How Valuable are Honor Societies?

Applying to College
1

<p>Everyone at my school makes such a huge deal about NHS, FLHS, SHS and everything of the sort, but honestly I don't think they hold any value. I was never chosen for NHS because of lack of school involvement (which is BS because I work, but the committee doesn't know about that). </p>

<p>Anyway, I find it hard to believe that colleges will be impressed by any sort of Honorary society, unless you have great achievements within the society such as organizing a community service event or raising a few thousand to cure whatever. Otherwise, what exactly is the value of NHS? Like what do you even put on your Common App? "official member of NHS" ok cool? They can already see your grades, and your extracurricular involvement.</p>

<p>I have been chosen to be inducted into NHS my senior year (I'm currently a Junior), and I declined, because there was never any point, and there certainly is no point after the application process is over. The committee finds it very hard to believe that someone would refuse the 'honor' of being in NHS, and they have asked me to reconsider. </p>

<p>So what is the value of these societies? Can I get some input or discussion? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I agree with you. I think it’s just for the name. Honestly, they’re not worth crap and stupid organizations. I know plenty of intelligent good students who are not in it and know plenty of people who are “dumb” and bad students who are in it.</p>

3

<p>I was never a part of NHS (I don’t think they even had it at my high school), but I think for the most part it’s just supposed to be a “feather in one’s cap” kind of thing. It’s nice to have for a resume sheet as further proof that you’re a good student, but it’s not as if adcoms are going to be looking at your application and exclaiming, “This person doesn’t have NHS on their resume! To the garbage chute!”</p>