I just got an invite to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) and I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth it. I've heard mixed things—does anyone know if it truly looks good on college applications or should I invest my time and money elsewhere?
Admissions committees are generally familiar with NSHSS and tend to view it as a pay-for-play organization, meaning you pay a fee to be a 'member' without any real selective criteria or benefits. It falls into what's called a Tier 4 extracurricular—common and unlikely to stand out on college applications.
In my experience, students are better served by investing their time and resources into activities where they can demonstrate real leadership, passion, or skill. For example, if you’re interested in scholarship organizations, aim for the National Honor Society (NHS), which is more widely recognized by colleges for its selectivity and commitment to service.
If you're passionate about a particular subject, consider starting a club at your school or getting involved in community service projects that have a meaningful impact. These kinds of activities are both more fulfilling and likely to catch an admission officer’s eye.
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