Is National Honor Society really selective?

So, at some schools, it seems like everyone who applies gets into NHS. Is it actually selective, or is it more about meeting the baseline criteria?

Indeed, National Honor Society (NHS) can vary in selectivity depending on the school. In many cases, it's true that if you meet the established criteria—such as maintaining a certain GPA, demonstrating leadership, service, and character—you will likely be invited to join. The criteria are typically set at a national level by the NHS, but schools can have some leeway in how they interpret these requirements. As such, some schools might have more rigorous processes than others when it comes to showcasing leadership and service. It is also worth considering whether the selective nature of your school's chapter matches what you know about NHS chapters at other schools or what the national organization promotes. If it seems like your school's chapter is less selective, it's because there's a high proportion of students meeting those baseline criteria – reflecting well on the academic commitment at your school. While NHS is a well-known organization, remember that it's one of many extracurricular activities that can showcase your strengths. For college admissions, depth of involvement and impact can often be more important than the perceived selectivity of the extracurricular itself.