<p>If somehow a student were to get in to the NHS based mostly on grades and minimally on leadership/service, how much would that possibly supplement a true lack of E.C.'s? Would it just be "ehhh", would it be a "slight/moderate help" or would it "really portray the student as well-rounded, despite apparent lack of extracurriculars"? Consider that this is not for HPY or anything, but for good/exceptional colleges.</p>
<p>I've read many discussions of this over time on College Confidential. The overwhelming consensus is that it isn't worth much. I mean, it's a nice touch, but won't replace an EC as far as showing committment to an outside activity.</p>
<p>What getting into NHS involves varies hugely from school to school. Even though at some schools it is quite a distinction, at many it's not. Some argue that it doesn't help much, but on the other hand "top colleges expect to see it". I'm not so sure about that. Lack of membership hasn't seemed to hurt any of the kids I know who've been accepted to top schools.</p>
<p>^agreed. I've read on CC about kids who have gotten into Cornell without NHS or vals who refuse to join as a boycott and it seems that lots of people who actually are in it don't even put it on their application because it's not that big of a deal and they have better things to brag about. Colleges understand that at some schools all you need is a 3.4 gpa and you're in while at others you need that plus an essay and numerous recommendations and whatnot and also at some you don't even do anything in NHS while at others you need to meet a certain amount of hours of volunteering to stay in. It really is just there for the padding. Lowly schools might care a lot [schools with average ACT being 21ish] but the good schools you mention could care less because if you are applying there in the first place, chances are you are already NHS material. I got rejected from NHS at my school and I'm a great/nice kid that never gets in trouble, have all honors/AP classes with a 4.8 w gpa and 4.0 uw whilst kids who are in regular classes and cheat like it's their job got in. So go figure. Just goes to show you what can happen and that colleges understand things like that happen so they don't care.</p>
<p>lol i hope not, because i didn't even apply to my nhs-- too busy doing things i actually care about</p>
<p>^same here. here everyone is like
Friend: "Dude it's NHS!"
Me: And so..?
Friend: DOn't you wanna get recognized?!
Me: I don't have to show my smartness by joining an organization. So you only joined cuz it makes u look smart?
Friend: Yeah.</p>
<p>another instance was that they joined for the stoll, which <em>recognizes</em> them,aka separates them from the crowd, during grad.
lol ,i laugh at them~
i don't think it's worth my time, so i rather spend those hrs for my own AP stuff or chillin. XD</p>
<p>so i guess it's not that big of a deal</p>
<p>Top colleges don't expect to see it. They know that virtually all of their applicants qualify for NHS, so in top colleges' pool, it's an empty honor. Not being a member may mean that one's school doesn't have it, the NHS is ridiculously political, or the student is busy with other activities that match more the student's interests.</p>
<p>There are some second and third tier colleges that will give automatic scholarships to NHS members. If you plan to apply to such colleges, NHS membership could be a plus in terms of your getting merit aid.</p>
<p>Being a NHS officer also doesn't make one stand out at top colleges. Being a national NHS officer or a national officer of any organization would, however, make one stand out at top colleges.</p>
<p>BTW: At some schools, you only need a 3.0 to join NHS.</p>
<p>I mean, at my HS (which is competitive), the NHS is somewhat selective. You need a weighted grade average of over 100, community/volunteer work, and the like. That is mainly why I made this thread. It is sort of, but not totally, a big deal at my school. But, I guess, just like everything else, it can vary greatly depending on where you are. Thanks for you help everyone.</p>
<p>At my school you need a 3.7 gpa to get into NHS, which is fairly easy at my school to be honest. It really means nothing.</p>
<p>At my school, NHS is not too hard to qualify for but a pain in the ass to actually get. You need a 3.5 UW, which puts you in the top 10% or so if you take difficult classes. You need NINE faculty recommendations, and not everyone gets in.</p>
<p>However, it is incredibly awesome once you actually have it. You are allowed to arrive to school late and leave early whenever you don't have a class.</p>
<p>I guess it depends on what you make out of NHS. If you are in it and thats it, it's probably not worth it. If you are really passionate about what you do in NHS and perhaps gain a leadership role in it, then I say include it or emphasize it.</p>
<p>Its usually the deciding factor</p>
<p>hr35hrn: lol. Sarcasm I hope.</p>