How Prestigious is NSHSS?

Hey, I received an invitation to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), and I'm not sure if it's really prestigious or not. Can someone let me know whether I should seriously consider joining or just pass it up?

It's great that you're evaluating the worth of joining NSHSS for your college application! To clarify, the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is not considered prestigious in the college admissions world. While it may sound impressive due to its name, it's essential to understand some key points about this organization.

First, NSHSS charges a membership fee, which might be a red flag as it suggests the primary goal is making money off students and families who want to boost their college applications. Secondly, the selection criteria for NSHSS are relatively lenient, making the organization less exclusive and less esteemed among college admissions committees.

Instead of joining NSHSS, it would be more beneficial to invest your time and energy in other extracurricular activities that demonstrate your genuine interests and passions. Colleges prefer to see your dedication and achievements in activities that genuinely matter to you, with demonstrated leadership or impact on your community.

For a more prestigious honor society, consider the National Honor Society (NHS), which is reputable and well-known among college admissions officers. NHS membership is based on not only academic performance but also on leadership, service, and character. In the end, remember that it's not about how many honor societies or organizations you have on your application but the quality of your engagement and accomplishments that will truly set you apart.