How is being in the National Honor Society recognized by colleges?

Hi folks! Quick question: how do colleges view participation in the National Honor Society? Is it seen as a significant level of recognition or is it just like any other club on your application?

Hello! Participation in the National Honor Society (NHS) is seen as a positive on your college applications, as it signifies your commitment to the pillars of the NHS—scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

While it is fairly common and won't necessarily set you apart on its own (it's considered a Tier 3 activity in the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars), it's a worthwhile endeavor if you're an active member who takes advantage of the community service and leadership opportunities it offers. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/

To strengthen the impact of your NHS involvement on your application, I would suggest taking a leadership role within your chapter or initiating a significant project. That way, you can shift the experience from being a general membership (a Tier 3 or 4 activity) to a more impactful demonstration of your leadership skills (potentially elevating it to a Tier 2 activity). Remember, it's not just about being in the society, but also about what you do with the opportunities it provides you!