Nation Honor Society worth it?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>Today I just got a form that I'm suppose to fill out for being considered to get into this national honor society (NHS). I've looked through other threads to find out opinions about it and most of them are saying that NHS isnt worth it at all. Now these threads are around 2008-2010, at least the ones I found, and its 2014. So its been 4 years now and I'm sure that NHS is different than it was back then it is now.</p>

<p>So I'm wondering is it worth it and will it be a minor or a big difference to being accepted into a university (or example University of Washington) compared to the other person who isn't in NHS?</p>

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<p>Worth what? I mean, you might as well sign up if it won’t require any great sacrifice, but it’s not going to make a difference either way for college admissions. It’s just like any other club…at some schools they do meaningful things, and at some schools they don’t. </p>

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<p>I suppose it really depends on your school’s NHS. I personally am involved in NHS at my school, and we have lots of volunteering opportunities for community service hours (a definite advantage!). As to whether or not this will make a monumental difference to a college, I don’t think anyone can really say. Are you involved in other clubs? Leadership positions? Community service? It wouldn’t hurt to fill out the form, in any case.</p>

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<p>My school’s NHS is a joke. It won’t hurt you to not be involved, but if it’s minimal effort required…why not go for it?</p>

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<p>My kids skipped it.</p>

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<p>In general, National Honor Society is kind of a joke and NHS membership definitely won’t strengthen your college application any… Although, a club’s worth is dependent on what you put into it. If you organize many community service projects and the like, then that could be something to talk about in your essays. I’d probably sign up, since you might as well.</p>

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<p>If you’re asking if it’s worth it, chances are it probably isn’t.</p>

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<p>National Honors Society is a VERY big thing. Most people do not understand that being in this society alone will make you stand out. There is a lot of trash talk about it, because people do not take it seriously, but you should. Every single person that is looking to hire and sees that National Honors Society is on my resume is very impressed. Unless you have a personal experience in it, and it was a bad experience, then you shouldn’t be talking bad about it. I am part of my schools National Honors Society, and they do not only look for good grades. They look into four sections, Leadership, Character, Scholar and Service. Unless you are planning on putting everything you have into National Honors Society, don’t join, because many people that would love to be in it would love to have your spot. Not everyone in my school go it, but those who did are all interactive students, there lives don’t only consist of National Honors Society, but helping our community and sports. Before you accept the invitation into National Honors Society as yourself if you are just going to talk smack on it, or be like me and support what some people respect. </p>

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<p>My issue with clubs like National Honors Society and Beta Club is that people make a big deal about them for resumes, but in many cases, they don’t do much. If I were you, I would first ask around to see how involved your school’s NHS is. </p>

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<p>Either way, it can’t hurt to have.</p>

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<p>I never did NHS- still got into some nice schools. I was talking with an admissions rep one day and they said having/not having it doesn’t affect you because the requirements are so different for each chapter/school (i.e. NHS membership is not standardized, so it’s not like admissions can see NHS on your resume and say "oh, this person must have done at least 100 hours of service with a 3.8 GPA). At my school, it’s a complete joke. The GPA requirement is so low at least 80% of the class is eligible, and although they have this huge form (just a formality) to fill out based on the “4 pillars of NHS”, everyone gets in. NHS itself doesn’t do any service/activities in my school.
Basically I didn’t apply because I didn’t want to spend time chasing teachers/employers to sign the form and write recommendations for me. </p>

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<p>I’m in it. Honestly don’t do it unless you want to. Literally 95% of the kids at my school are in it. With such a low cut off, it doesn’t mean anything since anyone can join. </p>

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<p>NHS may be very big in your school area, but it really isn’t in the scheme of things as others are saying.</p>

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<p>Being in NHS will not make you stand out in most places.</p>

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<p>Sadly, most NHS chapters(?) really only look at grades. I think your high school is the exception not the rule.</p>

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<p>You do not need 100% commitment for NHS usually. Do what you wish. Also, I don’t believe you ever take anyone’s spot by applying and getting in. It is a bar you have to get over, not a percentage of class or applicant cap.</p>

<p>Just wanted to clear all that up if the other posts didn’t directly clear it up. My experience is from a private school if it matters. My recommendation is to apply. It’s not a lot of work, but its not a lot of gain usually either. In the end, its never a negative. Just don’t expect a huge positive no matter what, though it can be depending on your school.</p>

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<p>As far as I can tell, the NHS chapter at my school mostly looks at whether or not you participate in ECs at school. I was rejected even though I have high grades, test scores, etc. In its ideal form (i.e., the way it’s represented on the NHS website) it’s more about philanthropy and leadership than it is about academics. </p>

<p>I don’t think there’s any harm in joining NHS, but the Common App only gives you a few spaces to list your awards (I think NHS is considered an award rather than an EC), and you don’t want to waste one of your spaces on NHS if you have anything better to write down. </p>

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<p>My issue with NHS is that a college won’t be able to tell from a resume how committed the chapter is at your school. If you committed hours to meet the requirements of your school’s NHS, wouldn’t it be seen the same way as someone who only had to attend a few meetings?
@highschooler001‌
As for whether or not you should join, this thread gives descent opinions.
<a href=“Do collegees even care about NHS? - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/580297-do-collegees-even-care-about-nhs.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;