I am a current 11th grader who transferred from another school between sophomore and junior year. My new school’s application window for NHS actually took place in the previous school year, unlike my previous school where applications would take place early in the corresponding school year. Therefore, I did not have the chance to apply and become an NHS member; even though I am looking to apply for my senior year, would not being in NHS junior year hurt me?
Maybe can still try the transfer method so it’s continuous? I don’t think it will matter if you can’t. There seems to be a section on each application to describe circumstances if it’s important to you to elaborate. Your grades on your transcript will show you qualified! here’s a link for transfer process: Transferring Active Membership | NHS I hope it works out for you!
No. NHS is pretty meaningless IMO
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Thanks! That’s a bit of a consolation 
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NHS means very little since so many kids are in it. You’ll be fine. Good luck!
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Thank you for the consolation!
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Agree with other posts here. NHS is an org. with some pre-reqs. but certainly none that make it elite. It’s service based. If it doesn’t work out? Find another meaningful, ACTIVE club/organization/team that aligns with your interests or talents. Key Club is similar at our HS as far as being community based service/volunteering . Watch for outlets that meet simply for the sake of meeting - What do they DO ?? A lot depends on officers/leadership of any given year.
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agree with everyone here, NHS is very easy to get into and has little value in college applications.
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My kids had this same issue, transferring in sophomore year. They got letters about volunteer hours and got in. Then one didn’t have a 3.5 gpa at the new school (I don’t think they counted her freshman and sophomore grades from another school, and she fought it and lost and guess what? In the end not only not a big deal, no deal at all.
Schools don’t really care what your EC are, just that you are involved or working or doing something while in HS.
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It’s unfortunate because some schools make it impossible for students to join while other schools let everyone in. It was prestigious but has become commonplace. I agree with the poster that encouraged you to join another service oriented club that is meaningful.
Also I think it’s crappy that you can’t join because of your circumstance. You would think the school would welcome you especially if you qualify and exhibit the characteristics NHS stands for.
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