I missed the deadline for National Honor Society my junior year and Im thinking applying my senior year. My school requires 60 volunteer hours senior year. Im already part of the Math honor society and the Social studies honor society.Is it worth the time to get into the National Honor sociey and will it give me an advantage in the college admissions process?
Generally speaking, National Honor Society will not give you an advantage in college admissions. Every high school has their own set of standards for NHS admissions and requirements and colleges know this. At some high schools, NHS is very difficult to gain acceptance and it is a very meaningful organization, meanwhile at other high schools you just get good grades and sign a form and you’re in. The only thing I might add is that if all of the top students at your high school are members, it may raise a flag if you are not a member.
** Bottom line: ** Don’t join because you think it will help get in to a good college - it wont help. Join because you have a sincere interest in serving your community through service hours.
^ Agreed
Don’t join unless you’re going to be dedicated. NHS chapter expectations vary by school, but at my school at least NHS is a lot of work. It’s going to be a terrible experience if you don’t really want to be there
I doubt it raises a flag. My son was in a school that most top student were in NHS and he was not because he was very busy with way too many meaningful ECs (including lots of community service). He got in fine to most of his schools. It never came up. Colleges see in your app what you are doing.
IMHO, it’s practically meaningless UNLESS you find the NHS activities meaningful FOR YOU.
NHS can really suck. I got a probation for not attending a meeting when there was only one-day advance notice (and only through some obscure platform, not even email).
2 Probations = Kicked out Permanently, even though I have all my hours and everything perfect.