So recently I’ve been conflicted about something. I was “invited” into National Honor Society (along with about half of my junior class) and attended a lengthy info meeting concerning the myriad of requirements I would have to accomplish if I wanted in (ie. FIVE teacher recommendations, TWO out-of-school recommendations on letterheads, essays, complete resume, leadership log since summer after eighth grade with certified letters, etc, etc.)
From what I’ve observed these past three years, almost anyone that has a 3.75 GPA and can write two essays and complete 60 hours of volunteering is admitted into this “prestigious” club. Don’t get me wrong, I care strongly about helping the community and making a positive impact, so I’m in agreement with the values of this club. But I feel I can accomplish their goals within my own time. This being said, I don’t really know what to do.
I’m planning on majoring in either communications or journalism (as you can tell I’m a bit indecisive). I’m a very good student. I’m in Decile 1 (top 10% in class), take 3 APs, and have straight A’s. I’m also the Assistant Drum Major of my school’s marching band and have had other leadership roles in past years through the band. I’ve volunteered a great deal with the band and beyond. I also participate in other extracurriculars such as Yearbook and Class Council, on top of an inclusive honors county-wide symphonic band.
All-in-all, I’m really looking for some opinions on if I should go through this process and if its even worth my time. If I don’t do it, will colleges find it suspicious? Please advise and thank you in advance!
Colleges know that requirements vary from school to school. They also can tell what your grades are based on your transcript. I honestly have never talked to an admissions rep that really cared one way or the other about National Honor Society. Many schools have requirements to stay in and again colleges know that varies from school to school. At graduation some schools recognize National Honor Society members which some students and/or families like to see. If your applying just to impress colleges I don’t find it worth it but if you do join you might find it fun depending on what your school actually does.
At my high school National Honor Society students need to do a senior project. They present their projects at family night and each person gets to speak about a parent (or other special adult). Many parents really look forward to it. My daughter opted not to apply even though she met requirements. She did dual enrollment and didn’t’ want to worry about things such as mandatory fundraising and meetings she might not be able to make. She did get into a honor society at her dual enrollment college which didn’t have fundraising requirements. She did attend most meetings but only if they fit her schedule. Her high school allowed her to wear the college honor society sash at high school graduation. It was in alphabetical order either way so it made no difference in that aspect.
At my school it’s pretty much meaningless and it was super easy to get in. It’s rumored that the teacher barely even reads the essays and pretty much everybody with a certain GPA gets in unless you have cheated or plagiarized. It could be meaningful if you become an officer in NHS.
