Hi, I was recently invited to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), but I'm not sure if I should do it. Is it true that you have to pay for the membership, and is it worth it?
Yes, there is a membership fee for NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) which, as of now, stands at $75. The organization offers various benefits to its members, such as scholarship opportunities, networking events, leadership programs, and access to other resources.
However, it is essential to weigh the costs and benefits before joining. Consider your financial situation and your personal goals. If you believe that the networking opportunities, scholarships, and resources offered by NSHSS will benefit you in the long run, it could be a worthwhile investment.
However, keep in mind that while NSHSS is a well-known organization, being a member on its own is unlikely to significantly boost your college application. In the realm of admissions, Tier 1 and Tier 2 extracurricular activities will have a stronger impact (you can read up on extracurricular tiers on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities). These include roles where you demonstrate exceptional achievements, leadership, and dedication on a national, state, or regional level. NSHSS is more of a Tier 4 extracurricular because you do not need to have a rigorous background to be accepted.
If you think you'd want to get seriously involved in NSHSS, it might be worth your time and money, but if it would instead be just one more thing to have on your resume, it's probably a better idea to focus on other aspects of your profile like your academic performance, building a strong extracurricular portfolio, and writing compelling essays.
Ultimately, the decision to join NSHSS should be based on whether the opportunities it offers truly align with your goals and interests, rather than just hoping for an extra boost on your college application. Good luck with your decision!
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