I have received an invitation to join NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) three months ago and I have gotten a certificate in the mail saying that I’m in. I’m very confused because there are people in the internet who say it’s a scam and others saying it’s not. If it’s not a scam, would it be classified as an award or an extracurricular?
I would not bother to put it on a college application.
What are some recommended awards that I can try to go for? I am a sophomore of the class of 2021 and wanting to major in Environmental Engineering.
NSHSS is not a “scam”…but it isn’t of much worth.
It is like “Who’s Who in American High Schools”…you are invited, you pay, you get into the book. So it is not a scam in that they do what they say they do…but it is not an honor, just a pay to play
What are some Environmental awards I should be looking for?
IMO you should be looking for things to do in your school and or community that interest/excite you rather than seeking out awards.
@happy1 I just wanna know bc there is a section for it in the common app
IMO you are going about it backwards by seeking out awards. What you do is more important than any award. And any meaningful award will come as the result of meaningful work/commitment.
Colleges want students who will contribute to the college community.
Contribute to your community now.
I agree that you are going about this backwards. Do not seek out awards…I don’t even know how you would do that even if it was a good idea. Get involved in activities that you enjoy and make a difference in your community. Any type of recognition will come from this…but it should be authentic.
Thanks @twogirls I am also wondering how those scholarship websites work? That’s mainly what I was talking about for awards. I was thinking if I won a scholarship that shows academic, service, leadership, or my passion towards my major, it would look good.
I have to disagree with many of the posters. You have to seek out awards and competitions if you want to put them on your common app. Doing these competitions are amazing experiences in which you can learn a lot about your field and boost your application. I love musical theater so I found International Thespian Festival to compete at. I had the amazing opportunity to learn from talented singers and actors and get national awards at the same time. Taking a part in these competitions is what furthered my passions. If you do not test your skill against other people you will never be able to do it in college or real life.
You are a sophomore in HS…your major may change.
I don’t know what websites you are referring to. How would you even win a scholarship from one of them? What would you do to receive it? Again…you are going about this backwards. You need to contribute to your community. Get involved doing what you enjoy. Any type of meaningful award will come from that.
The invitation that you received to NSHSS isn’t a scam, but it isn’t worth anything. Looking for more of the same is a waste of time and money.
@lilymari Thank you, I’m thinking of doing a math Olympiad at a local college. At least someone is being supportive ? @twogirls
@twogirls Scholarship websites like Fastweb, Chegg, etc. I want to know what it means by going backwards?
I think math Olympiad is good.
Those websites provide monetary scholarships…yes? These awards are usually small, hard to get, and are only for a year. If you need merit money, the best way to get it is from the actual school. Apply to schools that would give it to you.
By going backwards I mean that you are looking for awards online ( most of them are meaningless such as the one you were invited to) and then figuring out how or whether to apply. These awards will not help you. Meaningful awards or invitations will come your way as a result of what you do…through a coach, guidance counselor, teacher, dept head, boss, etc. For example, my daughter won a science award from a large university. She did not go online seeking out this award. She had no idea that it existed. What did she do? She worked hard, participated in a school science fair, did very well in all science classes, was very engaged in class, had a leadership role in the science honor society, etc. This resulted in her receiving a letter in the mail and then being presented with this award at the school’s award ceremony during junior year. The guidance counselor took care of it based on what she did. She spent two years working in the writing center…received another award. She was not searching for this award…it was presented to her based on her commitment helping others in the writing center. Do what you enjoy, be authentic…
Our school has a list of awards that students could apply to or be nominated for. Some of them are nationally recognized, while others are given out by local businesses and are based on specific criteria, etc. This is different than what you are suggesting. Why don’t you ask your guidance counselor?
I would advise you to work hard, enjoy your classes, stay engaged, study for your SATs/ACTs, and become involved. This means volunteering in your community, tutoring, playing sports if you like them, band, attending clubs and doing meaningful work in these clubs, participating in school events etc. This is how you will be recognized.
You expressed an interest in the environment. That’s great! Our town has a local environmental organization. Find one near you. Get involved in it. Organize monthly cleanups, inquire about research into water quality if you are near any lakes …perhaps ask a science teacher to assist you, decorate garbage cans for the organization and disperse them in the community ( with permission), etc. That’s what I mean by getting involved…this is what is impressive, but it has to be genuine and come from your heart.
Recognition, in one form or another, will follow. Our school encouraged seniors to get one recommendation letter from an activity that they participated in outside of school. This letter was attached to the one sent by guidance.
@twogirls Should I talk to my guidance counselor about local competitions?
That would be a good idea. He or she can help guide you.