So, I am currently a junior. For some reason, I did not understand how National Honors Society works at all … I did not realize the importance of year till now, realizing that nearly every competitive kid around me is in NHS. (Obviously, it is too late to apply now cuz I am over a quarter through my junior year) My questions would be, if I am applying for tier 1 or ivy league colleges, is it a huge loss for me to not be in NHS during my high school life? (My weighted GPA is above 4.3, current taking all APs, probably ending up with 10 APs or so, got perfect for SAT IIs, planning to take SAT soon, aiming for 1500 or above)
- it, not year. Typo
Not a lot, but it’s better to have it than not have it.
To my knowledge, it isn’t really as big a deal as it used to be. Most people applying for HYPS type schools have NHS, so its value is greatly diminished as a lot of people are in it now. However, I don’t think it would be the one thing holding you back from an acceptance. Mostly what NHS signifies, in my opinion, is participation in community service, which is a necessity to remain an NHS member. I think you will be fine, however I’m not applying to these big name colleges so who knows I might be wrong.
And it’s National Honor Society. No “s”
I feel like it won’t make THAT much of a difference since it doesn’t really mean that much anymore. However, if you want to join, is there a way to join as a junior or senior in your school? In my school members apply junior year and some can apply senior year as well.
Well, I mean … In my school, they do not accept any new students after like the first month of school. So if I do want to apply I have to wait for next year. But by then, it would be useless since I would be submitting early decision in November and so. It would be like I am only in the club for like 1 month and then write that on the college app…May not be that effective comparing to students doing 4 years or 3 years of NHS. I am extremely worried cuz literally every kid, every kid from being moderate competitive to genius like competitive are all in NHS. Like, ALL OF THEM…
It is an issue because when you all say that everyone in ivy league has it so it’s not special. But does not that also mean that people don’t have it do not get accepted to ivy league?
It’s not important. Colleges realize NHS doesn’t do much at many schools. I advised my D not to waste her time. It didn’t hurt her at all.
Both our guidance counselor and a friend who is a private counselor told us to take a pass. At our school, it is a HUGE commitment. Out of a class of 750 kids, about 250 are invited (so it’s already not that special). My understanding is, if the student does not have many ECs, then it’s a good opportunity. Our son is booked solid with strong ECs which include leadership, sports, the arts, and community service. His scores and grades are high and we were advised that he’s more than fine with NHS.
I was also told that many kids from our school have gotten into HYPS and other top universities without NHS. That sealed the deal for us.
Okay thank you all for the suggestions!