How much does the National Honor society matter?

Applying to College
1

My dream school is Barnard College and I want my best chance of getting in( am also interviewing there). I am also applying to a few other reach schools. I am a straight A student with one C in calculus, I have 7 language credits, my SAT is a 1320 ( I am taking it in October hoping t get it higher). As far as my activities is I have ran cross country, winter and spring track, every season of high school. I am very competitive in dog shows and I was awarded #1 in the country last year. I am in about 6 clubs but I do not have any leadership nor a lot of commitment mainly because I moved schools. I know NHS looks really good to colleges and I did not get accepted last year, it is A LOT of work to fill out the application and ultimately taking time about from me doing my college applications. I think I should get in if I apply this year and it is not that I am too lazy to apply but, I feel that time could be going into studying for SAT or college apps. How important will colleges consider it and how much do you think it will add to my application? Is it worth it?

2

NHS is not a big deal. I would focus on trying to improve your SAT score.

3

Nobody cares about NHS. And why would they? It exists to honor the members for achievements which should be their own reward!

That said, some NHS groups do good community service. Colleges really DO care about community service.

4

To be inducted into NHS, in general you need the four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.

Guess what colleges are looking for? Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.

So NHS is a way of the school honoring the students who excel in those four pillars. That is a very good thing! We honor football players and band members and such…let’s also honor academics!
Also, parents love to see their children publicly honored.

So if the question is:

  1. I don’t want to bother to apply - don’t worry, colleges care about what would get you into NHS, not necessarily the title. But your parents sure would be proud.
  2. I did not get in. don’t worry, colleges care about what would get you into NHS, not necessarily the title.