any selective or highly selective school probably has a BASELINE for admission that is equal to membership in your local NHS chapter. Tacking “NHS” on to your GPA doesn’t add much, because the GPA speaks for itself.
It won’t be an issue.
Thank you everyone for the replies! And I honestly am not sure why I wasn’t inducted either. We have 2 rounds of induction at our school so maybe I’ll get in the next time. I won’t be able to put it on my app but oh well.
There really should be a sticky thread called “NHS doesn’t matter.” It’s a worthless honor at some schools and there are no consistently applied standards. You will be fine. My son didn’t get in (lack of leadership roles was the cited reason) until spring of senior year. My daughter got in, but never mentioned it in any application. Fill your application with honors that really mean something and you will get in!
My kid said that good grades are already an award, and that it is absurd to join an organization that exists solely to honor its own members.