Hey everyone! I was recently invited to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Is it legit and worth the membership fee, or will it not make much of a difference on my college application? Any advice would be appreciated!
Hey there! Congratulations on your invitation to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). It's indeed a legitimate organization, and some students have found value in the networking opportunities, events, and awards it offers. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the membership fee and decide if it aligns with your academic and extracurricular interests.
In terms of your college application, membership in NSHSS might fall into the Tier 4 extracurricular category, which is the most common and least distinguishing level (you can read more about extracurricular tiers on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities). Admission officers are typically more impressed by more significant achievements, and consistent leadership in the activities you engage in. Therefore, mere membership in NSHSS might not make a substantial difference to your college application.
Rather than thinking of NSHSS as a guarantee of admission anywhere, think about how you could use the resources provided by NSHSS to maximize your growth. Are there scholarships or competitions you could apply for that would demonstrate your dedication to your field of interest? Is there a service project or volunteer opportunity that could help you make an impact in your community? If the answer to one of these questions is yes, then the experience may be beneficial for your overall growth, which could have indirect benefits on your college applications.
Ultimately, whether or not to join NSHSS depends on your personal preferences, your financial situation, and how you believe the membership benefits can complement your college application. If you're not sure if it's right for you, consider reaching out to anyone you know who's participated, doing some research online, or asking your teachers what they think, in order to get more personalized guidance.
Good luck with your decision!
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