Too many honor societies?!

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

I’m a member of 6 honor societies at my school (French, NHS, Science NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M Music, English)… I know, I know, it’s kind of ridiculous. Most of them I applied for because, “Why not?”

My question is, on the Common App, should I even list all of them? There’s barely enough room on the application for everything as it is. Here’s the lowdown:
~ I’m really dedicated to learning French (I’m in AP French and have done exchange programs and governor’s school), but we don’t do any community service because the sponsor is “against” required service hours. (I see her point.)
~ I’ve been in Mu Alpha Theta since freshman year, but my AP Calc score is the worst of the bunch (it’s not bad though), so I wonder if that looks like my math classes are too easy or something.
~ Science… I’m not really sure why I even am in SNHS. It sounds horrible now that I think of it, but science isn’t really my passion, so that’s probably the easiest to leave off the application.
~ I didn’t even have to apply to EHS. I helped my best friend, the EHS president, with the art on some posters they had to design, and I ended up working even more than most of the members, so the sponsors said that I was a member :-/
~ I’ll apply as a Tri-M officer this year because I’m super involved in band/marching band. So I’ll probably put that one down.
~ And NHS is kind of a “given”, and it’s a bigger deal than any of the others…

Argh. Now you see my dilemma. I thought when I was a freshman that the more honor societies, the better. Now I am really doubting that mantra! It probably looks like I’m a dilettante, which to be honest, might be the case. But I really do have things that I’m passionate about, I promise!
How many/which honor societies should I put on the common app? Does it look good or bad to be a member of so many? How many is too many?

2

Definitely put own NHS, as it’s well known to colleges by now. Then, based only on what I’ve read, put down the French HS (you’re extremely passionate about the language) and Tri-M (you’re super involved and might be an officer in it). But also make sure you have room for any other important EC you want to mention. Good luck!

3

I agree with @Marg532. Only list what matters to you most and what highlights your application’s strengths and themes. Putting down the math honor society might be beneficial since you’ve been a part of it since freshman year, and it shows dedication, even if you don’t see yourself as a rock star math student. It also shows that you’re well rounded (whatever your AB Calc score, I mean- come on! It’s calculus for crying out loud. Ain’t no walk in the park!!). I’d leave out the science and English, however, just because you don’t seem too hyped to be a part of them. Also, it might help to include any extra EC’s or societies in your “additional information” box at the end. That box is used for whatever didn’t fit or whatever needs more explanation. Good luck!!

4

Thanks @Marg532 and @lesliehz . I will take your advice.

5

The NHS is a good one from our experience. But other honor societies like Golden Key - I heard with scams to try and get you to pay to join. I stay away from pay to play orgs.

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@corbeaux I’m glad that I could help!